Imagine your surprise if you learned your father is a Greek god. That shocking discovery means, as Percy Jackson discovers, he is a demi-god.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical begins with that premise and romps merrily through the resulting action when Percy goes to a summer camp for teens. There, our hero discovers not only who he is, but also who his classmates and teachers are. On top of all that, he is assigned a quest (something all heroes must have). He must find Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt before all-out war descends upon the lesser gods and demi-gods.
The show is a real feast for fantasy lovers (hand raised here). The Helen’s stadium seating suggests classic Greek theatre structures — albeit on a much smaller scale.
Expertly directed by Chris McCarrell, the production is a collaboration between Playhouse Square and Baldwin Wallace University. McCarrell, a BW alum, starred in it on and off Broadway. With music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki and book by Joe Tracz, it owes its genesis to Rick Riordan’s popular fantasy novel series featuring Percy Jackson.
As the title character on Friday, Danny Bó winningly conveys the surprise and wonder a teen might feel upon discovering his father is Poseidon, the Greek god of oceans and waters. The scene where Bó hides in the bathroom (source of water, do not forget) makes for laughs and great comic action. Audrey Zahn (a feisty Annabeth) and Jonah Warhaft (Grover, the hero’s nerdy best friend) prove indispensable allies on Percy’s quest to find the lightning thief.
Although the roles of Percy, Annabeth, and Grover are double cast, the rest of the ensemble is not. Dario Alvarez, Kechante Baker, Mark Doyle, Will Boone, Sydney Whittenburg and Avery Elledge all charm as creatures mythic and human.
Music director Lindsay Miller and choreographer Savannah Cooper helped rock numbers such as “Good Kid,” “Killer Quest,” “My Grand Plan,” “The Tree on the Hill,” and “Bring on the Monsters.” Innovative scenic props by Jack-Anthony Ina and costumes by Tesia Dugan Benson showed creativity and economy. Opening night the spotlights missed a couple of destinations, but the theater was small enough that it was easy to see what we were supposed to see. Carlton Guc (sound designer) and Michaela Henry (production stage manager) also added to the enchantment.
Bottom Line: Another top-notch collaboration between BWMT and Playhouse Square. It’s too bad that it came and went (like lightning?) on one weekend.
[Written by Laura Kennelly]