February 25, 2025 (Jacksonville, FL) —The 5 & Dime, Swoop Troupe, and Martha & Eli Bekkum are thrilled to open The 5 & Dime Theatre Co.’s 2025 production season. RIDE THE CYCLONE is "a wonderfully weird and unexpectedly touching show that manages to be both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply poignant” (The New York Times). Featuring a cast and production team consisting almost entirely of University of North Florida students, RIDE THE CYCLONE will leave you screaming for more!
RIDE THE CYCLONE is a darkly comedic musical that follows six teenagers from a Canadian choir who die in a freak roller coaster accident. They are given one final chance to compete for a miraculous resurrection in the afterlife. With a quirky blend of humor, heart, and existential questions, RIDE THE CYCLONE explores each character's hopes, dreams, and regrets through an eclectic musical score and imaginative storytelling.
Performance Dates
When: March 7-22, 2025
Thursday, March 12 - *Pay What You Please
Thursday, Friday, and Satruday performances begin at 8pm.
Sunday performances begin at 2pm.
Costs: Tickets are $27 online or $30 at the door.
Where: The Florida Ballet, 10131 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL
For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.the5anddime.org.
*Pay What You Please performance is when the community is invited to attend at whatever ticket price they’d like to pay at the door.
“Directing RIDE THE CYCLONE has been an incredibly valuable experience for me, says director Anvar Gashimov, a senior theater major at UNF. “The show is captivating and full of energy, taking audiences on a journey that explores the powerful themes of life, death, and what truly gives our lives meaning, challenging us to reflect on what is worth protecting and achieving.”
“Having experienced the financial impacts of funding cuts by the State of Florida last year ourselves, we at The 5 & Dime were empathetic to Swoop Troupe’s position when their own funding was subject to similar cuts by the State,” says interim managing director Krysten Bennett. “There was zero hesitation when they approached us about partnering to produce their spring musical and we’re honored to have this opportunity to provide a stage for this talented and enthusiastic group of young people.”
Trigger Warning: RIDE THE CYCLONE contains talk of death and may not be appropriate for all audiences. Discretion is advised. Flashing and flickering lights, loud and sudden noises, and fog effects are used during the performance.
About The 5 & Dime:
The 5 & Dime Theatre Co. tells stories that engage, inspire, entertain, and challenge audiences, nurturing a rich artistic culture in Jacksonville. The 5 & Dime has delivered on that mission since 2011, story after story, by challenging what theatre is and what theatre can be in Jacksonville. Learn more at www.the5anddime.org.
About Swoop Troupe:
Swoop Troupe is an organization at University of North Florida entirely dedicated to musical theatre. Since musical theatre and dance are not available as a degree program at UNF, students who are passionate about the art form can only practice it through their involvement in this club. Learn more at https://swooptroupe.wixsite.com/swooptroupe.
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