
Sussex Academy thespians to present Ride the Cyclone Jan. 23-26
Sussex Academy thespians will present the popular musical “Ride the Cyclone” Jan. 23-26.
Two full casts have been rehearsing diligently for this production, in which the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident.
When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. This popular musical is a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived!
Senior Caroline Carlisle, who plays Jane Doe, said the production is built on collaboration. Having two casts is an extra layer of support and togetherness, she said.
“This group is willing to discuss and work together and each cast brings a different but unifying take to the show,” Caroline said. “My favorite aspect, though, has to be having someone right alongside you who is playing your same role.”
Senior Alex DeEmedio, who plays Ocean, said performing in this show and specific role has been a bucket-list item for her.
“I loved the fact that the show had so many dark elements while still delivering a beautiful message about cherishing your life,” Ales said.
Junior Abby Whitcomb, who also plays Jane Doe, said the show is a wonderful representation of the teens and people of her generation.
“Not only does this show highlight the eccentric and funky kinds of people but also the golden children and the wallflowers that one can see when they go to school everyday,” she said. “This show puts all of these people on the same playing field and demonstrates the empathy and the strength and power in kindness that we all have inside ourselves.”
Freshman Olivia Nehrbas, who plays Ricky, said she loves how the characters start as one-dimensional stereotypes and grow into so much more.
“This show is a fun way to embrace death, love and so many other things,” Olivia said. “People should come to see the show because of how truly wonderful the show and the cast are. This show is truly a rollercoaster of emotion and wonder.”
Senior Elaina Marsch, who is assistant director, said the production has challenged her idea that a show needs to make sense for it to be great.
“While the show doesn’t particularly ‘not’ not make sense, it is not traditional in the slightest,” Elaina said. “It takes place in a limbo-type environment where the story jumps from setting to setting. Luckily, that allowed me to explore different creative ideas to help make the show what it is.”
Freshman Lillie Bradley, who is playing her first lead role as Constance, said the show has opened the door for a lot of new possibilities.
“Double casting isn’t something I’ve experienced before, but I really enjoyed watching the other cast change and get more comfortable in their roles just like our cast has,” she said.
Junior Chase Reynolds, playing Noel, said he has dreamed of being in this production since he first saw it in 2019.
“The role of Noel means a lot to me, as it gives a voice to many kids who can’t really express their true selves,” Chase said.
The curtain rises at 7 p.m., Jan. 23–26. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.
Sussex Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Georgetown, Del. Its mission is to foster academic achievement and social responsibility in a small school environment where students participate in a highly accelerated college preparatory program that prepares them for the technological and global mindedness needed for the 21st century and that instills ethical conduct and service to others in their day-to-day lives.