New dates: Buchholz High School Drama Players presents “Ride the Cyclone”
Press release from Buchholz Players
Updated on Sept. 25 with new dates after Hurricane Helene forced the cancellation of their first two shows.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – For their first show of the 2025 season, Buchholz Players proudly presents Ride the Cyclone. In this hilarious and outlandish story, the lives of five teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awaken in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life.
The students include Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg, a perfectionist and overachiever; her loyal sidekick, Constance Blackwood; Noel Gruber, the only openly gay boy in his small town; Mischa Bachinski, a Ukrainian adoptee with a tragic nuclear past; Ricky Potts, a boy born with an unnamed disease that left him mute and unable to walk; and Jane Doe, a mysterious headless girl in a school uniform.
“This darkly comedic musical features songs ranging from classical to glam rock to R&B to folk,” said student co-director Allison Barton. “The talented cast really makes people ask themselves, ‘How do you want to live?’”
Student co-director Taiden Roberts said, “We’re thrilled to bring this unique production to life on our stage and can’t wait for the audience to experience the roller coaster of emotions this show delivers.”
Hurricane Helene forces cancellation of Sept. 26 and 27 shows, new show added
Thanks to a real-life cyclone (and the closure of Alachua County Schools), the Buchholz Players’ “Ride the Cyclone” shows scheduled for Sept. 26 & 27 have been canceled.
But don’t worry—the show must go on! Here’s the new lineup:
New Run Dates: Sept. 28 – Oct. 6
Showtimes:
- Evening shows: Sept. 28, Oct. 2-5 @ 7 p.m.
- Matinees: Sept. 28-29, Oct. 5-6 @ 2 p.m.
New Show Added: Sept. 28 @ 2 p.m.
Already bought tickets for the canceled shows? No problem! They’ll be honored at any of the other performances.
Ticket Prices:
- General admission: $15 online / $17 at the door
- Students: $12 online / $15 at the door
- Groups: $10 online
- Free for Buchholz High School faculty!
Snag your tickets at www.buchholzdrama.com before they’re gone!
Because of the storm, the first two shows were canceled. The kids are super bummed, so please do anything you can to help us spread the word about our additional show this Saturday and to encourage people to come out to any of the shows!
As a Gainesville Liberal I am greatly offended that these young students would have the nerve to continue with a musical called “Ride the Cyclone” at the same time that Florida is getting hit by a hurricane. As Gainesville liberals we must keep everybody in mind, if one person is offended by something then we are all offended and must change the lives of the 99.9% so that the .01% is not offended. So be a good liberal Gainesvillian and CANCEL THE SHOW.