There’s nothing better than sitting inside on a rainy day, maybe with a cup of tea, curled up with a good book, listening to the rain battering outside and the occasional bouts of thunder. However, as audience members take their seats for THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL it feels like a storm is around us as rain pitters down and thunder crashes violently around us. There’s a storm coming and we’re about to be thrown right in the middle of it!
Broadway in Chicago Brings Greek Gods to Life
Based on the Young Adult novel of the same name, THE LIGHTNING THIEF starts with a bang as a group of teenagers storm the stage declaring gods are real. Already there is tension and angst brewing in these youngsters as they proclaim they are the sons and daughters of the Greek gods who don’t get any attention from their parents.
And then we are introduced to our leading man, Percy Jackson. For Percy, trouble always seems to follow him wherever he goes. He can’t seem to pay attention in class, keeps getting kicked out of school after school, and now monsters are starting to hunt him down! Finally the truth comes out when his mom sends him to Camp Half-Blood and, among other kids like him, he finds out his dad is a bonafide Greek deity - meaning he’s a demigod.
With the truth about him out at last, that’s only the beginning of our hero’s journey. Someone has stolen Zeus’ lightning bolt and it’s up to Percy along with his two new friends to find the bolt before an all out war breaks out!
Adventures for the Family
THE LIGHTNING THIEF is a kid friendly musical as the group of teenagers battle monsters and have adventures as they journey cross country from New York to LA trying to save the world. The plot and music are easy to follow, making it a thrill for youngins to enjoy.
That’s not to say the adults out there won’t enjoy this show as well since THE LIGHTNING THIEF also builds backstories for the characters and plot thickeners to keep things interesting. So while there’s definitely lots of flash and action to keep the smaller ones’ attention, the adults won’t have a problem staying engaged with the story and music.
Musical Powerhouse
While the monsters and sword fights have us rooting for the good guys to prevail, the music of the show also grabs our attention and pulls us into the story.
It has the roots of a rock opera with a touch of Spring Awakening with the teenagers angst and moodiness coming through energetic rock/pop songs. But it definitely doesn’t leave the traditional musical space behind as the music still has your powerhouse ballads and 11 o’clock numbers. The cast carry these numbers as their voices rock through the theatre.
THE LIGHTNING THIEF is a show packed with adventure, self-discovery, and friendship with great music to boot. It might not be the best fit for those who are looking for a more “adult” musical, but it’s a great fit for those looking for a fun musical they can sit back and enjoy with the whole family.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read — Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.
CAST:
Chris McCarrell
Izzy Figueroa
Jorrel Javier
Ryan Knowles
Sam Leicht
Sarah Beth Pfeifer
James Hayden Rodriguez
Jalynn Steele
T. Shyvonne Stewart
Kristin Stokes
CREATIVE:
Joe Tracz
Rob Rokicki
Stephen Brackett
Patrick McCollum
Lee Savage
Sydney Maresca
Ryan Rumery
David Lander
Rod Kinter
Wiley DeWeese
Rob Rokicki
When:
Now through January 13, 2019
Thursday, Jan. 10 at 7:30PM
Friday, Jan. 11 at 7:30PM
Saturday, Jan. 12 at 2:00PM & 8:00PM
Sunday, Jan. 13 at 2:00PM
Where:
Oriental Theatre
24 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL
Tickets
$25-$80
Tickets can be purchased through the Broadway in Chicago website
Photos
Jeremy Daniel
Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago
About the Author
Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.
Editor's Note: Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski
