The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
A rocking update of the myth of Perseus, performed May 13–29, 2022.
See Also
Book by Joe Tracz
Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki
Based on the novel by Rick Riordan
About This Production
Much like the Percy Jackson & the Olympians book series by Rick Riordan, this rock musical and its songs have earned a cult following of their own. The show’s Off-Broadway debut (2014) earned critical praise and Drama Desk Award nominations, including Best Musical, before moving on to national tours and a brief Broadway run. Its themes of kids dealing with absentee parents, academic struggles, social shunning, and facing the “monsters” of the real world all hit home in a modern take on ancient Greek myths.
Director’s Note
From the playbill:
When I took my first look at The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical less than a year ago, I was already late to the party. Unlike millions of readers of all ages, I wasn’t up on the series of young adult novels by Rick Riordan. I was barely aware that the two CGI-stuffed film adaptations of his stories were generally disliked both by the author and by his fans. Upon reading the first volume, I found that the musical sticks much closer to the voice and focus of The Lightning Thief than the screen version does.
Maybe it helps for the stage-bound version of this story to serve as a first impression for some of us. A focus not on magic and escape, but on real kids dealing with common problems—especially neglectful and absentee parents—is in your face right from the opening number. Our main character is also the champion of anyone challenged by dyslexia, ADHD, and/or the struggles of a social misfit. Percy gives anyone with cognitive differences a hero to recognize, showing that most of our differences are gifts rather than curses.
It has been a joy to work with this kind, smart, and tireless cast, where the work and talent of every last one of them was key to bringing this adventure story to life. I’m also thankful to the entire production team and to all the Spotlight Family, starting with Artistic Director, Kenny Grossman, who, when planning the season last year, thought I was the one apt to direct “the crazy show with the monsters and puppets.” I hope he was right.
Enjoy the show!
Bobby Sample, Director
Cast
| Role | Performer(s) |
|---|---|
| Percy Jackson | Owen Donsker |
| Annabeth Chase | Zoie Moller |
| Grover Underwood | Landon Kalin |
| Luke / Hades / Minotaur | Braiden Lee |
| Sally Jackson / The Oracle | Lauren Youngstedt |
| Mr. Brunner / Chiron / Ares | Andrei Igdanes |
| Clarisse La Rue / Squirrel | Zoey Waller |
| Mr. D | Calvin Corey |
| Silena Beauregard / Charon | Tabi Momeyer |
| Katie Gardner | Lee Conort |
| Gabe / Poseidon | TJ Brumbaugh |
| Mrs. Dodds / Fury / Kurt Cobain / Ocean Spirit | Kiera Crouch |
| Aunty Em / Medusa / Nancy Bobofit | Olivia Martinez |
| Thalia / Sister Fury | Addi Lauder |
| James Brown / UPS Guy | AJ King |
| Janis Joplin / Newscaster | Mia Hurley |
| Mozart / Bus Passenger | Jay Schwab |
| Echidna / DJ Cerberus / Sister Fury | Emmy Lange |
| Train Conductor / Bus Driver / Ocean Spirit | Chris Brown |
| Farmer / Uncle Ferdinand | Owen Morris |
| Bianca / Bus Passenger | Anna Parker |
| Campmates / Classmates / Ghouls | Company |
| Dance Ensemble | Chris Brown |
| Mia Hurley | |
| AJ King | |
| Emmy Lange | |
| Addi Lauder | |
| Olivia Martinez | |
| Owen Morris | |
| Jay Schwab | |
| Anna Parker | |
| Kronos | Himself |
Production Team
| Role(s) | Team Member(s) |
|---|---|
| Director / Scenic & Projection Design / Animation | Bobby Sample |
| Musical Director | Elisa W. Kurbat |
| Choreographer / Hair & Makeup Design | Falin Ossipinsky |
| Assistant Director / Fight Choreographer | Jack Taylor |
| Stage Management | Maria Cruz |
| Kenny Grossman | |
| Costume Design | Samantha Utpadel |
| Lighting Design | Anthony Rozzen |
| Josh Hontz | |
| Jack Taylor | |
| Sound Design | Jack Taylor |
| Sound Programming | Anthony Rozzen |
| Properties Artisans | Kenny Grossman |
| Vicki Grossman | |
| Monsters & Puppet Design | Bobby Sample |
| Dance Captain | Mia Hurley |
| Tech Team | Ellie Little |
| Nevaeh Monk | |
| Lilly Belle Lange | |
| Band: | |
| Keyboard / Conductor | Elisa W. Kurbat |
| Percussion | Nico Viquesney |
| Bass | Ian Nussdorfer |
| Guitars | Gage Diehl-Gonzales |
| Miles Naffah |
Awards & Recognitions for This Production
2021-2022 ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence
“Zonis” will be awarded in a ceremony Oct. 3. The following are nominations for this production.
- Actress in a Major Role – Youth Musical: Zoie Moller
- Actor in a Major Role – Youth Musical: Owen Donsker
- Actress in a Supporting Role – Youth Musical: Zoey Waller
- Actress in a Supporting Role – Youth Musical: Lauren Youngstedt
- Actor in a Supporting Role – Youth Musical: Landon Kalin
- Director – Youth Musical: Bobby Sample and Jack Taylor
- Musical Direction – Youth Theatre: Elise Kurbat
- Choreography – Youth Theatre: Falin Ossipinsky
- Specialized Choreography – Youth Theatre: Jack Taylor (Fight Choreography)
- Costume Design – Youth Theatre: Samantha Utpadel
- Hair and Makeup Design – Youth Theatre: Falin Ossipinsky
- Lighting Design – Youth Theatre: Anthony Rozzen, Josh Hontz, and Jack Taylor
- Sound Design – Youth Theatre: Jack Taylor and Anthony Rozzen
- Property Design – Youth Theatre: Kenny Grossman, Vicki Grossman, and Bobby Sample
- Artistic Specialization – Youth Theatre: Bobby Sample (Puppet and Masks)
- Media Design – Youth Theatre: Bobby Sample, Josh Hontz and Anthony Rozzen