Directed and Choreographed by Doug Weyand
Musical Direction by Matt Marco

Stage Manager: Elisabetta Antonacci

Assistant Stage Manager: Alexandria Connolly

Set & Lighting Design: Lowden Flower

Assistant Set Design: Kaileigh O’Sullivan

Assistant Lighting Design: Aidan Sumrall

Soud & Projection Design: Lisa Gallagher

Props Manager: Elle Dixon

Costume Design: Jen Marquez

Assistant Costume Design: Sarah Bray

Dance Captain: Jack Catena

Ricky Potts: Ty Burgess

Mischa Bachinski: Ryan Butler

Noel Gruber: Jack Catena

The Amazing Karnak: Angel Frias Fuertes

Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg: Katie Timmons

Constance Blackwood: Sophia Vessecchia

Jane Doe: Audree Woods

Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg: Hannah Countermine

Jane Doe: Julia Pitarresi

Keyboard 1 & Music Director: Matt Marco

Keyboard 2 & Associate Music Director: Ian Liedke

Guitar: Mike Moser

Bass: James Marone

Percussion: Tyler Flynt

Dream of Life Opening
Amazing Karnak Organ
Virgil Bass Solo
Karnak Organ Part 2/Uranium
Minor Turn
The Other Side
Jane Doe’s Entrance
What the World Needs
Noel’s Lament
Every Story’s Got A Lesson
This Song Is Awesome
Talia
Space Age Bachelor Man
The Ballad of Jane Doe
The New Birthday Song and Underscore
Jawbreaker/Sugarcloud
Dream of Jane’s Life
Sailing Through Space Reprise
It’s Just a Ride
Bows
Exit Music

Ride the Cyclone is an interesting piece of musical theater, to say the least. In many ways it defies description.

The basic summary: a group of 6 Canadian high school students perish in an accident on a roller coaster called “The Cyclone.” After the accident, they end up in a sort of limbo where, under the control and watchful eye of the carnival automaton, Karnak, they have to compete with each other to win the grand prize: only one of them being able to return to their earthly life.

What we see for the next 90 minutes is a roller-coaster of emotions (see what I did there?).

We’re dealing with some serious subject matter: death, the overall fragility of life, how choices affect others and what living one’s life really means. At the same time, the show is funny, relatable, charming and euphoric. And, all the while, the characters support one other while competing against each other.

Each of the student characters gets their chance to tell their story, revealing their dreams or fantasies, through both song and dialogue. And each of the students’ songs is in a different musical style, depending on their character: from modern pop to glam rock, from cabaret to hip hop, from an almost operatic aria to Motown. This also provides ample opportunities to showcase different styles within the design elements, so lovingly created by our student designers.

It’s also not what you’d call a “traditional, big Broadway musical.” It’s a cast of 7, on a single set. There’s no additional ensemble. Our small, talented cast does all the work.

The heart of the show comes from its quirkiness and the fact that the audience reflects on their own lives through these characters. Life is really about the little joys we experience and, no matter how long we live, we’ll always wish we had a little more time. And regardless of the destination, the best part is oftentimes the journey, itself.  It’s all about the ride.

    Doug Weyand, Director/Choreographer

Doug Weyand is happy to return to UB THD having previously choreographed for Zodiaque Dance Company and MY FAIR LADY.  He is the 2024 Artie Award Career Achievement recipient and is a three-time Artie Award winner in the areas of direction and choreography  Previous credits in those areas include THE PROM, PAGEANT, AVENUE Q, MURDER FOR TWO, BASKERVILLE, SPRING AWAKENING, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE and A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER (MusicalFare); LITTLE WOMEN...NOW, ALMOST, MAINE and MURDER BALLAD (Road Less Traveled Productions), NEXT TO NORMAL and JAMES JOYCE’S THE DEAD (Irish Classical Theatre Company), I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE and PETE ‘N’ KEELY (D'Youville Kavinoky Theatre), BUYER & CELLAR and PTERODACTYLS (Buffalo United Artists) and SONIA, VANYA, MASHA & SPIKE and THE TOXIC AVENGER (Second Generation). 

