The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical made its Broadway debut in 2017 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre and went on a national tour in 2019. The show's source material, Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians YA book series, has inspired several on-screen adaptations since the first book's 2005 release, with a film version in 2010 and a Disney+ series in 2023. The story follows Percy, a half-god, half-human finding his footing as a world of myths suddenly comes to life. The question is, can he and his friends from Camp Half-Blood complete their quest and prevent a war between the gods?
Otherworld Theatre’s production of The Lightning Thief stars a talented trio as Percy, Grover, and Annabeth, the young heroes that must head out on a quest filled with monsters, teen angst, and familial complications. This otherworldly trio, along with the full ensemble, nails every comedic beat in the musical's book, written by Joe Tracz. The cast also deftly navigates the show's dynamic music and lyrics by Rob Rokickig.
This production is co-directed by Colin Borinsenko (who is also in charge of props and fight direction) and Tiffany Keane Schaffer (the artistic director of Otherworld who also supervises costumes, projections, and set design). For a musical in a black box-sized theatre, the sound balance is excellent, and it’s easy to understand every lyric and joke (thanks to co-music direction by Brian Rasmussen and Quinn Brann). Small production details also add to the audience’s enjoyment, including “r u a demigod bingo” in the program, and Percy’s ADHD tendencies represented through the use of a fidget spinner.
Valerie Cambron is an electric protagonist, finding the perfect balance between Percy’s tween insecurities and superhuman talents. Her vocal fluidity between softer moments of falsetto and full-voiced triumph is also a standout element of her performance. Choreography showcases Isabela Barry’s dance background, giving her character Annabeth moments to shine (beyond her vocals) with a double pirouette and high kick. The trio’s third, the trusted satyr Grover, is played by Mollie Menuck, whose comedic chops live up to the half-goat’s canonical silliness. Joseph Yanez’s silky voice is a perfect fit for smooth-talking camper Luke, and he and the remaining members of the ensemble succeed in taking on multiple roles, like Justin Grey McPike's hilarious take on Percy's teacher, Mrs. Dodds, and the goddess, Medusa. (The cast also includes Krista Rose Coniglio, Hayley Brenner, Jake Blonstein, and Ethan Evans.)
There’s good reason for the plethora of Lightning Thief adaptations in recent years. Percy’s story is a relatable one: he's a kid who’s had trouble fitting in, whose learning style isn’t accommodated by traditional schooling, and who has a lot to learn about himself and his unique skillset. But we learn that, sometimes, what appears to be a weakness is a strength: ADHD provides battlefield reflexes, dyslexia helps you read ancient Greek, and a demigod's "impertinence" translates to courage in the face of a powerful enemy. As Percy’s mom tells him, “Normal is a myth: everyone has issues they’re dealing with.” While demigods’ problems may stem from their godly parentage, each character in The Lightning Thief is determined to reach their full heroic potential. And, like so many myths, theirs is a story worth re-telling.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical has been extended through August 25 at Otherworld Theatre, 3914 N Clark St. You can find tickets online for $40 with some pay-what-you-can at www.otherworldtheatre.org. Running time is 2 hours with a 15-minute intermission.
For more information on this and other plays, see theatreinchicago.com.
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