When your folks run the universe...(Clarksville Little Theatre)

Apr 12

3 min read

The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical Book by Joe Tracz Music and Lyrics by Rokicki Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan Directed by Jason Potts A review by Kate Barry

I have to be honest. Before stepping into Clarksville Little Theatre, I did not know anything about Percy Jackson, or the book franchise. I kept hearing about the musical as it has made the rounds in the local theater scene, especially high schools but what was it? Entering The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical with no expectations or judgement, I was soon pleasantly surprised by the adventurous poppy musical about a boy who just wants to fit in.

Brayden Glass is a pitch perfect Percy. As he embarks on a true hero’s quest in a shocking blue hoodie, Glass is likeable and emotionally resonant in songs like “The Weirdest Dream” and “Good Kid.” He brings relatable frustrations tied to Percy’s struggles in school while avoiding self-pity. Glass’ Percy channels an “every-boy” or “every-kid” archetype who is facing the perils of growing up, finding his real dad, saving the planet and having a crush on his friend. Glass leads the cast through adventures, drops incredulous one liners and has fun learning how to handle a sword . Through his performance, Brayden’s Percy grows into his powers as he realizes the space he takes up in the world is, in fact, worthwhile.

Greek myths feed into the improvisational nature and do-it-yourself quality of the play. As is custom with young adult novels, the storyline is easy to understand and the myths are given some fun updates. Jeremy O’Brien makes excellent comedic choices as Chiron, the centaur who provides guidance for Percy. Dressed in intellectual garb and a tail, it is his clopping and strutting that really sells the performance. O’Brien does well as the laid back Poseidon who still has a thing for Percy’s mother, played with equal flirtation by Ashley Gallinaro. Her Sally brings lovely supportive vocals with Glass’ version of “Strong” as well.

As Percy meets the different gods, the personalities grow more larger than the last. Josh O’Brien is a seemingly nice old lady with a shocking twist if you look them in the eyes as Aunt Em. Dan O’Neil is a party animal who loves a good time without responsibility as Mr. D, while Kelly Doyle is feel good hippie as Oracle in one scene and a shiny disco diva as Charon in act two.

A running theme in Percy Jackson’s story is the sense of community found within children of gods who are left behind. Percy finds this community at camp with a band of misfits who are estranged or abandoned. Ava Vanderkoff’s Annabeth is a smart and tough girl with something to prove as the daughter of Athena. Vanderkoff overflows with confidence with “My Grand Plan,” an anthem that all young girls should listen to on repeat. TJ Lewis brings fine comedic stylings as Grover, Percy’s satyr best friend. While Lewis brings lots of well timed jokes, even one about Chappell Roan which was met with thunderous applause by the large group of students in the audience, Lewis lends his lovely vocal to the emotional “The Tree on the Hill” with balanced sincerity.

Growing up is not easy. Percy Jackson’s story teaches that the world can be scary place “where the monsters are.” With friends on his side, Percy is able to overcome and defeat the monsters and conquer his quest. And while The Lighting Thief may have roots in young adult fiction, there are lessons we can all learn from.

The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical Clarksville Little Theatre April 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 & 13 301 E Montgomery Ave Clarksville IN 47129 clarksvillelittletheatre.org