Matthew Marco is a conductor, coach, and collaborative pianist based in Buffalo, NY. This season will be his first as Artistic Director of Buffalo Opera Unlimited, a company that highlights Buffalo-based talent in operatic works from both within and outside of the traditional canon. He also returns to the University at Buffalo as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance, teaching courses in musicianship, coaching, and music directing all curricular musicals. In addition to opera and musical theater, he enjoys regular performances with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, including the 2022 Carnegie Hall performance, Naxos recording sessions, and concerts on both the classics and pops series. 

Mr. Marco has also performed with Amarillo Opera (TX), the Center for Contemporary Opera (NY), Civic Morning Musicals (Syracuse, NY), the National Choral Festival (Carnegie Hall, NY), Opera Tampa (FL), and the Savannah VOICE Festival (GA). Locally, he has held conducting and coaching positions with Nickel City Opera, the Orchard Park Symphony Orchestra, the Western New York Chamber Orchestra, the Hillman Opera Company, and Opera-Lytes. For eleven years, he was the accompanist of the Buffalo Master Chorale, and has performed with the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus, the Buffalo Chamber Players, Friends of Vienna, and the Western New York Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Marco studied piano with Anne Kissel and François Germain, and conducting with Paul Ferington and Brian Doyle.

TY BURGESS (Ricky Potts) (he/him) is currently a sophomore pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre and a BA in Tech Theatre, as well as a Dance minor. He has been in productions at U.B. such as 9 to 5 the Musical!, 39 steps, and Sondhiem Tribute Revue. Some of his other favorite credits include Something Rotten! (Nick Bottom), The Play That Goes Wrong (Dennis), and Newsies (Davey). Ty is very excited to perform with this cast and production team. He would like to thank everyone involved in the production, his friends, and family.

RYAN BUTLER (Mischa) is thrilled to be back in another UB show (playing a dream role of his), and excited to be performing in the black box for the first time. Past UB credits include Puffs, 9 to 5 (Hart), and The 39 Steps, (Clown 1). Other favorite shows include Newsies, (Jack and Davey), Something Rotten (Shakespeare), Pete the Cat (Jimmy), and many more. Ryan is a proud Jimmy awards nominee and Kenny award winner. He would like to thank his wonderfully supportive friends, family, cast mates, and production team for making this show possible.

JACK CATENA (Noel Gruber) (he/they) is a Senior Music Theater major and Dance minor here at UB. He is incredibly thankful to have the chance to play a queer character on stage, especially in an educational setting. Jack has had the opportunity to play a wide variety of roles such as the Scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz and Bickle/Dance Captain in Footloose, both at Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll, Illinois, Henry in Disney’s Newsies produced by D’Youville Kavinoky Theater at Shea’s 710, and Editor in Renascence here at UB. He would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported him through college and the start of his professional career.

HANNAH COUNTERMINE (US Ocean) (she/her) is  thrilled to be apart of this production of Ride the Cyclone. She is a sophomore musical theater major and this show will be her second show with UB! Hannah has been apart of many other productions, some of her favorites including, Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey) and Beauty and the Beast (Belle), and 9 to 5 (Judy). Hannah would like to thank her family for showing their support every step of the way and her friends who never fail to make her smile. 

ANGEL FRIAS FUERTES (Karnak) (They/She) is a Junior Music Theater Major with a minor in Chinese. She has recently played Ensemble in Cinderella and Katherine/Ensemble in Renascense, as well as a performer in shows outside of the Theater and Dance Dept such as International Fiesta and The Mr. & Mrs. Latino Pageant. Karnak is Angel’s first leading role here at UB, so she’s very excited for you all to watch! Wake up. Karnak hopes you enjoy the show!!!

