The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
Lightning Thief photo credit: Jeremy Daniel
Well, what can I say? I really don’t like being a sour puss, but I just didn’t get it. This is definitely a show for young adults who grew up with the well known book (in their circles), “The Lightning Thief,” by Rick Riordan.
Interesting that this musical plays at a theatre across the street from the intricate and beautiful Hadestown, since Lighting Thief takes you on a journey to Hades too, and is bathed in Greek mythology as well.
Think of this show as an amalgam between Be More Chill, Dear Evan Hansen and Hadestown, only not as interesting or engaging as any of those three.
Rose Tattoo photo credit: Joan Marcus
The problem is I just couldn’t get into the plot, the characters or the show in general. It’s an over the top story that gets super complicated, which simply started to make me loose interest in staying involved.
What I also found annoying is that some of the actors just shout their lines and songs. Except for a couple of numbers that stood out, most of the score is bland and not terribly clever.
The plot is convoluted, the direction messy, but the show got a standing ovation at the end.
Go figure.
Given the ovation, clearly this show resonates for some. The Lightning Thief, in limited run through…just left me bewildered. Through January 5.
For more theatre news, interviews and commentary listen to “Bagels and Broadway with Valerie Smaldone” Saturday mornings from 9-10 on WNYM radio, online, Alexa and podcast. The only theatre and food focused radio show in New York.
