Hill College Players present Ride the Cyclone by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell for spring musical

  Ashlee Ferguson
  Wednesday, March 11, 2026 10:26 AM
  Performing Arts, Student Activities

Hillsboro, TX

The Hill College Players are pleased to present Ride the Cyclone*, the story of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir whose lives are cut short by a freak roller coaster accident. When they awake in limbo (an interspace between life and death), the Amazing Karnak, a mechanical fortune teller, invites each of the teenagers to tell a story. The winning story wins a prize—the chance to return to life.  

Told with moving insights into adolescence along with a dark comedic style, Ride the Cyclone is a memorable and original musical that raises questions of a life well-lived, second chances, and cherished memories. 

“Ingeniously dark and funny.”—The Washington Post 

“A wonderful, touching and memorable roller coaster of a ride of a theatrical experience, for teen and adult audiences alike.”—Chicago Theatre Review  

“The students are unbelievably excited to present this musical to our college and community. It is a cult favorite, telling the store of six members of the St. Cassian’s Chamber Choir, their fate, their fears, and their chance to return to the world of the living. With a special appearance by Jonny Espinoza, instructor of music, this is sure to be a spectacle,” said Dr. Jenny Corder, professor of drama & Phi Theta Kappa advisor.  

The Players have a history of producing quality theater performances for the Hillsboro community. Each year students and faculty from various disciplines come together to put on a series of performances. Students featured in this performance include Kayley Myers, Kace Davis, Russell Hollins, Tarah Tatum, Jack McAodhagain, and Aphi Keller.   

Faculty members, Dr. Corder (director), Dr. Caleb Chang (music director), and William Blanton (sound engineer) supervised production. Set design and construction was facilitated by Stage West Theatre of Fort Worth as well as students in theatre practicum courses at Hill College. 

“We would like to thank Stage West Theatre in Fort Worth for the Karnak booth and other set elements. Without them, this production would not be complete,” said Dr. Corder. “We are having a great time rehearsing and preparing for the show, and hope to have a great crowd and “Ride the Cyclone!”. 

Performances will be held on March 11–13, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Vara Martin Daniel Performing Arts Center at the Hill County Campus. Admission is free; donations are accepted.  

For more information on the Hill College Players, visit hillcollege.edu.   

*Includes mature themes and adult language; recommended for ages 13 and above. The production also includes flashing/strobing lights, which can trigger seizures.