About this Event
Rising Stars, a Broadway-World nominated local youth theater organization will be thrilling audiences with their upcoming production of Ride the Cyclone, a quirky and poignant musical.
Performances will be held at Pehrson Hall at the First Presbyterian Church of Sparta on November 15 at 8PM and November 16 at 3PM.
This is the first time a youth theater group in the tri-state area has been allowed to perform Ride the Cyclone, a lesser-known show that packs a huge emotional punch. The musical follows the story of six teenagers from the St. Cassian Chamber Choir who perish in a freak accident on a roller coaster called the Cyclone. In the afterlife, they each get a chance to make their case as to why they deserve a chance to return to life.
Through a series of darkly comedic monologues and musical numbers, the show explores deep themes of mortality, the importance of human virtues like humbleness, and the power of storytelling. As the six teens go through major soul-searching, the audience is left to ponder the big questions of what it means to live a meaningful life.
"This show masterfully balances humor and emotion," says Rising Stars VP Renata Ginter. Executive Director Laura A. Rizzo adds, "Our exceptional cast breathes life into these extraordinary characters, creating a performance that will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply. The local community absolutely must experience this production - supporting youth theater and the arts is crucial for our area!"
The all-local cast features some of Sussex County's most promising young actors, including:
- Aidan Koch as the Amazing Karnak, the enigmatic narrator who guides the audience
through the poignant journeys of the six teens vying for a second chance at life.
- Eden Inglima as Ocean O'Connell Rosenberg, a competitive, overachieving Capricorn who has a hard time putting others first. Her signature catchphrase is "Democracy rocks!
- Jackson Saltzman as Noel Gruber, the spirited and unapologetic Noel Gruber, a teenager whose fierce individuality and zest for life refuse to be extinguished even in the afterlife.
- Hayden Reid as Ricky Potts, the most imaginative boy in town" and has created his own universe, where he is the hero of the planet Zolar, also called Cattaris.
- Max Hernandez as Mischa Bachinski, a Ukrainian wanna-be rapper, who is viewed as the angriest boy in town" and labeled a problem by Ocean.
- Vicenza Marucci as Constance Blackwood, the nicest girl in town who did something wild and bad, before her death from the Cyclone accident.
- Samantha Kemp as Jane Doe, the 6th member of the choir who lost her head to the cyclone while riding it. According to her "They found my body but not my head."
With original music and lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, Ride the Cyclone promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Tickets for Ride the Cyclone are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
Advanced tickets can be purchased online at
Save $3 with code: SHINEBRITE
Don't miss this rare opportunity to see this powerful and poignant production from Rising Stars - it's sure to leave a lasting impression!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
32 Main St, 32 Main Street, Sparta, United States
USD 22.53
