Aliyah Williams

Editor-in-Chief

The ESU Theatre Department recently debuted the musical “Ride the Cyclone” from Feb. 13 – 16.

The musical, which follows six teenagers whose lives are cut short in a rollercoaster accident, is a dark and surreal viral sensation. Stuck in a mysterious position after the experience, the teens find themselves competing for a chance to return to life, with each sharing their stories and expositions through song.

Michael Esposito, a sophomore Digital Media Technologies major, played the character of Noel Gruber in the production. Noel, a cynical and romantic character, highly values his relationships with others and provides a sense of heartfelt longing, humor and poignancy among other feelings.

“This show has meant a lot to me,” said Esposito. “It helped me grow immensely as an actor, and it’s the most I’ve ever gotten into a character.”

“The show was also very emotional for the entire cast because it has a lot of deeper meanings…but for me I took away how you should live your life to the fullest, be your true self, never take anything for granted and the inevitability of death,” added Esposito.

After the successful opening of “Ride the Cyclone,” the ESU Theatre Department looks forward to “The Crucible,” a tale of fear and power that takes place during the Salem Witch Trial.

The show, which will run from April 10-13, is based on a widely popular play written by Arthur Miller and focuses on the effects of mass hysteria and frenzy among a small town.

For more information on ticket pricing, production summaries, and more, visit the ESU Theatre Department’s website here.