JULIA PITARRESI (US Jane Doe) is a Buffalo-based actress, writer, and voice actor currently acquiring her BFA in Music Theatre at the University at Buffalo. If you ask for a blood-curdling scream or an operatic high note, she will do them both. Julia is known for her physical comedy and character acting, (with a special focus in improv), though she excels in dramatic roles as well. Notable roles include: Maria/Itchy (Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play); Leanne (Puffs); Rapunzel (Into the Woods); Ursula (The Little Mermaid). Most recently, she was nominated for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for her role in Mr. Burns. You can see her next in Goodnight, Tyler at Ujima Theatre Company in the spring.

KATIE TIMMONS (Ocean) (she/her) is currently a sophomore BFA Music Theatre major with a minor in dance. Her recent credits include UBTHD’s 9 to 5 (Maria, U/S Roz), RCT Legacy Company’s All Shook Up (Matilda), and 54 Below’s Walk Down Memory Lane Cabaret. She is so excited to be a part of this production and would like to thank Doug, Matt, and the cast and crew of Ride the Cyclone for this amazing experience!!

SOPHIA VESSECCHIA (Constance Blackwood) (She/Her/Hers) is excited to be in her 4^th production here at UB! Prior credits include Charlotte in R&H's Cinderella (KCACTF Irene Ryan nominee), Bertolt Brecht in Outrage (KCACTF Irene Ryan nominee), and Violet Newstead in 9 to 5 (KCACTF Acting Scholarship Audition and Music Theatre Intensive nominee). She would like to thank her family for always believing in her and her dreams. Break a leg to the amazing cast and crew of Ride the Cyclone! 

AUDREE WOODS (Jane Doe) is so excited to be playing a dream role in her second UB musical! She is a junior Dance BFA who recently joined the Musical Theatre BFA program. Favorite roles include Charlotte (Cinderella), Zaneeta Shinn (The Music Man), and Usherette (The Producers). This summer, Audree spent her time dancing in Chicago in the Gus Giordano College/Professional Intensive, where she was one of 15 selected to train under the legacy. You can see her on the stage next dancing in the Emerging Choreographer’s Showcase, and MFA Showcase. Audree would like to thank her family and friends for constantly supporting her dreams. She would also like to thank the entire cast and crew of Ride the Cyclone for all their hard work in bringing this crazy show (and one of us) to life!

ELISABETTA ANTONACCI (Stage Manager) (she/her) is a senior pursuing her BFA in Design/Tech. Her interest in stage management began in stage management class, and she completely fell in love with the discipline after stage managing Outrage in the fall of 2023, and 9 to 5: the Musical! in the spring of 2024 (earning a KCACTF merit for both). Elisabetta is beyond thrilled to be working on Ride the Cyclone this semester! This is her final show as a stage manager at UB. Next semester she will serve as the department Production Stage Manager and is thrilled to experience the adjacent world of management. Elisabetta would like to thank her friends and family for their never-ending love and support. She would also like to thank the cast and crew for this amazing experience. Finally, she would like to thank Melinda Lamoreux, who has guided and supported her these past 4 years.

SARAH BRAY (Asst. Costume Designer) is a sophomore Theater Performance BFA major, who is exploring costume and set design. She recently played Estelle in a student-directed series production, No Exit, and will be the scenic artist for the department next semester. Some of her favorite roles outside of UB are Miss Scarlet in Clue and Jacquie in Ranked: A New Musical. She hasn’t had much experience in technical theater but is eager to learn. She’d like to thank Jen Marquez, Cynthia Darling, and Jenn Carter for their support this semester, expertise in ideas and creation, and the many long talks about life. She is excited to work as a designer on future productions at UB and will continue to visit the costume shop regardless, mostly thanks to those individuals. She is very proud of the work that was done in the shop these past months that allowed this show to come to life.

ALEXANDRIA CONNOLLY (Assistant Stage Manager, Department Properties Director) (she/her) is currently a Sophomore Theatre: Design and Technology major. She has been involved in plays, musicals, and dance since she was five years old. She was the Assistant Stage Manager for Zodiaque Dance Company 49th season in the spring and fall, Wardrobe for Mr. Burns: A post Electric Play. and Assistant Costume Designer, here at UB. Alexandria would like to thank her fellow cast and crew of Ride the Cyclone for the amazing experience that this show has been and to thank her family for supporting her. She hopes that you enjoy the show!

