Brown Cow Collective Presents “Ride the Cyclone: The Musical”
Brown Cow Collective, an emerging theater company in Alberta, is gearing up to present their latest production, “Ride the Cyclone: The Musical.” Ryan Maschke, founder and artistic director of the Collective, hopes that the immersive experience the group is bringing to this contemporary Canadian musical will captivate audiences.
Ryan founded Brown Cow Collection in 2019, with the aim of providing opportunities for emerging artists to be taken seriously in the professional theater world. He saw a gap in the industry and envisioned the collective as a stepping stone for artists seeking to transition from the emerging to the professional stage. The collective’s first production, “Sweet Charity,” challenged traditional casting and emphasized providing more opportunities for women in the theater community.
Ryan says that the Collective initially focused on reviving older works and bringing them into a modern light. However, “Ride the Cyclone” caught his attention due to its Canadian origins, its ability to showcase marginalized members of the theater community, and its thematic resonance with their venue in Olds, Alberta.
“There’s a lot of dialogue around how there’s no shame in liking your small town,” Ryan shares. “It gives you all these perspectives of growing up in a small town as well, and the possibility of never leaving it.
Immersive theater is a hallmark of Brown Cow Collective’s productions. Ryan explains that each venue is carefully selected to enhance the audience’s engagement. In the case of “Ride the Cyclone,” the show takes place at DM Maschke Farms, Ryan’s childhood farm, adding a personal touch to the immersive environment. By immersing the audience in the world of the performance, Brown Cow Collective creates a unique and captivating experience for theatergoers.
“So that's another reason why this show is dear to me. I grew up in Olds, and I’m bringing this show to my small town. It might seem a little avant garde, and a little bit pushy, in a way. But I love doing that, I love making an audience think and actually, maybe tricking them into seeing something a little bit more important.”
Despite being categorized as a thriller, “Ride the Cyclone” surprises audiences with its comedic tone. Ryan emphasizes that the show goes beyond the tragic event that occurs at the beginning and delves into the aftermath and the characters’ perspectives. Through a range of musical genres and diverse character viewpoints, the production evokes a variety of emotions while entertaining and making the audience think.
When it comes to casting, Brown Cow Collective focuses on engaging emerging and reemerging artists. Their audition process for “Ride the Cyclone” has included reaching out to queer and diverse artists and providing a platform for younger individuals who are on the cusp of entering the professional theater world. The Collective’s collaborative nature allows different perspectives to shape the production, ensuring a creative and dynamic ensemble.
Additionally, the show’s popularity on platforms like TikTok has drawn a younger audience, bridging the generational gap and introducing a well-known musical to a broader audience.
“We ended up having more applicants of the 16 to 19 range than we've ever had for a show,” Ryan says. He says he’s excited for this cast to bring the show to an audience who may not be in the MusicalTok algorithm.
For anyone in that digital space, however, hearing “Canadian” followed by “musical” may be a new experience. “For lack of a better word, it’s a pretty polite piece,” Ryan says. “Even in moments when characters are saying horrible things, they do it in the most polite way.” He says this is where the Canadian identity of the writers Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell shine through, even noting that the humour of the show feels distinctly Canadian.
As Brown Cow Collective prepares to present “Ride the Cyclone,” theater enthusiasts can anticipate an immersive and thought-provoking experience. Ryan and his team continue to push the boundaries of emerging theater, creating opportunities for artists and captivating audiences with their unique productions.
Tickets for “Ride the Cyclone: The Musical” are available now, and for anyone planning to attend the show, Ryan has one piece of advice: “Read your information on your ticket for getting there.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fraser Tripp
PIB — Managing Editor
Pride In Business article in partnership with TD.
By Fraser Tripp