REVIEW: CCPAC's The Lightning Thief

With a steady influx of page-t0-stage or screen-to-stage musical adaptations these days, it seems hard to believe that the Percy Jackson novels would ever strike the stage. TheatreWorks USA first created The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson musical in April 2017 (long after the 2010 movie adaptation flopped), believing that the enormous amount of source material could be translated into a musical featuring contemporary pop-rock songs and an energetic cast of characters trying to catch a spark of what the novel enthusiasts loved so much about Percy Jackson’s world of gods, myths and mortals.

TheatreWorks decidedly low budget initial production efforts seemed to charm audiences and eventually, the show made it to Broadway in October 2019. The critical response, however, eventually led to the musical being snubbed at the Tonys in 2020 with zero nominations, despite its solid performances and it being the only original score that year. Audiences maintained a love of the show and The Lightning Thief found new life as community, school and regional rights became available. This is where we find Curtain Call’s Intensive Program’s Hamilton debut of the production and this electrifying and mega-talented troupe not only captures the teenage experience of angst and searching for belonging but strikes every moment with heart, creativity and professional excellence.

Director Danielle Viola’s casting is extremely diverse and each of her 19 cast members are allowed several moments to shine in various solos and characters throughout the show. The cast truly excels as an ensemble in highlights such as the Campfire Song where we hear from various characters and the less-than-stellar relationships they have with their godly parents and the showstopping D.O.A. led through the devious glee and astounding vocals by Ashley-Marie Guerin as Charon (among her other equally impressive characters such as Mrs. Dodds and The Oracle). This number was also full of Underworld puns and references which had the audience laughing loudly throughout.

Our leads are a delightful mix of comedic and endearing as Percy (a pouty yet powerful Ash Carey), Annabeth (a spirited and fierce Rose Krause) and Grover (portrayed by Claire Cappellani, whose comedic talent and impressive vocals steal almost every scene they are in). This trio really solidify an understanding of the teenage experience; searching for purpose and belonging and even when they appear unlikeable or misguided, they deserve to be accepted for who and what they are. Without these natural traits within them as performers, scenes would come off more melodramatic than intended but, given the nature of the script, the moments of dramatic flare lends to some really memorable performances. Bravo.

As per usual with Curtain Call productions, the atmospheric elements, clever staging, simple but energetic choreography and set design add to the narrative well. It was so refreshing seeing this company have the space to really perform in (The Gasworks was a fantastic venue in general). While there seems to be little room to breathe between scenes (the amount of exposition given throughout the songs alone is, at times, overwhelming), the show and transitions are fluid and maintain the script’s pace. There are even a few nods to the original production’s low budget “effects” that still prove both funny and effective.

There are plenty more highlights worth mentioning but know that every single member of this production combines their devotion and confidence to create an incredible performance that is a joy to behold. Everyone on that stage (and behind it) has a future in musical theatre and opportunities such as learning through Curtain Call will only continue to nurture and develop these young professionals. If you are looking for some of the strongest talent in the Hamilton theatre scene, it is at this show.

The Lightning Thief resonates with young adults with its themes of found family, acceptance and embracing your weirdness and being loved because of it. Our hero’s journey is one we all understand and, perhaps, have even faced ourselves. Curtain Call’s production has truly captured the essence of an electrifying theatrical experience about legendary myths and less-than-perfect gods (and their offspring). It is one of Curtain Call’s best productions to date. Lightning only strikes three more times. Don’t miss it.

LIGHTNING THIEF TICKETS