LIAM DEYELL (Rehearsal ASM) (he/him) Is currently a Sophomore Theatre BFA focusing in Stage Management with a minor in Dance. He has been in theater since he was about 9 years old and recently worked on 9 to 5: the Musical! as well as Outrage as an Assistant Stage Manager here at UB. Liam would like to thank his family and friends for always supporting him and would also like to thank the entire cast and creative team for making this such a fun show! Insta: @liam_deyell.27

Elise (Elle) Dixon (she/her), born and raised in Niagara Falls, is a sophomore at the University at Buffalo studying Theatre Design and Technology. Her works at UB include serving as a scenic artist on Mr.Burns and assistant costume designer on 9 to 5 The Musical. This fall she is the props manager for Ride the Cyclone as well as the scenic charge artist for Zodiaque’s 50th Celebration, Ride the Cyclone and Fabulation. In the spring she will be the props manager for Fefu and Her Friends. After graduation she hopes to work in touring shows, specifically concerts! Elle would like to thank her family for encouraging her to pursue the arts and hopes you enjoy the show! 

ASH FERGUSON (Head Electrician/Lighting Board Programmer/Operator) (they/them) is currently a sophomore majoring in Classics with a minor in History. They have been involved in technical theater since 5^th grade and attended LaGuardia High School in NYC for lighting. They most recently worked as the lighting board programmer and operator for 4 shows last year including 9-to-5 and Outrage. They are thrilled for Ride the Cyclone to be their first production as head electrician at UB! Ash would like to thank lighting designer Lowden Flower for always having their back and trusting them with his design, as well as the entire THD faculty for entrusting them with this amazing project. They hope you enjoy this fantastic show just as much as they do!

Lowden Flower(he/him) is a Senior, Theater Design/Tech student at UB, and an emerging designer for Theater and Dance. Lowden started his journey in high school working for various community theaters, when he found his passion for lighting design. Lowden has since designed several performances at UB and looks to pursue a higher education in lighting design. Previous design credits include 9 to 5: the Musical! (UBTHD), What the Constitution Means to Me (Axial Theater Co.), Zodiaque Dance Company ’49 (UBTHD), Outrage (UBTHD), Clybourne Park (GOJO Clan Productions), Unreconciled (Chester Theater Company, Summer ’23). Lowden is thrilled to be part of the Ride the Cyclone team! He has thoroughly enjoyed working with cast, crew, the design team, and Doug on this riveting, and hilarious show. Lowden would like to thank his parents, as well as his girlfriend for the love and support they give him and thank you for supporting UBTHD!

LISA GALLAGHER (Projection & Sound Designer/Mixer) (she/her) is a Theatre Design/Technology major. Lisa is very excited to mix her first musical at UB. She would like to thank the Department of Theatre and Dance for giving her this opportunity and supporting her along the way. Enjoy the ride!

JENESIS MARQUEZ (Costume designer) (she/her) is currently a Senior Theatre Tech design major. She has been involved in the arts since she was five and found her love for theatre design in high school. She has been an assistant in the costume shop for almost 3 years here in UB and has always admired the work that happens in the costume creation process. This is her first time designing a show that has been produced and she is ecstatic for it. It was an amazing experience and she couldn’t have done it without the help of her mentor, the people who work in the costume shop, her amazing assistant designer and for the people who gave her the confidence that she could do this. It wasn’t easy but she is proud of her work and hopes that everyone will enjoy the show!

MAILI NOVAK (Rehearsal ASM/Dresser Supervisor) (she/her) is currently a Sophomore Theatre Design/Tech major hoping to pursue stage management. She has recently been involved with Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Geneseo Community Theatre, and UB’s 9-5: The Musical! (RASM). Maili would like to thank the stage management team for bringing her into the department. She would also like to extend a thank you to the wonderfully supportive friends and coworkers for pushing her to realize theatre is her passion.

