The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, opened this past week at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.
Directed by Stephen Brackett, this musical, based upon Rick Riordan‘s beloved book (now popular movie, starring Logan Lerman), is full of sarcasm, action, confusion, angst, and bravery.
I won’t lie- the beginning of the show through me for a loop. Walking into the theatre, I expected a fun, yet serious performance; I should have read the books. The moment the show started, I was struck with the insane humor being presented, and the almost child-like lyrics being sung. I thought I was watching A Very Potter Musical, the Starkid Production Company breakout show. It felt farcical, a show in which the actors and production team, knew how ridiculous it was, and were happy to make fun of themselves. It wasn’t until the second act, that the tone settled in, and I actually enjoyed the performances, and script.
Casting by Jason Blitman and Greg Uliasz, this two hour and 30 -minute production is filled with incredibly talented New York Actors. Starring Chris McCarrell, as Percy, George Salazar as Grover, and Kristin Stokes as Annabeth, The Lightning Thief is a riot, from start to finish.
McCarrell is a young Drew Gehling (Waitress on Broadway), charming the pants off of every ensemble member, and all those watching in the audience. His voice flies over the insanely high notes that composer, Rob Rokicki, presented him with, along with the incredible talents of Stokes, Salazar, and stand out of the evening, Carrie Compere. Ms. Compere stole the show with her solo “D.O.A”, proving her Broadway chops within three minutes. If anything, go see this show simply for Compere’s solo.
The Lightning Thief is playing through May 6th, and is sure to invite fans of all ages, making everyone who enters its space laugh, possibly cry (?), and feel like a little kid all over again.
