This NYMF musical asks us to watch not only a comic book serial (about a mysterious super woman who protects the just-built Cyclone roller coaster at Coney Island) but also the modern-day cartoonist creating it. The conceit does pay off, giving the show a surprisingly serious theme and some depth…there are many strong elements (including an accomplished score with some hypnotic ensemble numbers) waiting to come together here for a unique musical… One of the most memorable entries at this year's [2008 New York Musical Theatre] festival. Paul Niebanck and David Garry are cast stand-outs.

- Patrick Lee

Just because summer is officially behind us doesn't mean we have to wait until next year for that season's usual crop of superhero blockbusters. In Cyclone (and the Pig-Faced Lady), presented by New Perspectives Theatre Company, you don't get to see the heroes shoot lasers from their eyes or employ a stock of fancy gadgets. This time the heroes get to sing… Most of the show's songs, written by composer Rima Fand and librettist/lyricist Dana Leslie Goldstein, are contained in the comic book world and they are infused with the same 1920s carnival feel as the story: they are fun and flashy.

As the story progresses, though, the songs begin to creep into Sally's world, including the very nice "Haunted" and the finale "Wake Up to the World." For me, though, the most memorable is the song "If Life Were Like a Comic Book," sung to Sally by a group of rabid comic book fans at the convention she attends. The wit in the lyric writing really pops with this song that—while playing to the main emotional conflict of the show—is allowed to not take itself too seriously.

- Robert Attenweiler

Any musical that rhymes coup d'état with Wonderbra obviously has something going for it… Populated with colorful sideshow archetypes — notably Mephisto (David Garry), the satanic impresario of the House of Horrors — Cyclone and the Pig-Faced Lady benefits from Morgenstern's sympathetic presence and the solid vocal talents of the supporting cast. Composer Rima Fand contributes an atmospheric score that conjures old-time cabaret and French accordion music, seasoned with a dash of contemporary dissonance.

- A.J. Mell

An ultimately uplifting tale about coping with tragedy and embracing your inner hero.

- Dan Bacalzo

The leading ladies were wonderful, with the cartoonist also playing the Pig-Faced Lady. The sketches they showed on the screen really did make me believe that there was a title called Cyclone... and I was half-thinking, where can I get my hands on that? The actors were particularly good, with a handsome lead actor playing the fiance and the love of Cyclone aka Roma, and the actor playing the villain as well as the comic book editor with mad glee.

- Robot Duck Live Journal Review

I went to see Cyclone and the Pig-Faced Lady tonight, part of NYMF (The New York Musical Theater Festival for those of you who aren’t theater geeks as we are). We laughed, we cried, we marvelled… it was so entertaining and poignant… The cast was amazing. I hope it gets picked up and shows up at least Off-Broadway at some point.

Move over Wonder Woman!

Librettist/Lyricist Dana Leslie Goldstein writes about the show in her own words on BroadwayWorld.com .

Hear from the superhero behind the superhero!

Check out Librettist/Lyricist Dana Leslie Goldstein and cast member Jodie Bentley on Broadway Bullet!

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(mp3; 162MB)

CYCLONE cast members will be appearing

September 19, 2008

at

The Duplex
61 Christopher Street (at 7th Ave.)
11:30pm
(212) 255-5438

CYCLONE’S Ariela Morgenstern is a top-ten finalist at NYMF's Next Broadway Sensation!
(Formerly known as Broadway Idol)

September 19, 2008

Feel the girl power at The Zipper Tavern
336 West 37th Street (between 8th and 9th Aves)
11PM
Tix $15