Some of the region’s best musical theatre students are ready to unleash a three-day run of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical beginning Thursday July 20. All shows are at the Bishop Carter Auditorium at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall. Tickets are $10, and doors open at 6 p.m. The show begins at seven on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening.
Tickets are available at the door, but you might want to stop by ahead of time and visit Karen at the reception, just to the right of Scollard Hall’s front doors. She’ll set you up. Word is tickets are going fast.
What’s the theatre crowd all abuzz for? The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical draws its story from Greek mythology but has a modern gloss thanks to Rick Riordan’s stage adaptation of Joe Tracz’ best-selling book The Lightning Thief.
The action is brought to life by some amazing talent who are taking part in the Summer Challenge Program, a long-standing theatre production program hosted by the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board.
“It’s been a really cool experience that brought together a lot of really talented people,” said David Dunn, a soon-to-be grade 12 student at St. Joseph-Scollard Hall, who plays the titular role of Percy. “It’s been a blessing to be a part of.”
No doubt, and Dunn gets to work with an incredible cast that you must see – and hear – to believe. The talent level is off the charts with this group. The acting, singing, and choreography pulls audiences into the fantastic world of the play, where Percy and company must cross into the underworld to perform a daring feat.
It’s epic stuff, and the fantasy is brought to life in great part from the music. There’s no canned music here. A panel on stage right conceals the house band, and the musicians captivate, whether they’re turning out some eerie ambience or laying down some funk-fuelled rocking jams.
Little wonder organizers describe the spectacle as “a rock-n-roll epic that will dazzle guests.” When you consider the talent range in age from grade 6 to grade 12, the production is even more remarkable.
“We’re very excited for the community to come out and support the show” Production Director Whitney Cerilli said. “These young people have put in their all to make this show a delight and we hope guests enjoy it as much as we did making it.”
See: Summer Challenge performance looks to leave you 'All Shook Up'
“This year’s been so smooth,” noted co-star Bryce Millard, speaking of the pre-production. He’s been involved with Summer Challenge for four years, so he’s experienced in getting these shows off the page. “It’s a great way to get into theatre and meet a lot of great people.”
“A lot of my best friends I met through the program, so I wouldn’t be me without it.” Millard plans to continue acting after graduating.
Another top talent rounding out the lead ensemble is Willow Walters. She can’t wait for opening night to bring the story to the people. “It’s been going great,” she said of rehearsals. “We’ve been going so fast with this show and we’re so prepared.”
So, best prepare yourselves for a show like no other, and grab your tickets while you can. As Walters said, “It’s going to be a great experience for everybody.”
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