AIDAN SUMRALL has been a dedicated member of the department of Theatre and Dance for his entire college career. He has held numerous positions in department shows such as: Assistant Stage Manager for 9 to 5: the Musical!, fly captain for Rodger and Hammerstein's Cinderella, Fly Captain for Outrage, and Stage Manager for the student director series No Exit. This is Aidan’s first time holding a designer position and he is thrilled to have had the privilege of being the Assistant Lighting Designer for this performance. Aidan would like that thank his Lighting Designer, Lowden Flower, who he had the privilege of working and learning under. He would also like to acknowledge Elisabetta Antonacci, the Stage Manager, for being a mentor to him, and Joyce Cheng, his theater Big, for helping guide him and for always being there for him throughout his journey. Finally he would like thank everyone who has come to support him, the department, and this production! Instagram: Aid_In_The_Fight

CAMERON THOMPSON (Technical Director) is currently a senior Theater BA major with a concentration in Design & Technology. Her notable works at UB include Assistant Technical Director for Noises Off! And Cinderella, the Props Artisan for 9 to 5 The Musical, as well as the Set Designer and Technical Director for the Zodiaque Dance Company. This is Cameron’s final show at UB. After graduation she hope to travel on touring shows and eventually work in a shop building sets for Broadway.

Rehearsal Assistant Stage Managers: Liam Deyell, Maili Novak

Scenic Artist: Kaileigh O’Sullivan

Head Electrician/Programmer/Light Op: Ash Ferguson

Dresser Supervisor: Maili Novak

Dressers: Liam Deyell, Ella Hankinson

Sound/Projections Op: Alex Louis

A2/Run Crew: Phoenix Hall

Crew: Kaiah Hobbs, Nasir Faulknor, Abby Tyler

Season Graphics: Elisabetta Antonacci, Lisa Gallagher

Projects Studio Manager: Theresa Banks

Assistant Sound: Noah Beckwith

Head Carpenter: Ethan Brod

Sound Supervisor: Joyce Cheng

Props Director: Alexandria Connolly

Electrician: Molly Crandall

Scenic Artist: Elle Dixon

Costume Shop Assistant: Angel Frias Fuertes

Projections Technologist: Marcus Harter

Co-Assistant Scenic Artists: Faith Marsala, Cameron Thompson

Props Warehouse Manager: Aidan Sumrall

Assistant Technical Directors: Tom Burke, Erich Frank

Interim Costume Shop Manager: Jenn Carter

Costume Technician: Judy Curtis

Asst. Costume Shop Manager/Wardrobe Supervisor: Cindy Darling

Crew Instructor: Rick Haug

Intimacy Director: Lindsay Brandon Hunter

Lighting & Projections Mentor: Lynne Koscielniak

SM Mentor / Production Stage Manager: Melinda J. Lamoreux

Paint & Props Mentor: Marc Quattlebaum

Costume Mentor: Cathy Norgren

Fight Director: Danielle Rosvally

Sound & Technical Direction Mentor: Jon Shimon

Department Chair: Eero Laine

Associate Chair / Producing Director: Lynne Koscielniak

Production Manager: Rick Haug

Assistant Production Manager: Ally Hasselback

Department Administrator: R. Macklin Olszewski, Veronica Sedota

Senior Staff Assistant: Rob Falgiano

Administrative Assistant: Kristin Mann

The UB Department of Theatre and Dance is a proud member of the UB College of Arts and Sciences.

With a firm commitment to the advancement of creative research, experiential learning, and community engagement, the UBTHD 2024-2025 Production Season is administered by the Department of Theatre and Dance. We acknowledge our full faculty and staff for their part in preparing students for work on stage and behind the scenes.

We thank UB Center for the Arts for their support in making these productions possible.

UB Theatre and Dance wishes to acknowledge the generous continued philanthropic support of Fox Run at Orchard Park, an official contributing sponsor of the UB Theatre and Dance 2024-2025 season. 

Today’s performance is part of the Department of Theatre and Dance’s season of plays, dance concerts, and musicals. Our season of programming is also made possible by the generosity of patrons in the form of both ticket purchases and donations. If you would like to further Support Theatre and Dance, please visit our website.