Ride the Cyclone review – teens sing for their salvation in cult musical

Ride the Cyclone: A Thrilling yet Formulaic Musical

The latest theatrical production to hit London's West End, Ride the Cyclone, defies conventional storytelling norms. Based on Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell's cult Canadian musical, this all-singing, all-dancing show whisks audiences away on a rollercoaster of emotions, forcing six high-school choristers to compete for a second chance at life.

The narrative begins innocently enough, with a group of teenagers singing about their favorite memories in a high school choir. However, as the rollercoaster hurtles forward, the story takes a dark and unexpected turn. The contestants are instructed by enigmatic fortune teller The Amazing Karnak to make a case for themselves, revealing fragments of their life stories through catchy musical numbers.

Each performer shines in their own unique way, showcasing the talents of Baylie Carson as Ocean, the squeaky queen bee; Bartek Kraszewski as Mischa, the Ukrainian rebel with a punchy rap; and Robyn Gilbertson, making her debut as Constance, the nicest girl in town. Jack Maverick's transformation into Ricky, the former mute, is particularly captivating, while Grace Galloway's haunting aria for Jane Doe leaves audiences spellbound.

Despite its unique premise, Ride the Cyclone's structure begins to feel formulaic once the halfway mark is reached. With each character given only a brief moment in the spotlight, it's challenging to truly connect with their stories. However, this doesn't detract from the show's genuine charm and energy. The performers' undeniable enthusiasm is infectious, making it easy to see why fans have been drawn to Ride the Cyclone over the years.

While some tweaks are needed to elevate the production to new heights, there's no denying the show's captivating spirit and its ability to transport audiences on a wild emotional ride. With a few adjustments, this thrilling musical could soar, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience it.

I just saw Ride the Cyclone and I'm still reeling from the experience ! The energy in that theater was electric - those performers brought so much passion to their roles ! Baylie Carson as Ocean gave me ALL the feels, you know? But yeah, I can see what you mean about the structure feeling a bit formulaic after a while... it's like they took some awesome ideas and just rolled with them for a bit too long . Still, that catchy soundtrack had me singing in the shower this morning ! Can't wait to see how they improve the show next time around

I just saw Ride the Cyclone in London's West End and I gotta say, it's like a wild rollercoaster of emotions ! The performers are so talented, especially Baylie Carson as Ocean, she's like the ultimate drama queen . But yeah, the story feels a bit formulaic after a while, like they're following the same beat all the way to the end . Still, it's got that magic energy that keeps you hooked from start to finish . I mean, who wouldn't wanna see someone transform into a rapper or become a fortune teller? But seriously, it's not perfect, they could work on making each character's story a bit more fleshed out, you know? Still, it's an awesome show that'll leave you feeling all the feels . 4.5 stars from me

I think I'd want more depth to the characters at the end . The setup for each of their stories is so intriguing but by the time we get to their individual bits, it feels rushed and I'm left wanting to know more about what went down for Mischa . The performers are super talented tho . I was on the edge of my seat when that one character starts singing about being mute... It's like, oh no! What's gonna happen next?! And that fortune teller dude is just sooo captivating . But yeah, formulaic vibes at times . Not a bad show by any means tho

I went to see Ride the Cyclone last week and I gotta say, it was WILD! The cast is insane, especially Baylie Carson as Ocean - she's got some serious pipes on her. But yeah, the story feels kinda predictable after a while. It's like they're trying to be all deep and mysterious but it's just a bunch of random songs strung together. Still, I loved the energy and the performers are super talented. I think they could've taken some risks with the narrative, though - maybe explored some more complex themes or character arcs. As it is, it feels like a fun but shallow experience

I just saw Ride the Cyclone and OMG it's so mesmerizing! The energy of the performers is infectious, you can feel their passion and it makes the whole show come alive! I love how each character gets to shine in their own unique way, it's like a musical puzzle coming together . Yeah, some parts do feel formulaic but honestly, who doesn't love a good rollercoaster ride of emotions? The Amazing Karnak is definitely a standout, that fortune teller vibes are EVERYTHING ! I'd totally recommend this show to anyone looking for something new and exciting

I'm like, totally torn about Ride the Cyclone ... On one hand, I think it's SO cool how they've turned a cult Canadian musical into a West End production - that's just amazing in itself! The performers are ridiculously talented, especially Baylie Carson as Ocean - she's got some serious pipes on her! But at the same time, I'm kinda bored by the formulaic structure... it feels like they're following the same old rollercoaster plot twisty-twisty thingy. And don't even get me started on how the characters are barely given a chance to shine - it's like they're all competing in some sort of musical talent show But, I guess that's what makes it so energetic and infectious...? Ugh, my brain hurts just thinking about it

I'm so stoked for Ride the Cyclone! The concept is just pure genius - who wouldn't want to be transported on a rollercoaster of emotions? And I gotta say, the cast is absolutely phenomenal - they really bring their characters to life. Baylie Carson's sassiness as Ocean is everything and more! But yeah, the structure does start to feel a bit formulaic after a while... it's like, we get it, everyone gets a chance to shine! Still, that infectious energy is hard to resist. It's like they're saying, "Hey, you know what? We've got this crazy story, but we're gonna make it work!" And honestly, I think that's part of its charm - it's like they're winking at the audience and saying, "Come on, let's have some fun with this!"

