Ride the Cyclone is a hit (it’s even been extended through March 5)! We have been absolutely loving seeing the reactions from audiences and press alike. We did, however, notice A LOT of comparison to other shows. So we compiled them all into a list if you’re having trouble describing Ride the Cyclone to your friends and family.
Cats
“Took my in-laws to see Ride the Cyclone at [Arena Stage]. My second viewing and I definitely see why it has a cult following. If you’re looking for a Gen X version of CATS with slightly fewer cat-people, this is for you!” – @jameslewisva
Spring Awakening
“[Ride the Cyclone] was marvelous, an equally sardonic and moving musical that mixes Spring Awakening with (of all things) with Cats…Still buzzing from the experience.” – @ptabakis
A Chorus Line
“[Think] Defending Your Life meets A Chorus Line, performed by the cast of Glee, with a nod and a wink to the mysterious Zoltar arcade game in Big, and an homage to the zombie genre” – BroadwayWorld-DC
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
“Sarah Rasmussen…directs the show with a keen awareness of its heart: a celebration of small pleasures during unrealized dreams. Her staging of ‘Sugar Cloud’ (a clever inversion of Hedwig and the Angry Inch’s ‘Wicked Little Town’) somehow feels both bubble-gum sweet and existentially profound.” – Theatrely
Our Town (…and Rocky Horror Show ?!)
“[Arena Stage] takes audiences on a wild ride with Ride the Cyclone, a dark musical comedy of epic proportions. …Think Our Town meets The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and you’ll get some idea of the insanity. It’s become a cult classic, and we can see why. It’s weird yet hilarious and oddly touching, all at the same time. Though it was written 15 years ago, enough modern-day references have been sprinkled in to make it current without sacrificing the heart of the show.” – @curious_caravan
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
“Just caught Ride the Cyclone…and boy was this a fun one! This was my first time seeing this show and Arena Stage’s production is magnificent…though it certainly has heartbreaking moments, it’s VERY funny and enjoyable. If you’re a fan of Putnam County Spelling Bee, you’ll love this – it felt very similar, both in terms of the humor and the structure of the show.” – @theatredc
Have you seen Ride the Cyclone? If so, what show would you compare it to? Let us know in the comments!
Ride the Cyclone is a Co-Production with McCarter Theatre Center. Book, Music & Lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell. Directed by Sarah Rasmussen. Original Choreography by Jim Lichtscheidl. Additional Choreography by Tiger Brown.
The cast of Ride the Cyclone at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater. Photos by Margot Schulman.
