Ride the Cyclone!
2026/2027
2026/2027
Thank you so much in your interest in participating in MPT's upcoming production of Ride the Cyclone! Audition information is provided below. If you have any questions please reach out to mercuryrtc@gmail.com.
“Ride the Cyclone” is a quirky, dark comedy musical that tells the story of six teenagers from a high school choir who die in a tragic roller coaster accident. As they meet in limbo, they must argue their case for who deserves to return to life. With a variety of musical styles and deeply unique characters, Ride the Cyclone is both hilarious and poignant.
Please fill out the audition form in its entirety and bring a copy to the audition, or fill out a blank form at the audition. You may also email your form to: mercuryrtc@gmail.com, with your full name as the subject line. In addition to the audition form, please sign up for a specific audition date via Sign Up Genius.
Auditions will be held at The Bartell, 113 E Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703 (theatre space TBD) on Wednesday the 26th, Thursday the 27th, and Friday the 28th of August from 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Call backs on Saturday the 29th time TBD.
Please select a 30-45 second excerpt of a song from the show to sing. Sides will be provided on site. There will be a dance call, come prepared to move. Headshot encouraged but not required. Walk ins will be seen if time permits.
Rehearsals will be held Sunday-Thursday beginning in October with Performances starting January 22nd running through February 6th. There may be additional time needed for filming before rehearsals commence. Understudies will be cast and are guaranteed one performance.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS
Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg: Female Vocal Range: Soprano (B3 – E5) Description: Ocean is the overachieving, self-assured, and somewhat egotistical leader of the choir. She is highly competitive and hides her vulnerability beneath a confident exterior. She has big dreams and an intense need to be the best. Strong comedic and vocal skills are required.
Noel Gruber: Male Vocal Range: Baritone/Tenor (G2 – G4) Description: The "only" gay kid in his small town, Noel is theatrical, dark, and dreamy. He longs to be a tragic French chanteuse and has a taste for the macabre. Must have a strong sense of irony and dark humor.
Mischa Bachinski: Male Vocal Range: Baritone/Rap (A2 – G4) Description: Ukrainian-born bad boy with a romantic side, Mischa presents himself as tough and stoic, but underneath is a passionate dreamer. He is devoted to his fiancée and often raps in his musical numbers. Strong vocal skills with the ability to rap are essential.
Constance Blackwood: Female Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano (G3 – E5) Description: Constance is the sweetest and most optimistic of the group. Known as the “nicest girl in school,” she is overlooked but secretly longs to be noticed and to express her true self. Requires warmth and vulnerability, with a comedic touch.
Ricky Potts: Male Vocal Range: Tenor (A2 – A4) Description: Ricky is shy and withdrawn, living in his own world due to a physical disability. However, in his imagination, he transforms into a futuristic superhero. Must transition from quiet and introverted to confident and expressive. Strong acting and vocal skills required.
Jane Doe: Female Vocal Range: Soprano (C4 – E5) Description: Mysterious and eerie, Jane is the unknown, unspeaking girl who died in the accident. She has no memory of her past and sings in a hauntingly beautiful, ethereal style. Requires strong classical vocals and the ability to convey emotion through movement and voice.
Karnak: Male No singing is required for this character. He is an animatronic fortune telling machine (similar to Zoltar in the film Big.)