Ride the Cyclone is like that one movie you can't stop thinking about - it's got some amazing highs but also some predictable lows . I mean, each character is so talented and their numbers are just incredible , but at times it feels like we're just skipping through a bunch of different storylines instead of really digging into them . And don't get me wrong, the energy and charm of the show are totally there , but I think they could take it up a notch with some more nuanced storytelling and character development .

Honestly, I was really hyped for Ride the Cyclone but it felt like they took a great concept and just phoned it in . Don't get me wrong, the cast is super talented and you can tell they're passionate about their characters, but the whole show feels kinda predictable from the get go . Like, I knew the twisty narrative was gonna happen and I'm good with that, but sometimes less is more, right? Still, it's a great way to spend an evening out with friends and the energy in the theatre was electric

I just saw Ride the Cyclone in London's West End and I gotta say, it's like they took all our high school drama and emotions and turned them into a rollercoaster of a musical ! The performers are so talented, especially Baylie Carson as Ocean - she's literally singing her heart out on stage . But yeah, the story can feel a bit formulaic after a while ... I mean, we've all been in those high school choir situations where you're trying to make a good impression on The Amazing Karnak . Overall, it's still an amazing show that'll keep you on the edge of your seat . Would definitely recommend it if you love musicals and high school vibes !

omg i just saw rid the cyclone live and tbh its soooo good !! the energy of the cast is insane they literally have me feeling like i'm in high school again singing along to every song , but like u said the story gets a bit predictable after halfway point kinda feels like ur watching a formulaic plot unfold . still though its super catchy & the performers are so talented especially jack maverick's transformation from mute to rap god overall tho i gotta give it 9/10 would def recommend but maybe some editing magic needed lol

️ A rollercoaster of emotions, indeed! But seriously, formulaic narrative aside, the show's got spirit ️ and those performers are SERVING LOOKS Baylie Carson slaying Ocean vibes Bartek Kraszewski's rap game on point And who can resist a good fortune teller? The Amazing Karnak, am I right?

Ugh, I'm still not sure why they insist on having these super long reviews that feel like essays . Can't we just get the CliffsNotes version? Like, if I wanted to read a whole article, I'd go watch the show itself... or at least take my thoughts to Twitter . Anyway, Ride the Cyclone's got some amazing performances, no doubt about it , but that formulaic structure is kinda annoying... can't help feeling like you're just going through the motions after a while .

i gotta say, i'm still skeptical about this whole 'predictive storytelling' thing ... like, sure, the show's catchy and all that, but is it really saying anything new or interesting? seems like just another way to manipulate emotions for entertainment value . don't get me wrong, the performers are talented and stuff, but i still think we're losing something in terms of genuine depth and nuance .

omg i just saw the most iconic stage performance ever i was literally on the edge of my seat the whole time but at the same time i felt like i needed more backstory for each character idk why but its like they were just introduced and then boom case closed lol anyway the singing was insane especially that one girl who rapped and what's up with the fortune teller? is he a villain or something?

I'm not gonna lie, I was super skeptical about Ride the Cyclone from the start... I mean, a musical where you have to compete for a second chance at life? Sounds like some pretty fishy business to me . But I gotta give credit, the cast is definitely talented and they all bring their own unique energy to their roles. Baylie Carson as Ocean is actually kinda captivating, but Bartek Kraszewski's rap skills are just a bit too on-the-nose for my taste .

And don't even get me started on the story... it's like they took every cliche from a high school drama and mashed them all together into one big mess . I mean, what are the chances that six random students would just happen to be competing in some kind of musical talent show? It feels like they're just phoning it in at this point. Still, I guess you have to admit that the show's got a certain charm to it... but I'm still not convinced . Overall, I'd say it's an okay show, but nothing special.

OMG u guys i just saw Ride the Cyclone in London's West End and im totally torn about it!!! The music is insane and the dancers are so talented!!! but like... i get why they had to make the story a bit formulaic after a while... its still super fun tho i loved the performances esp Baylie Carson as Ocean, she's literally queen ! but yeah maybe some tweaks would make it even better

OMG, I'm not surprised they called it Ride the Cyclone - it's like a rollercoaster of emotions, but without the risk of actual motion sickness ! But seriously, it sounds like an awesome show with some talented performers. I love how they used music to reveal their characters' stories - it's like they're singing themselves into existence . The only thing that got me was how formulaic it felt after a while... guess you could say it's like the musical equivalent of a Netflix series - all good, but sometimes you need a cliffhanger to keep you hooked . Anyway, 4 out of 5 stars from me!

I'm not sure about this one ... I mean, I love a good rollercoaster of emotions as much as the next person, but is that really how we're going to tell our stories now? A bunch of teenagers singing and dancing their way through life's struggles just doesn't feel very real to me. And don't even get me started on the whole "make a case for yourself" thing... sounds like a total cop-out . I'm all for originality, but sometimes less is more, you know? The fact that each performer shines in their own way is cool and all, but it's hard to connect with someone when they're only given a few minutes of stage time. Still, I'll give the show some props... those performers have some serious talent !