In recent years, it has felt as if every popular book has followed the predictable trajectory of landing a blockbuster film contract soon after its release, however very few have had the honour of becoming a stage musical. With Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief playing a defining role in shaping a Greek-mythology-obsessed generation, expectations were high for this namesake musical. To the relief of many fans, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at Festival Theatre remains faithful to the original books with its family-friendly, charming essence fully preserved and captured.
The musical takes us on a thrilling and captivating journey following the quest of Percy, Annabeth, and Grover to return Zeus’ stolen lightning rod. With the premise of the story grounded in Greek mythology, the task of translating fantasy into reality is a huge undertaking – one that this musical easily achieves. A distinctive success is the production’s use of practical effects in transforming a pen into a sword. Other notable examples include the apt use of lighting and sound in convincingly puppeteering a tense chase scene with the minotaur.
Another surprising treat for audiences is the impressive costume design for characters Grover (satyr – half man, half goat) and Chiron (centaur – half man, half horse). Chiron’s costuming in particular left little to the imagination with half of his body being horse-sized. The design choice to portray their animal legs to somewhat convincing accuracy further suspends belief and allows for audiences to further immerse themselves into the world of demi-gods, monsters, and heroes.
The musical soundtrack adopts an almost parodic tone through its bright and preppy sound and predictable lyricism – a fitting choice to further convince audiences that the lead actors – Vasco Emauz (Percy Jackson), Kayna Montecillo (Annabeth) and Cahir O’Neill (Grover) – are our pre-teen characters. The cast delivered stellar performances; however Cahir O’Neill’s interpretation of Grover particularly emphasises his soft, attentive nature, leaving audiences under the spell of his lovable charm. In all, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is a truly enjoyable watch that left me fuelled with nostalgia.
Image by Johan Persson, courtesy of Festival Theatre.