Home

Displaying items by tag: Jacob Richmond

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce the cast and creative team for Ride the Cyclone, September 16 - October 25. Ride the Cyclone is presented with book, music and lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell. The Metropolis production is directed by original American cast member Lillian Castillo, and music directed by Carolyn Brady. Previews are Wednesday, Sept. 16 through Friday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The performance on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. will be closed captioned and the performance on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. will be ASL interpreted. Tickets are now on sale from $25 to $49 at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the box office at 847.577.2121.

In a now-abandoned theme park not so long ago, six teenagers hurtled to their death on the roller coaster The Cyclone. Now, those teens are back from the afterlife, with all of their unlived dreams, potential, hopes, and fears in tow. They grapple with the lives they led on Earth and the choices they made – all except a mysterious and headless girl named Jane Doe, who has no memory of her past. As instructed by a fortune-telling machine named The Amazing Karnak, the teens need to decide who amongst them will receive the gift of returning to their life. As they fight to be the one to return, they realize that life's ups and downs, tragedies and victories, love and loss are all just part of the ride.

An added bonus to the Metropolis production features Director Lillian Castillo. Castillo is the original "Constance" on the world premiere cast recording. She originated the role in the American premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater and continued performing in the Off-Broadway, Seattle and Atlanta productions.

The cast of Ride the Cyclone includes Alex Merkel (Ocean); Eric Amundson (Mischa); Eldon Warner-Soriano (Ricky); Diana Marilyn Alvarez (Constance); Dave Honigman (Karnak); Amelia Tam (Jane Doe); Peyton Owen (Noel); Connar Brown Sprenger (U/S Ocean); Eli Blanks (U/S Mischa); Aidan Leake (U/S Ricky); Rylee Michelle (U/S Constance); Ian Rigg (U/S Karnak); Z Mowry (U/S Jane Doe) and Joel D'Aroya (U/S Noel).

Ride the Cyclone's creative team is Lillian Castillo (director); Carolyn Brady (music director); Mandy Modic (choreographer); Angie Miller (scenic designer); Denise Karczewski (lighting designer); Sarah Ramos (sound designer); Rachel Boylan (costume designer); Miguel Ramos (wig and hair designer); Kelli Lawrence (props designer) and Tony Churchill (projections designer).

ABOUT LILLIAN CASTILLO, DIRECTOR

Lillian Castillo is honored to make her professional directorial and Metropolis debut. She is a proud Chicago actor, singer and acting coach who has had the pleasure of performing at many of Chicago's theatrical homes. Her most recent credits include: On Your Feet at Drury Lane Theatre; TitanicJoseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat1776 and In the Heights at The Marriott Theatre; The Music Man at the Goodman Theatre and Comedy of ErrorsTaming of the Shrew and of course the American Premiere of Ride the Cyclone at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Lillian spent 5 years workshopping Ride the Cyclone and bringing life to Constance Blackwood. She is thrilled to have punched her ticket to take this ride again from a new seat.

ABOUT CAROLYN BRADY, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Carolyn Brady returns to Metropolis after her debut as MD/Piano Conductor in The Wedding Singer this past spring. She operates a Chicagoland and national voice studio where her clients have appeared in the Broadway casts of The Book of Mormon and & Juliet; National Tours of The Book of Mormon and The Prom; NBC's "The Voice" and locally at Drury Lane, Marriott Theatre, Mercury Theater, Music Theater Works, Paramount, Porchlight Music Theatre and more. A four-time nominated music director, she has MD'd for Drury Lane (A Chorus Line, Cinderella, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, A Christmas Carol), Steppenwolf (Lookout Series), Marriott Theatre (Elephant & Piggie), Paramount School of the Arts (The Lightning Thief, Mean Girls, & Matilda Jr.) and most recently she served as MD and Piano Conductor for Into the Woods at Saugatuck Center for the Arts in MI. She's a proud member of CFM Local 10-208. IG: @carolynbradymusic

ABOUT METROPOLIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is a vibrant cultural hub that enriches the community through inspiring live performances, creative arts education and impactful partnerships. It fosters artistic excellence, cultivates multi-generational connections and offers inclusive experiences that engage and uplift all community members. Located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, Metropolis is not just a theatre, it is the cultural pulse of the area, surrounded by premier shopping, dining and nightlife. Metropolis offers a dynamic year-round season of professional theatre, comedy, concerts and cabaret performances along with engaging arts education for ages 3 to 85 years old. Serving more than 65,000 patrons annually from across Chicagoland and beyond, Metropolis plays a pivotal role in the community. It provides arts education programs that support thousands of aspiring young artists, as well as community engagement initiatives like the Third Act Players (musical theatre for thespians over 50), Crescendo Chorus (for singers over 55), Flourish in the Footlights (for young artists with disabilities) and Clearbrook on Cue (for artists with disabilities). Metropolis is proud to partner with local organizations such as Endeavor Health, Arlington Heights Senior Center and Clearbrook. Scholarships are available for students at the School of the Performing Arts to ensure access to the arts for all.

