The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
Book by Joe Tracz, Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki
Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Russell Miller Theatre
November 3rd-6th
Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 PM
What do you do when you find out the Greek gods are real, Poseidon’s your dad, and you’re a half-blood with weird new powers and mythical monsters on your trail? If you’re teenager Percy Jackson, you somehow end up on a quest with your best friend, Grover, and fellow half-blood, Annabeth, to find Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt and prevent a war between the gods.
Since its publication in 2004, Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians series has captured the hearts of tens of millions of kids – and adults – across the world with its playful take on Greek mythology and its stories about the “awesome, dangerous and scary, thrilling” quests undertaken by a group of loveable, relatable, and very human young demi-god heroes. In addition to two equally beloved book series and a much-anticipated upcoming stand-alone novel, the Percy Jackson series is no stranger to pop culture, having been adapted into two movies, a collection of camps modeled after the one in the books, a graphic novel, an upcoming Disney+ series… and an “irreverent, rock-and-roll” musical.
This fall, Western Kentucky University’s Department of Theatre & Dance is bringing that musical, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical to the stage. It was students’ passion for the source material that made Associate Professor Dr. Michelle Dvoskin want to direct the show. The production’s dramaturg, junior BFA Theatre major Léa Schenk, explains that “people in my generation grew up alongside Percy. As each new book came out, we were learning just like he was.” Another big fan of the books is junior BFA Musical Theatre major Madison Harmon, who plays the titular Percy. “Growing up,” Harmon says, “these books meant a lot to me. I found myself in the characters and escaped between the pages of this beloved series.”
Dr. Dvoskin was quick to point out, though, that it’s not just college students who are fans – of the books or the show: “My 12-year-old nephew has read every single Percy Jackson book. And so have I. It really is a musical for the entire family.” She also promises that even people unfamiliar with the books will have a fantastic time, since “the musical gives you everything you need to know to be swept up in the adventure, humor and heart of this world.” Assistant Director Mallory Crouch, a junior BFA Theatre major, agrees, saying, “Before I knew I had the opportunity to work on The Lightning Thief, I had never read the book. I still haven’t read the entire series! However, I found such a beautiful story full of fun and life in this show that I loved it instantly.”
The Lightning Thief was originally written to be performed by a cast of seven actors portraying all 34 of the demi-gods, gods, monsters, humans and animals that populate the show. For WKU’s version, the creative team decided to add to the fun by featuring a cast of 19, including two puppeteers. Why puppeteers? Stage manager Katie Hurst, a senior BA Theatre major, explains that the WKU production has taken a design approach that makes the musical “a kind of living graphic novel, with shadow puppets and human actors bringing some moments to life in silhouette. It’s a lot of work, but I know it’s going to be probably one of the best productions I’ve worked on.” Junior BFA Design and Technology major Lillian Hargesheimer was eager to take on the challenge of creating the puppets, since “The Percy Jackson series was really big for me when I was a kid, and I’m excited to bring that magic to life.”
People involved with the show are also excited about sharing its message. Riordan first invented these characters for his son, Haley, who struggled with ADHD and dyslexia, and Dr. Dvoskin particularly appreciates how that plays out in the musical: “Percy and the other half-bloods also have ADHD and dyslexia – and it turns out that those are superpowers, not disabilities. It’s so rare to see neurodiversity presented in a positive way, and I think that makes the show really important. And at its core, this show says that every single one of us can be a hero. Especially when we work together.” Crouch agrees, saying, “This story is one of friendship and embracing the things that make each of us different, which is something that can always be more celebrated!”
Performances of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical will take place in Russell Miller Theatre in the Fine Arts Center (FAC) on Western Kentucky University’s Bowling Green Main Campus. Show dates are November 3-6, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance at wku.showare.com or at the door. This show is for all ages and can be enjoyed by everyone.
Ticket Information:
November 3 – 6, 2022, Russell H. Miller Theatre, FAC
Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm CDT
Saturday & Sunday at 2pm CDT
Adults $20
Students/Seniors (62+) $16
$12 for Kids 12 & Under
wku.showare.com
Special Event!
In preparation for the opening of The Lightning Thief, we’ll be hosting a Lightning Thief Quest on October 9th at the top of the hill. Participants will get a chance to meet the cast, play games and go on their own hero’s quest, just like Percy does in the show! Fun challenges for contestants will include things like Percy Jackson trivia, Red Light, Green Light with Medusa and Capture the Flag with Ares and Clarisse. There might even be a magical appearance from the Oracle during this quest of a lifetime on our own “Half-blood Hill!” While this event is primarily for kids ages 8-12, people of all ages are welcome. More information will be coming soon, so make sure you follow us on social media!
-submitted by WKU Department of Theatre & Dance
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