GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Colorado Mesa University Theatre Program’s production of Ride the Cyclone isn’t just another show for Jeremy Franklin. It marks the end of an 18-year journey. As the director and a long-time instructor of musical theatre at CMU, Franklin takes his final bow with his 40th production before stepping away from the program.
A Show That Wasn’t Meant to Be His
Franklin initially planned to retire at the end of the previous academic year. With that in mind, he carefully selected Ride the Cyclone, believing it would be a smooth transition for whoever took over. However, fate had different plans. When it became clear that he would remain for one more year, the production transformed into something far more personal.
“It’s this beautiful show full of laughter and sorrow and this life-affirming message of what life really is all about,” Franklin shared. What started as a convenient choice quickly turned into a deeply resonant experience, reflecting his own farewell to CMU.
A Year of Reflection and Transition
Saying goodbye isn’t easy, and Franklin doesn’t sugarcoat it. “It’s been bittersweet because it’s a lot of saying goodbye to friends that you’ve made along the way,” he said.
But while goodbyes bring sadness, they also make room for new beginnings. He describes this transition as both an end and an adventure. “It’s the adventure of what’s to come, and the friends we’re going to make and the life we’re going to live.”
The Meaning Behind the Final Performance
There’s something poetic about closing a long career with a production that explores life, death, and what it means to truly live. For Franklin, Ride the Cyclone was more than a play—it was a reflection of his own journey.
- The play deals with young lives cut short, prompting deep questions about purpose and fulfillment.
- Franklin, while in a different stage of life, found himself contemplating similar themes: What has this journey meant? What comes next?
- He expressed gratitude for being able to end his time at CMU on his own terms, saying, “The beauty of being able to have your facilities about you when you’re making your swan song is a beautiful notion.”
A Lasting Legacy
While Franklin won’t be in the director’s chair next year, his impact on the CMU Theatre Program won’t be forgotten. Over nearly two decades, he’s shaped students, crafted unforgettable performances, and left an indelible mark on the program’s culture.
His wish for CMU’s theatre program is simple: “I want to see them soar.” Though his time at CMU is over, Franklin’s influence will be felt in every performance, every student he’s mentored, and every show that follows.
