The Lightning Thief: the Percy Jackson Musical
So, there’s this middle grade adventure series loosely based on the antics (and pairings and ensuing offspring) of some Greek gods, and it was turned into a Broadway show. Oh, and it’s also a rock musical. Still with me?
Good.
Because The Lightning Thief: the Percy Jackson Musical– is absolutely fantastic and deserves a packed house for every night of its short Chicago stay at the Oriental Theatre.
Adapted from Rick Riordan’s wildly popular book The Lightning Thief, the story (directed by Stephen Brackett with book by Joe Tracz and music & lyrics by Rob Rokicki) revolves around Percy Jackson (played to brave and bewildered perfection by Chris McCarrell), the kid of a mortal Mom and- spoiler– god of a father who can’t seem to stay out of trouble or in one school for very long. After a mishap at a museum, Percy finds out a few things: His expulsion track record is unbroken, his mother has a few secrets about his absentee Dad, and his best friend is…a goat?
And then things get even crazier.
I knew this show would be fun, what with the positively rabid literary fan base in the audience. (Can we get a quick shout-out for tween and teen readers? Woot! FYI, knowing the story arc isn’t crucial to enjoying the heck out of this one.) But I didn’t know that it would be quite so funny. Between wry mythological references and one-liners worthy of their own applause breaks, I laughed even more than my accompanying nine year-old.
Other cast standouts in a company jam-packed with them include Jorrel Javier as loyal sidekick Grover- but whose Camp Half-Blood director Mr. D brings the house down on multiple occasions- and Kristin Stokes’ Annabeth, the unacknowledged daughter of Athena who has to be twice as good as Percy to get half the recognition, and whose second act song ‘My Grand Plan’ is the first real chill-inducing number of the whole show.
While some embellishments have been added to the plot- a particularly inspired underworld sequence with dearly departed music icons comes to mind- the show definitely has every element that series readers were eagerly hoping to see brought to life. Running at a tight two hours, including one intermission, this is a good one for the whole fam. (It’s recommended for ages 9 and up, but you know your li’l bookworm best.)
(credit: Jeremy Daniel)
Lightning strikes fast, though, and this show hits the road after this Sunday, January 13th. Gods and mortals alike will want to take advantage of Broadway in Chicago’s digital lottery, with 26 tickets available the day before each performance for $25 apiece, and they’re also offering a select number of day-of rush tickets for $39.
Friends, watch out for your hearts; this tour is so good that lightning bolts aren’t the only thing in danger of being stolen.
(Forgive me.)
***
Runs through January 13th, 2019
at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, Chicago
And check out the original cast album, now streaming on Spotify!
Speak Your Mind