"Bring on the monsters."
- The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
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What did Erin think?
Scene: The orchestra of the Longacre Theatre. In front of me is a mother with two grade school-aged children. On my left is a woman in her 60s or 70s. Behind me is a group of young adults. What brought us all together?The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.
Directed by Stephen Brackett, with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki and a book by Joe Tracz, this show is pure euphoria. It impressed the kids, made the elderly woman laugh, and made me, a youngish adult, grin from ear to ear. It's delightful. It's inspiring. It's endlessly fun. It's The Lightning Thief.
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. This show got slammed hard by critics. Maybe that's because "Critics" (with a capital C), aren't the target audience. Isn't it about time we mounted a Broadway show for kids?
And if kids are the target audience, The Lightning Thief succeeds completely. Kids laugh at the jokes, respond to the characters, and crowd the stage door exclaiming to everyone in a proud voice that they've read all the books. What could be better?
Of course, that doesn't mean grown-ups won't enjoy The Lightning Thief. Or maybe it does. Maybe Grown-Ups (capital G, capital U) won't enjoy it, but grown-up people who are still kids at heart certainly will.
Based on the first Percy Jackson book by Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief brings Greek mythology to modern times, introducing a place called Camp Half-Blood where demigods--children of one mortal parent and one godly parent--can stay safe from monsters and train for battle.
When he's accused of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt, Percy, son of the sea god Poseidon, goes on a quest to find the missing bolt and return it to Olympus to clear his name. Aided by Annabeth Chase, daughter of Athena, and Grover Underwood, a satyr, he journeys to the Underworld, which oddly enough is located in present day L.A.
The cast of seven (most play multiple roles) show off their versatility and high energy, pulling one theatrical magic trick after the other, all while singing powerfully enough to bring down the rafters.
Kristin Stokes' ringing vocals alone could probably achieve that feat. And not only does she sing like no other, she crafts a compelling character while doing it--playing up Annabeth's tough side and need to prove herself without sacrificing the wise girl's warmth and goodness.
Meanwhile, in case you asked for the perfect stage incarnation of Percy Jackson, you have it in Chris McCarrell: hyperactive, bungling, and impertinent. He's the definition of Persassy.
In fact, the casting of this show is another act of theatrical magic--as if the casting director somehow plucked Rick Riordan's characters right off the page and set them on a Broadway stage.
But enough said about the cast. The music of The Lightning Thief is also a thing of beauty--endlessly clever lyrics set to a pop/rock score. Composed and written by Rob Rokicki, the score features some of the most singable, high-energy original songs to hit Broadway in at least a decade. Punctuated by stage effects like bright lights, confetti, and toilet paper rolls, plus Patrick McCollum's high-energy choreography, every number is a theatrical firework.
Then there's the stagecraft. From the towering, mummified Oracle of Delphi to the fearsome Minotaur and the exploding toilet bowl--each effect is ingeniously staged as a sort of DIY project on steroids (in the best sense). In a venue that tends to feature traditional if impressive sets, props, and costumes, the innovative, playful stagecraft of The Lightning Thief is delightfully refreshing.
Everyone's entitled to their opinion. At the end of the day, The Lightning Thief may fail to impress the big-wig critics. It may not take home any Tonys (though I'll be rooting hard for it come Tony season). But I, for one, love it with all my heart.
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| Pictured: Chris McCarrell. Photo by Jeremy Daniel. |
How can I get cheap tickets?
$42 rush tickets are available at the box office. There's also a digital lottery for $42 tickets. If you're willing to spend a little more for great seats, there are always discounted tickets available at the TKTS booths, usually ranging from $58 to $82. Whatever you do, step on it. The Lightning Thief ends January 5th, so you're running out of time.Where should I sit?
For the absolute best possible experience you'll be remembering fondly for years to come, I suggest the orchestra. You'll get blasted with confetti and you may even be lucky enough to have toilet paper rolled out over your head. But if you need a seat that's a little more economical, the balcony is supposedly a great place to watch from. Plus it's where Rob Rokicki sits. Do you need a better reason?
How long is it?
Two hours and five minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
What else do I need to know?
You don't necessarily need to have read the book to enjoy the show. About five minutes before the start of the performance I attended, the woman sitting next to me literally asked, "So do we know what this is about?" She then proceeded to laugh and whisper comments like, "he's good" throughout the whole show. So I'd say she enjoyed it.
Is it appropriate for all ages?
Yes. The age recommendation is 8+. There are two or three mild swear words but your kids probably won't even catch them. Other than that, it's completely clean.
Where's the stagedoor and who comes out?
I know for a fact that everyone comes out for at least some performances. I went to a matinee the day before Thanksgiving, and everyone except Chris McCarrell came out, signed, took photographs, and chatted. This is the chillest cast I've ever stage-doored for, and the sweetest. As a bonus, Rob Rokicki himself came out and asked humbly if anyone wanted him to sign their playbills. That's when I died.
Your obedient servant,
EJK
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