In the wake of a horrific roller coaster accident, six teens trapped in limbo are challenged to take account of themselves so that one may return to the land of the living. Darkly funny and subversively poignant, the Off-Broadway cult musical hit RIDE THE CYCLONE concludes its run in the Jeffers Theatre at HCT this weekend, February 8th-11th.
Her character may be named "Jane Doe," but HCT audiences will have no trouble recognizing Kay Award winner Ashlen M. Cheers in her return to the HCT stage for this production.
Born and raised in Florida, Cheers relocated to the Hickory area seven years ago to be with family and explore her career and creative possibilities. Cheers holds an Associate in Fine Arts-Music degree from Caldwell Community College and currently works as a vocal coach for Hickory Music Factory, and as an Apprentice Funeral Director for Evans Funeral Service. She is a member of the International Thespian Society, and enjoys gaming and playing piano.
Cheers most recently appeared at Hickory Community Theatre as Dunya/Ensemble in ANASTASIA. She gave audiences thrills and chills as Third Witch in MACBETH—for which she won a Kay Award for Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Play—and has also appeared in ROCK OF AGES, THE PIRATE QUEEN, and 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
For Cheers, RIDE THE CYCLONE is a source of personal chills and thrills. "It's a literal fever dream of spook off-the-wall amazingness." And while she enjoys being (literally) elevated by the headless-ness and high notes of her character, Cheers is grateful to come back down to earth and the welcoming atmosphere at HCT.
Performances of RIDE THE CYCLONE are this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 8th through February 10th at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, February 11th, at 2:30 PM. Tickets are $16 for adults, $10 for youth and students.
Tickets are available online at hickorytheatre.org, or by phone at 828-328-2283. The theatre box office is open from 12-5 PM Wednesday through Friday, or one half-hour before a performance.
RIDE THE CYCLONE is presented without intermission. It is rated R for mature subject matter.
RIDE THE CYCLONE is produced in association with Sandra Clay and George Clay III. The Hickory Community Theatre’s 75th season is sponsored by Paramount Automotive, SunBelt Xpress and Green Park Dentistry. HCT is a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County.
(Photo by Eric Seale)
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