On Friday, March 28, Pauper Players opened their spring musical, “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” The musical was written by Rob Rokicki and Joe Tracz and is based on the bestselling book by Rick Riordan. The production was directed by Katelyn Wong ‘26.
“The Lightning Thief” was filled with colorful visuals, fantastic costumes and prop use that follows through on the vibe that Percy Jackson demands. A live band also sat on the right side of the stage throughout the show, accompanying the cast as they performed.
The show began with Percy Jackson (Cort Stevenson ‘27) recalling a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which caused him to be expelled from school. He also tells the audience about “half-bloods,” the half-mortal half-god children of the Greek Gods.
Then, Percy has to explain to his mom, Sally (Lucy Oxford ‘25) what happened. She takes him to the beach to learn more about his father, and she informs him that she will be sending him to a summer camp.
Sally and Grover accompany Percy on the way to camp before being interrupted by a minotaur, which subsequently kills Sally and renders Percy injured and unconscious. The minotaur scene is one of the most epic in the show. The costume for the minotaur is large and looming on stage and commands both the audience and characters attention. Flashing lights and haze help to set the fright in the scene.
Upon waking up, Percy meets Annabeth (Kathryn Porter ‘28). He also meets the camp’s director, Mr. D (Elaina Penn ‘27), who has an undeniable presence every time she is on stage. Percy learns that he is a demi-god and that the camp is for the half-mortal children of the Greek Gods. He also meets Clarisse (Pippa Miller ‘28) and Luke (Josh Saadati ‘28) before a game of capture the flag. During “Put You in Your Place” there is extensive fight choreography that goes on throughout the game of capture the flag. The lights are a deep red, a hint at Clarisse’s father, Ares.
Following the game, Percy is claimed by his godly parent, Poseidon (Ethan Phillips ‘25) by a trident shining in the starry sky. At the same time this is revealed, a rumor emerges that Percy is the demi-god who stole Zeus’ lightning bolt. Percy is then sent to The Oracle (Julianna Sparacio ‘28) to receive a prophecy about a hero’s quest, the greatest honor for a demi-god. The scene featuring the Oracle has an eerie feeling around it. Each ensemble member is dressed in dark rag-like costumes. A haze comes over the stage as The Oracle sings the prophecy while Percy fearfully watches.
After Percy is upset that he has to leave camp already to go on his quest, he breaks out into the song, “Good Kid”, a highlight of the musical that spotlights the musical’s lead character and his issues stemming from not knowing his paternal parentage. “Good Kid” is arguably the strongest song in the show. “D.O.A” is such a fun number as Charon (Ella Johnsen ‘27) guides the main trio into the underworld.
Throughout the musical, the cast’s stellar vocals are on display. The show is incredibly cast and every single member fills their role impeccably. The high-points of the show include “Good Kid”, “Killer Quest!”, “Drive” and “Lost!”, which is incredibly catchy. “Put You in Your Place” and “My Grand Plan” deliver show-stopping vocal performances from Miller and Porter respectively.
The show is incredibly funny and balances out themes of identity, family, and friendship. In the show, the most important connection is between Annabeth, Percy, and Grover. The entire musical rides on their chemistry and Stevenson, Porter, and Wood create a believable tight-knit bond on stage that feels effortless and genuine. Their dynamic is the heart and soul of the show.
Overall, the product is a fun and excellent take on “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” It is incredibly cast and shows off the talent of Furman’s Pauper Players.
