Theatre South extends ‘Cyclone’ with pop-up shows

Theatre South Playhouse, in Dr. Phillips, will be extending the run of its recent hit, “Ride the Cyclone.”

“Ride the Cyclone” is a musical in which a chorus class tragically dies on a roller coaster. When students are given the chance to return to the living world, they fight over who has earned the opportunity. After weeks of sold-out shows, Theatre South has decided to continue the show with “pop-up” dates.

Hillary Brook is the executive and artistic director of the theater. She said “Ride the Cyclone” became very popular and drew large crowds to the Playhouse.

“We normally do a run of a show for two or three weeks,” she said. “We realized that throughout the summer we could find ways to extend the show through pop-up weekends.”

The extra shows also will be used to make up for recent budget cuts. The theater recently lost funding from the government, as did many other performing arts centers. Brook finds “Ride the Cyclone” pop-up dates a good way to keep the show alive, as well as a great way to help with finances.

“Ride the Cyclone” has seen hundreds of dedicated local fans. This musical brings families together with the theme of how precious life is.

“It really has an impact on the younger people of this generation,” Brook said. “Youth doesn’t last; life doesn’t last. But love does.”

Audience members brought gifts and appreciation cards to the cast. Many said they enjoy the creepy undertones and the funny and heartfelt characters. Some guests even attend dressed up as the characters.

“Ride the Cyclone” is choreographed by Chris Payen and musically directed by Alex LaPlante.

The pop-ups will continue throughout July, August, September and, if possible, October.

Theatre South Playhouse has even more in store for the next year. Adolescent and child actors currently are working on “Into the Woods Jr.” Auditions for the theater’s next youth show, “Finding Nemo Jr.,” will be in August. Over the next couple of months, there will be several camps, summer stock shows and employment opportunities for those seeking a job on and off stage.

In the fall, Brook is proud to announce a run of “Annie.” To learn more about auditions or buying tickets, visit the theater’s website.

To anyone looking for a fun way to spend an evening, you’re encouraged to visit Theatre South Playhouse. It is one of the only nonprofit theaters in the Dr. Phillips area open to youth and professional actors. In fact, they will soon be celebrating their 15th anniversary.

“It takes a village to do a show,” Brook said.

With support from Central Florida, the “little theater around the corner” can continue to entertain and educate the community.