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce the cast and creative team for Ride the Cyclone, September 16 - October 25. Ride the Cyclone is presented with book, music and lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell. The Metropolis production is directed by original American cast member, Lillian Castillo, and music directed by Carolyn Brady. Previews are Wednesday, Sept. 16 through Friday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. with a press opening Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The performance on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. will be closed captioned and the performance on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m. will be ASL interpreted. Tickets are now on sale from $25 to $49 at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the box office at 847.577.2121. 

Published in Upcoming Theatre

City Lit’s Shane Saddles Up a Classic Western With Fresh Heart

30 August 2026 in Theatre in Review

City Lit Theatre’s world premiere of Shane, adapted for the stage and directed by Mark Pracht, brings a fresh, nostalgic…

In Sisters, Barrie Turns an AI Fable into an Impressive Character Study

29 August 2026 in Theatre in Review

The rise of artificial intelligence raises many questions about its effect on humanity. What does it mean if we become…

Buddy Holly’s Brilliance, Reawakened on the Drury Lane Stage

27 August 2026 in Theatre in Review

Drury Lane Theatre opens its latest musical with a warm jolt of rock ’n’ roll energy as Buddy – The…

Kokandy's JEKYLL & HYDE Extended by Popular Demand

26 August 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce a darkly delicious Halloween surprise: Kokandy Productions’ critically acclaimed revival of JEKYLL & HYDE will be extended…

Following Obama Center premiere, Manual Cinema's acclaimed productions return to Chicago's Studebaker Theater

26 August 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago-based Emmy Award-winning performance collective and film/video production company Manual Cinema premiered two new hand-animated films at the Obama Presidential Center Museum…

Playmakers Lab’s That’s Weird Grandma’s 25th Birthday is a fine place to giggle

25 August 2026 in Theatre in Review

If you need an energy boost, skip the can of Monster and get yourself, plus loved ones of any age,…

Victory Gardens Theater presents the World Premiere of Zayd Ayers Dohrn's The Humanities September 10 through October 4

25 August 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Victory Gardens Theater (2433 N. Lincoln Avenue), an historic incubator for new play development, proudly announces the World Premiere staging of The…

Lookingglass Kowalski starring Johnny Galecki and Jacob Moskovitz September 15 through October 25

25 August 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Joining the previously announced stars of Kowalski Johnny Galecki ("The Big Bang Theory," "The Little Dog Laughed") as Tennessee Williams and Jacob Moskovitz ("Elle") as Marlon…

Shattered Globe Theatre Opens 36th Season with Midwest Premiere of VLADIMIR October 2 – November 14 at Theater Wit

25 August 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Shattered Globe Theatre is pleased to open its 36th Season with the Midwest premiere of Erika Sheffer's Vladimir, an unflinching drama of resistance directed by Ensemble Member Lou Contey*,…

TICKETS FOR A 20 RETURNS WITH SPECIALLY PRICED $20 TICKETS FROM HOT TIX AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 14, 2026

24 August 2026 in Theatre Buzz

The League of Chicago Theatres announces the return of Tickets for a 20. From Thursday, August 27 through Monday, September 14, 2026, theatregoers can…

Babes With Blades's announces William Shakespeare's KING LEAR, October 15 - November 21

24 August 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Babes With Blades Theatre Company’s (BWBTC), now presenting the world premiere of yo ho. through August 29 at The Edge Off-Broadway, shares the…

BrightSide Theatre announces THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL, to play October 2 - 18

24 August 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

BrightSide Theatre has announced cast and crew for THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL - the kickoff production of BrightSide's 15th Anniversary season.…

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces Two Shakespeare Productions in Repertory beginning October 13 - January 3

21 August 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces the cast and creative team for the company's fall Shakespeare Repertory productions, an unforgettable theatrical event at the heart…

McHenry Outdoor Theater: Nostalgia With a Modern Heartbeat

20 August 2026 in Theatre Buzz

There was a particular kind of magic to seeing a movie outside when I was a kid in 1970s Chicago…

‘Anatomy of a Suicide’ Is Hard to Watch, But Not Because of the Subject

18 August 2026 in Theatre in Review

Perhaps surprisingly, Anatomy of a Suicide is not an overwhelmingly emotionally gripping play, nor is it horrifying. Instead, it vividly…

Gwydion Theatre Company presents The Chicago Premiere of Por’ Knockers at the Greenhouse Theater’s Studio 44 September 10 - October 4

18 August 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

This narrative tracks five individuals within the "People’s Diasporatic Party"—outfitted in corporate attire—as they take refuge in a desolate East…

Oil Lamp's I Love You Because has heart, despite lukewarm romance

17 August 2026 in Theatre in Review

Finding love has always been a challenge. In Jane Austen’s day, a time governed by strict rules of courtship, couples…

Joffrey Ballet opens its 2026-27 season with Chicago Premiere of John Neumeier's theatrical masterpiece, Liliom, featuring 16-piece live jazz band on stage SEPTEMBER 17-27

17 August 2026 in Upcoming Dance

The Joffrey Ballet opens its 2026-27 season with the Chicago Premiere of John Neumeier's landmark narrative ballet Liliom. Inspired by Ferenc Molnár's 1909 play and…

Detroit ’67 at Pulse Theatre Chicago – September 11-November 1

17 August 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Pulse Theatre Chicago proudly announces a defining new chapter in the company's history with the expansion of its artistic leadership,…

Hail Mary/Maria at Theater Wit – A Welcome New Slant on Crossing Over into Adulthood

17 August 2026 in Theatre in Review

Coming of age stories resonate more profoundly when they mirror the lived reality of a real person.  That’s why the…

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company Hosts "Exploring The In Between: A Conversation About Mid-Sized Theatres in Chicago," Monday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at Theater

17 August 2026 in Theatre Buzz

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company’s 30th Anniversary Season continues with "Exploring The In Between: A Conversation About Mid-Sized Theatres in Chicago," Monday,…

Shattered Globe Theatre Announces 36th Season

17 August 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Shattered Globe Theatre (SGT), now under the artistic leadership of Ian Frank, is pleased to announce its 36th Season, featuring three plays that explore the…

M.A.D.D. Rhythms Announces the return of the Chicago Tap Summit this October and other 25th Anniversary Events

17 August 2026 in Upcoming Dance

M.A.D.D. (Making A Difference Dancing) Rhythms, Chicago’s premier tap collective, is proud to celebrate its 25th Anniversary at the Chicago Tap…

BLUE MAN GROUP "A NEW HOLIDAY SURPRISE" Coming to Chicago for the Holidays NOVEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 13

17 August 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce Blue Man Group will bring its first-ever holiday production, "A NEW HOLIDAY SURPRISE," on…

League of Chicago Theatres hosts 2026 Spotlight Gala: Unmask the Night, Embrace the Drama October 19

17 August 2026 in Theatre Buzz

The League of Chicago Theatres will host its annual benefit, the 2026 Spotlight Gala: Unmask the Night, Embrace the Drama at City Hall –…

Broadway In Chicago presents Waitress at JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE OCTOBER 13 – 18, 2026

17 August 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that single tickets for the upcoming engagement of the 10th Anniversary tour of the hilarious…

Otherworld Theatre Boldly Goes Again with Starship Edsel Season 4

17 August 2026 in Theatre in Review

Otherworld Theatre blasts back into the cosmos with Season 4 of Starship Edsel: An Improvised Star Trek Parody, the latest…

Bernstein’s Score Burns Bright in Music Theater Works’ West Side Story

16 August 2026 in Upcoming Theatre

Some musicals carry such cultural weight that every new production feels like a referendum on how well a company can…

Gus and Alice Brings Nostalgic, Cozy Comedy

15 August 2026 in Theatre in Review

Theatre 31 Productions’ Gus and Alice has returned to the Greenhouse Theater Center this month. Written by Chicago playwright Mike Rago,…

From Subway Cars to Chicago Stages: Marcus Monroe at The Comedy Bar

14 August 2026 in Theatre in Review

Sometimes the best way to find a comedian who’s new to you is by stumbling onto a clip that stops…

 

         20 Years and counting!

Register

     

Latest Articles

Guests Online

We have 1589 guests and no members online

Buzz Chicago on Facebook Buzz Chicago on Twitter 

Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.    

0 - Error: 0
0 - mysqli object is already closed

You may not be able to visit this page because of:

  1. an out-of-date bookmark/favourite
  2. a search engine that has an out-of-date listing for this site
  3. a mistyped address
  4. you have no access to this page
  5. The requested resource was not found.
  6. An error has occurred while processing your request.

Please try one of the following pages:

If difficulties persist, please contact the System Administrator of this site and report the error below..

mysqli object is already closed