ANOKA, MN — Lyric Arts Company of Anoka announced the cast for “Ride the Cyclone,” a darkly comedic musical opening Friday at the Main Street Stage in Anoka.
The production, directed by Marci Lucht, features an 11-member cast including DeZhané Antoinette, Elizabeth Dunn, Cassie Edlund, Nadia Franzen, Erik Haering, Cameron Roy Hall, Imani Harris, Lexi Johnson, Kaoru Shoji, Benni Siglin and Jonah Smith. The show runs through February 8, 2026.
“Ride the Cyclone” follows six teenagers who board a roller coaster, only to find themselves in limbo after a fatal accident. As they compete for a chance to return to life, each shares their story through an eclectic score that blends dark comedy, emotion and unexpected twists.
“What I love most about this show is that it doesn’t shy away from darkness, yet it always finds light, finds humor and a sense of gratitude for life.”
Director Marci Lucht
The cult-favorite musical, with book, music and lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell, won the Dora Award for Outstanding Musical Theatre Production and has earned acclaim across North America.
“‘Ride the Cyclone’ is one of those rare shows that manages to be both funny and deeply moving,” Lucht said. “On its surface, it’s about sudden tragedy, yet it’s a story about what it means to be alive — about identity, purpose, and how we each want to be remembered. What I love most about this show is that it doesn’t shy away from darkness, yet it always finds light, finds humor and a sense of gratitude for life.”
The cast includes several Lyric Arts veterans and debuts. Antoinette, Edlund and Shoji previously appeared in “Sister Act,” while Franzen performed in “The Music Man” and Harris in “Big Fish.” Smith appeared in “Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley.” Dunn, Haering, Hall, Johnson and Siglin are making their Lyric Arts debuts.
The artistic team includes Laura Long as music director, Madi Nelson as choreographer, Cory Skold as scenic designer, Sarah Christenson as costume designer, Shannon Elliott as lighting designer, Michaela Lochen as projections designer, Paul Estby as sound designer, Ren Edson as props designer, Ian Pirner as videographer and Emily Ludewig as stage manager.
Single tickets start at $50, with group and other discounts available. Post-show discussions and access services, including ASL and audio-described performances, are available on select dates and by request. Tickets are available through the box office at 763-422-1838 or online at lyricarts.org.
Lyric Arts Company of Anoka, now in its 30th season, is the only full-time, year-round theater in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis. The company serves hundreds of artists and tens of thousands of audience members annually through its mix of comedies, dramas, classics and musicals, as well as theater arts workshops and educational outreach programs.
