‘Look I didn’t want to be a Halfblood’
I have been a fan of the Percy Jackson and the Olympian series since I was in 5th grade right before the final book came out. When I had first learned of the musical I was skeptical. I mean how could I not be after the movies… *shudder* But then I started following along and realized it was nothing like the movies. For one they actually had a blonde Annabeth.
So of course when I found out the musical was touring I had to see if I could get tickets and 8 months later I finally got to go.
Here is everything you need to know about why the Lightning Thief is the perfect musical for Percy Jackson fans!
Percy and Annabeth.
Chris McCarrell and Kristin Stokes do a fantastic job at portraying these characters. These are two of my favorite characters of all time and I can say that I think they were wonderful at it. They are able to show the progression of their relationship throughout the first book and help the audience to see just how perfect these two are together. As well as show each characters individual struggles and dreams and how their past has influenced them as they journey through this show.
Also, Kristin’s performance of “My Gran Plan,” one of my favorite songs, was stunning and I could see everything I know about Annabeth in all of the books in this.
SOO true to the book.
The fans of Percy Jackson have not always been fortunate with adaptations… but this musical is really a fan’s dream. From having practically word for word lines from the book to chapter titles being used as dialogue (Supreme Lord of the Bathroom) and even some sneaky references to other books one can’t help but be sucked in. It was really like watching the scenes from the books play out in front of you as you were reading.
Ryan Knowles playing Medusa and Poseidon and literally like 5 other people.
I don’t know how his voice has as much range as it does but WOW. He was fantastic at all of his roles but especially when he played Medusa. My brother who wasn’t too happy about me making him come loved this part in the show. I was really pleased about the scene with Medusa because I love it in the book and I think how the musical captures it was wonderful. As they are “impertinent’’ *winky face*
The live band!
The use of a live band really helps to set the mood for each scene and each character theme. It encapsulates the rock musical feel and propels the storyline forward especially on all of the travel scenes.
The use of light and set.
The lights that are incorporated are fantastic at helping to enhance what is happening in the scene. From the use of blue light for not only just Percy Jackson as a whole but to create an underwater feel to red lights creating a dripping effect as in a cave and to create things like the underworld and Tartarus. The set is very minimal but everything is used to its fullest potential to portray vehicles and camp and used for exposition during songs and tales of the past.
