Sometimes, it takes a tragedy to realise ‘how goddamn wonderful everything is,’ as one of the characters from the show so eloquently puts it. Ride the Cyclone, written by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, premiered in Sydney with Hayes Theatre Co in 2024. Now, Sydney Musical Theatre have brought this incredible show to the Greenhalgh Theatre, and it is a thrilling ride!
The Amazing Karnak, a mechanical fortune teller, narrates the tragic demise of five teenagers on a malfunctioning carnival ride, The Cyclone. In his guilt for being able to predict but not warn the characters of their impending death, he summons them into a liminal space between life and death to compete for the chance to be returned to life.
Director Sarah Shanahan has crafted a phenomenal show. All the elements of staging, music, choreography and artistic vision blend seamlessly together to frame the dark humour and poignant emotional beats of the story.
Musical director Tom Borbilas has worked brilliantly with the cast and musicians. The music fills the theatre with a richness and technical prowess that carries audiences through the emotional whiplash the show induces. It was also amazing to see the band on stage, partially concealed by construction fencing but still an integral part of the action.
For me, one of the wonderful features of this show is that every character gets their starring moment, each very tonally different to the next. Elise Simpson’s choreography perfectly reflects this. It is a delight to watch the performers effortlessly jump between genres, through high-energy pop, sexy jazz, gangster rap and sci-fi anthropomorphic feline energy (I think we can classify that as a genre).
Production designer Alaska Jarvis has done an incredible job of capturing the haunted whimsy of the carnival fairground. The use of moveable sets and prop pieces to tell each character’s story is tremendously impressive.
The projection illustrations, integrated seamlessly into the backdrop, are also so beautifully done. It was very emotive to see the stories of each character personalised to each of the cast.
The cast is so in sync with the emotional trajectories of their characters and with each other. The changing perceptions of what a life well lived means and the growing companionship between the characters are truly wonderful to watch unfurl on stage.
Jake Nelson plays The Amazing Karnak flawlessly from start to finish. His physicality and vocal tone will have you second guessing his humanity constantly. He is the perfect narrator and ominous guide for the story.
We are quickly introduced to the five teenagers of the Saint Cassian Chamber Choir who were the victims of the accident. Amira Clark plays the overachieving, perfectionist, Ocean. It is so gratifying to see her dynamic shifts in perspective, reflected in amazing choices for physical characterisation, as she hears the stories of her fellow classmates.
Kielle Murillo performs charmingly as the quiet, nice girl, Constance. It is so much fun seeing her grow bolder and more confident as she learns from her friends what it means to live a life authentically and unapologetically.
Lex Sywenkyi is delightful as the tortured artist, Noel. He perfectly captures his character’s obsession and desire for tragedy, balanced with a gentleness in how he supports others in their storytelling.
Xion Jarvis plays the Ukrainian bad boy Mischa, and he will have you in stitches from his very first line. He flips so effortlessly between a hardened anger towards those who have done him wrong and a true love for other people.
Andrew Reid plays the quietly adventurous Ricky. It is an incredibly dark horse moment to see their true imaginative personality come out in the feature song, and I loved seeing their assortment of talents come to the forefront throughout the show.
Finally, Raven Swinkels delivers a phenomenal performance as Jane Doe, the one unidentified victim of the accident. They haunt the stage with an utterly tremendous doll-like physicality. Their vocal performance is also absolutely glorious and will leave you with goosebumps.
The ensemble is a powerhouse of talented performers. They contribute so perfectly to how each story is told and really immerse us in the psyche of each of the victims.
There is a beautiful, poignant moment at the very end of the show with the entire cast, and it is so wonderful to see the passion and talent that is infused into the performance.
Ride The Cyclone has it all. If you want to laugh, to cry or to simply bask in the incredible wonder of being alive, race over to the Greenhalgh Theatre to see Sydney Musical Theatre’s phenomenal production. Enjoy the ride!
Ride The Cyclone runs to 9 November at Greenhalgh Theatre. 100 Eton Road Lindfield NSW 2070.
Tickets: https://sydmt.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/153495
Website: https://www.sydneymusicaltheatre.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/sydneymusicaltheatre/
Photo credits: Althaia Frost
