Blue Bridge Theatre’s Ride the Cyclone deals with the fallout of a tragic accident, yet it’s a musical comedy. The play—which, according to director Jacob Richmond, explores themes of loss and self-expression—follows six teenagers who have an unfortunate experience on a familiar amusement park ride.
“The play fellows six teenagers who have a tragic accident on a roller-coaster,” says Richmond. “They find a fortune-telling machine… and this machine gives one of them the chance to come back to life.”
The play—which debuted here in Victoria in 2008—takes a tragic event and adds some comedy to it, but also grapples with larger concepts.
“We get to know the characters through the hour-and-a-half length, and they all have a solo,” says Richmond. “There are a few different styles of music… and it’s about examining what makes a life worth living and also coming to terms with the idea of loss.”
Richmond says that what he enjoyed most about making the play is all of the people he got to work with.
“The best part of making the play is working with all of the wonderful people I have met over the years,” he says. “l have worked with quite a few people in Victoria… and then even into the States. Meeting a lot of great people in Chicago, New York, Atlanta, and Seattle, and just meeting a lot of great people all around and collaborating with all of them them during the making of this play.”
Richmond says that he enjoys helping his actors find the characters they are trying to portray.
“Directing is fun… and the best part is helping an actor find their voice in the world,” he says. “Just working with them on honing in that voice and experiencing the joy of being surprised by that actor.”
Richmond says that the main thing he would like the audience to take away from Ride the Cyclone is a lifted heart and the feeling of fulfillment.
“First off, I think it’s a really great summer play,” he says. “It’s short and it’s a musical and it’s a lot of fun. I want them to take away the joy of the little things in life and the celebration of life, and hopefully they can just walk out really happy.”
Ride the Cyclone
Various times and dates, until Sunday, August 14
Various prices, The Roxy
bluebridgetheatre.ca