I just walked out of opening night of Ride the Cyclone at Fleetwood Community Theatre and I’m honestly still buzzing. This is not your typical musical—it’s strange, funny, dark, and unexpectedly moving—and this cast leans into every bit of it with fearless commitment. If you’re unfamiliar, Ride the Cyclone tells the story of six teenagers from a chamber choir who die in a freak roller coaster accident. Trapped in a kind of carnival limbo, they’re given one last chance by a mechanical fortune teller to compete for the opportunity to return to life. What unfolds is a series of deeply personal (and often wildly theatrical) songs revealing who they were—and who they might have become.
From the moment the lights come up, Cathy Leibensperger establishes total control as Karnak, the enigmatic automaton guiding the story. It’s a tricky role—equal parts narrator, philosopher, and unsettling puppet master—but she navigates it with precision and presence. There’s a stillness and authority to her performance that anchors the chaos around her, and it works beautifully.
Rachel Day’s Ocean is a force—ambitious, commanding, and hilariously self-assured. She drives the competitive tension of the show with strong vocals and sharp comedic instincts. Timothy Shuman, Jr. brings warmth and theatrical flair to Noel, delivering his character’s longing and identity with both humor and heart. Tony Quinones gives Mischa a grounded sincerity beneath the bravado, while David Gieringer’s Ricky is a standout in physical storytelling—transforming what could be a quiet role into something imaginative and memorable.
But I have to pause and talk about Leah Zettlemoyer as Constance. Her performance is something special. The way she transitions between humor and vulnerability—sometimes within a single line—is stunning. Those high/low emotional shifts feel completely natural, and when she lands her big moments, you feel it in your chest. It’s the kind of performance that sneaks up on you and stays with you afterward.
And then there’s Isabella Koenig as Jane Doe. Her haunting vocal quality is, quite simply, breathtaking. There’s an eerie purity to her sound that perfectly matches the character’s mystery—and yes, it brought tears. It’s one of those performances where the entire audience seems to collectively hold their breath.
As a whole, this ensemble works beautifully together under Evan Watkins’ direction, embracing the show’s offbeat humor, emotional depth, and surreal style. It’s worth noting that Ride the Cyclone does explore some adult themes—mortality, identity, and existential questions—so a little discretion is advised for younger audiences. That said, the material is handled thoughtfully and with care.
Fleetwood Community Theatre continues to prove that community theatre can be bold, inventive, and deeply impactful. This production is a perfect example of that spirit—ambitious, heartfelt, and thoroughly entertaining. If this is any indication of what’s ahead, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on their future shows.
FLEETWOOD COMMUNITY THEATRE
P.O. Box 12
Fleetwood, PA 19522
484-793-0918
fleetwoodct@ptd.net
https://fleetwoodcommunitytheatre.com/
Review submitted by:
Claire Montgomery
Author’s Bio:
Claire Montgomery is a lifelong theatre lover who rarely misses a local production. She enjoys everything from classic musicals to bold contemporary works and loves supporting community theatre and the artists who bring stories to life on stage.
