Get Ready to "Ride the Cyclone" at Wilbur Wright College: A Chat with the Creative Minds

By Wendy Acosta

Hey, theater lovers! Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster of emotions with the upcoming production of "Ride the Cyclone" at Wilbur Wright College opening in November.

Written by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, the play dives into life's uncertainties with a blend of dark humor and whimsy. But what makes this production really tick? We got a backstage pass with the play’s director Kristin Williams and Set Designer Patrick Ham.

Williams is all about the "imprint" a good show leaves on you. "I hope the audience walks away with the feeling that life is short, so live each day to the fullest and enjoy the 'ride' while you can," Williams said.

She's also not new to collaborative work. "Paul Scavone, our musical director, and I have done eight shows together. We focus on actors who can sing, and man, we got lucky this time," she quipped.

As for collaborating with Ham, Williams said, , "I want it to feel like an amusement park in purgatory! Lots of lights but also moments of complete darkness."

Ham stated firmly, "Design is narrative.” He walks his talk, with designs that go from pencil sketches to 3D models. "There's a science to it: geometry, engineering, and a sprinkle of illusion."

For Ham, the set for "Ride the Cyclone" has been a journey. "It was so much fun discussing creative ways to imply that a character is headless," he laughed. "Also, the play has a big following on TikTok. You want to honor that but also make it your own."

Ham offers set design and lighting classes at Wilbur Wright College, perfect for anyone looking to dive into the world of theatrical design. "It's a blend of theory and hands-on," he said. "Whether you're interested in set or lighting design, there's a course for you."

Both Williams and Ham are stoked about the multisensory experience they've cooked up. "We use lights, sound, and set in a way that's almost cinematic," Ham described.

Williams added, "We aim to leave you not just entertained but contemplative. It's a unique rollercoaster that sometimes leaves you hanging—literally and figuratively."