At Aliso Niguel High School, the stage transformed into a carnival of chaos, comedy and unexpected heart with the Actors Repertory production of “Ride the Cyclone”.
Balancing absurd humor with deeply emotional moments, the production challenged both the cast and audience to reflect on identity and what it means to truly live.
Gia D’Amelio (12), lead in the musical, says, “‘Ride the Cyclone’ is a dark comedy about six choir students who visit a carnival and tragically die on a roller coaster. They enter a game conducted by an animatronic fortune teller and are forced to decide which one of them gets a second chance at life.”
The show’s unique concept demands strong storytelling and emotional commitment from the performers.
For senior Gia D’Amelio, who portrayed Jane Doe, the experience was both technically demanding and personally rewarding. Jane is the only unidentified choir member and much of her character relies on subtle physical and emotional choices rather than large, outward expressions.
D’Amelio shares, “It has truly been a roller coaster of emotions. This was one of the most complexly emotional shows I’ve performed, but also the most enjoyable because of the fantastic cast that backed me up. I leaned into showcasing Jane’s indignant side and found moments that stuck.”
Since Jane awakens without her memory and with a porcelain doll’s head replacing her own, D’Amelio knew her movements needed to reflect that unsettling transformation.
D’Amelio says, “Jane’s head is decapitated by the roller coaster and gets replaced with a porcelain doll’s head, so I figured that she wouldn’t be completely in control of her movements.”
However, Jane is not static. As the story unfolds, her desperation to understand who she is begins to break through the mechanical exterior.
D’Amelio shares, “As the story progresses, I wanted Jane to react more humanly due to her urgency to live because she’s the only unidentified choir student.”
The emotional arc of Jane Doe ultimately highlights the human desire to be known and remembered.
Beyond the performances on stage, what makes Actors Repertory productions unique is the fact that they are entirely student driven. From directly to design, students are responsible for shaping every creative element of the show.
Director Neka Jazaeri (12) shares, “I watched and found love with “Ride the Cyclone” from a YouTube video back in 2022 when I was a freshman, and ever since then I had this passion for the show because I felt like it was so important how it taught people that they can overcome differences and the come together.”
Jazaeri shared that during a difficult period in her life, the show’s message resonated deeply with her and offered comfort.
Jazaeri says, “I found so much love in that because it really taught you that the moral of the story is to be there for one another. At that time I was going through a lot where I needed support from others and I found peace with the show.”
She also appreciates the musical’s embrace of individuality and eccentricity.
Jazaeri shares, “I also love how it opened up kookiness and allowed for that weird and unusual.”
For years, Jazaeri had hoped for the opportunity to direct the show, persistently sharing her vision with her theatre director.
Jazaeri says, “When I found out in August that I was going to be directing “Ride the Cyclone”, it was a dream come true.”
From auditions to final performances, Jazaeri described the rehearsal process as both meaningful and transforming.
Jazaeri shares, “The process was absolutely amazing. I got to run auditions, hear people’s vocals, look at their acting and find parts of the characters they connected with.”
Watching the cast grow into their roles and bring their own interpretations to the stage made the experience unforgettable.
More than just a performance, the show served as a reminder on making the most of the time we are given in this life.
