The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson musical review – It’d make the Gods proud

4.0 out of 5 star rating

When beloved book franchises are adapted into television shows and movies, there is always a wave of hesitancy from fans of if it’d stay faithful to the original material – and the same can be said when someone has the idea to turn it into a musical!

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my excitement about “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” that’s now playing in London after its successful run on Broadway! This winter, step into a world of magic and adventure, leaving all your troubles behind. Trust me, this is the perfect night out you’ve been waiting for!

Drawing inspiration from the popular Rick Riordan book, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, the creative pair of Joe Tracz (from Be More Chill) and Rob Rokicki have certainly caught our attention.

Featuring tunes from Rokicki, the musical gained widespread popularity not only here but also overseas. Given the endearing appeal of the Percy Jackson series, it’s likely that British audiences will quickly embrace this hilarious production as well.

At the start, before the musical kicks off, the audience is welcomed by a buzz of electricity reverberating through the theater and an eye-catching stage setup.

At a cursory examination, it might seem unclear how the whole picture fits together; however, upon closer inspection, Camp Half-Blood is indeed evident everywhere.

Without a doubt, maintaining an American accent for almost two hours while singing and speaking is no small feat, but Max Harwood manages it flawlessly. His portrayal of an anxious yet brave Percy Jackson takes us on a journey alongside this half-blood character. Whether you’re a fan or not, you find yourself cheering for him and his companions as they strive to accomplish their mission.

Beyond the narrative, Max Harwood is undeniably an emerging talent. I initially encountered Harwood through the film version of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and going into The Lightning Thief, I was certain he would shine – and indeed, he did!

From the start, the performance established the high caliber of skill that was soon to captivate the viewers, and Harwood along with the rest of the cast certainly lived up to expectations.

In every scene, it’s clear that Paisley Billings is the standout performer. For fans of reality TV, Billings may be familiar from shows like Tattoo Fixers and Celebrity Coach Trip, but it’s on the stage where Billings truly shines brightest.

In various roles such as Sally Jackson, Medusa, and others, Billings’ performances consistently had the audience applauding and shouting in delight for extended periods, as she flawlessly embodies each character she portrays.

Just as in the original tale, Percy is accompanied by Annabeth and Grover on their mission to save his mom and discover the true lightning thief. Meanwhile, in the stage production, Harwood teams up with Jessica Lee and Scott Folan – creating an ideal trio.

In this captivating narrative, I found that the individual solos of Grover, Annabeth, and Percy were equally highlighted, ensuring no single character eclipsed the others or dominated the main plot. Each character’s backstory was brought to the forefront, allowing a deep understanding and appreciation for all three of them.

In the second act, keep an eye out for two standout songs: “My Grand Plan” and “The Tree on the Hill.” These pieces beautifully showcase Lee and Folan’s ability to delve into the emotional depths of their characters, while also providing ample opportunities for audience laughter when needed.

The three of them share an extraordinary ability to work well together, which explains why they were all chosen to act together.

Failing to acknowledge it would be quite oversight-like, given the impressive versatility of Samantha Mbolekwa, whose character repertoire seems almost endless and left me utterly bewildered.

Initially presented as Mrs. Dodds and later revealed as Clarisse, the offspring of Ares, Samantha showcases a formidable presence. In “Put You In Their Place”, viewers will witness Samantha’s diverse talent, as her voice enchants with its whimsical charm even amidst action-packed fight sequences.

Joaquin Pedro Valdes isn’t to be forgotten either, with his career only set to take off even further. While fans of the Percy Jackson franchise will know that Luke isn’t to be trusted, Valdes does an impressive job at masking himself as the villain, with even I at times thinking the story could be going in a different direction.

Similar to other actors, Valdes adopts various roles. However, it’s his depictions of Luke and Ares that truly exhibit his vocal and dramatic abilities, potentially making you sympathize with the antagonist!

The sections I still vividly recall from the musical, even as I write now, are those with Greg Barnett and Joe Allen portraying Mr. Brunner and various others, along with Mr. D.)

Initially, Barnett is presented as Mr. Brunner, later revealed as the character Chiron. I highly recommend everyone to witness this transformation! If you’re curious about how the costume designer managed to create the distinctive styles for both Chiron and Grover, then purchase a ticket and attend, because you won’t be left unsatisfied.

When you’re craving a good chuckle, look no further than Joe Allen! His characters are sure to have you rolling with laughter, particularly during Another Terrible Day, or even when he’s pleading for Percy to transform into a dolphin!

Although the handling of stage props seemed a bit awkward at times, it’s understandable for a show still in its initial phase. As the cast continues to perform for audiences at The Other Palace, these minor kinks will undoubtedly be smoothed out.

In terms of London’s theater scene focusing on Greek mythology, The Percy Jackson musical holds its ground admirably, and it’s a shame that it might not continue running for many more years.

It’s just what the West End has been missing.

2024-11-29 19:04

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