This musical began as a 60 minute Off-Broadway production in 2014. It returned to the New York stage in an expanded two-hour version in 2017. It tells the story of the first book in a series of six books written by fantasy novelist Rick Riordan. Joe Tracz and composer and lyricist Rob Rokicki have “chosen to hone into the first book in the series The Lightening Thief “written with a modern-day twist. Centred around a New York teenager ‘Percy Jackson’ played by Morgan Gregory who discovers he is the half-blood son of the Greek god Poseidon. He gets caught up in an unexpected adventure where he starts a journey of self-discovery, and he soon begins to realise that the people around him are not quite who they seem.
Knowing the back catalogue of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series will give you a good grounding to what to expect from this production. From the opening scene the plot lines move at speed without really conveying or cementing in the aim of the story; or where the storylines were taking you. Bemusing at first, and very difficult to follow. To lose the audience in the first thirty minutes of any musical story can be hard to come back from, but this was not the case for Tracz and Rokicki, as the scenes moved along the cast settled into their parts well and it all started to make sense.
The story follows each character and their personal journey, thwart with emotion of not only being a son or daughter of a ‘Greek God’ but being rejected by their ‘parents’. What follows are comparisons, judgements and tumultuous relationships. There is a focus on Percy, Grover played by Angus Bensted and Annabeth, Lizzy-Rose Esi -Kelly and their adventure as they navigate across the state fighting off monsters in hope of finding HADES and the missing lightning bolt. Mythical yes but brought into the 21st century realism with issues of ADHD, and the desire as a teenager to get involved, make a difference in the world and stand up for what you believe in, depicting Percy as a modern-day ‘hero’.
Some characters shift into multiple parts with some ease and it has funny moments, with high energy and theatrical musicality. The sound and some of the singers’ lyrics would benefit from some adjustment, sometimes it was difficult to decipher the words. Percy’s mother Sally Jackson played by Paisley Billings is a joy to watch and admire. The score featured many songs that could become a hit with the ‘Percy Jackson’ followers.
The cast appeared to be enjoying themselves which always elevates a performance. The set and special illusions where truly magical, WOW, the set was just right, the changes were smooth not distracting at all from the core messages of the story. It didn’t create any silent moments, or awkward moves which is so important to the visual experience.
This is family entertainment at its best and will appeal to everyone who are fans of the books. To keep it real to the story is a testament to the skill of Tracz and Rokicki’s writing and lyrics. They have created a hit here The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical and its appeal, will go on to delight audiences around the country.
The Book by Joe Tracz; Adapted from the book ‘The Lightning Thief’ by Rick Riordan
Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki
Orchestrations Wiley Deweese & Rob Rokicki
Director & Choreographer Lizzi Gee
Illusionist Richard Pinner
Set & Costume Designer Ryan Dawson Laight
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed 22nd March 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 3 out of 5.
