October 28, 2025, Santa Rosa, California – The Santa Rosa Junior College Theatre Arts Department presents “Ride the Cyclone”, a weird and wonderful musical comedy that asks the question, “What makes a life well-lived?” The production premieres on Friday, November 14, 2025, and will be performed on the Main Stage in the Burbank Auditorium through Sunday, November 23.
In this hilarious and outlandish story, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. This popular musical is a funny, moving look at what makes a life worth living!
Directed by Sarah Wintermeyer with music and vocal direction by Nate Riebli and choreography by Jolene Johnson, “Ride the Cyclone” includes music inspired by everything from David Bowie to New Orleans Jazz to pop, rap, and a bit of Sonoma County resident Tom Waits.
"It's my first semester at SRJC, so I am overwhelmed with joy and nervous excitement to be Karnak in Ride the Cyclone. I didn’t know much about the show at first, but I quickly fell in love with it. Ride the Cyclone is a true roller coaster of emotions — it will make you laugh, cry, and feel everything in between. I’m so grateful to be part of such an incredible cast and crew, and I hope you’ll come experience this amazing show with us!"
- Aliya Webb
"This is my first show at SRJC. I was overjoyed at the opportunity to audition because I just knew it would be an incredible production. Ride the Cyclone has been one of my favorite shows for a few years now, and I think everyone can relate to some part of each character. I cannot wait for people to be introduced to this show so that they can laugh, cry, and walk away feeling good!"
- Chase Thompson
"A wonderful, touching, and memorable roller coaster ride of a theatrical experience, for teen and adult audiences alike. With the show’s supernatural atmosphere... this is, quite simply, a beautiful “Dream of Life” come true."
- Chicago Theatre Review
Recommendations
Ride the Cyclone contains adult and “teenage” themes, discussions of death, suicide, drugs, sex, and strong language. Parental discretion and pre-show research advised.
Show Times
Evening performances at 7:30 PM: November 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22
Matinees at 2:00 PM: November 16, 23
Location
Burbank Auditorium, SRJC Santa Rosa Campus
1501 Mendocino Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA
Parking $4
Tickets
$15–$25
Available online, by phone, or in person at the Burbank Box Office one hour before showtime.
Burbank Box Office: 707-527-4307
Theatre Arts website: https://theatrearts.santarosa.edu/
Directed by Sarah Wintermeyer
Music Direction by Nate Riebli
Choreography by Jolene Johnson
Photos by Thomas Chown (available upon request)
Santa Rosa Junior College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
