{"id":57768,"date":"2024-10-02T13:58:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-02T17:58:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/?p=57768"},"modified":"2024-09-30T15:25:28","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T19:25:28","slug":"mythology-meets-musical-in-emu-theatres-production-of-the-lightning-thief","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emu.edu\/now\/news\/2024\/mythology-meets-musical-in-emu-theatres-production-of-the-lightning-thief\/","title":{"rendered":"Mythology meets musical in EMU Theatre\u2019s production of \u201cThe Lightning Thief\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

EMU Theatre is bringing Rick Riordan\u2019s beloved young adult novel to life in its fall production of \u201cThe Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.\u201d The epic rock musical premieres at EMU’s Lee Eshleman Studio Theater during Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024<\/a> with showtimes on Friday, Oct. 11 and Saturday, Oct. 12 @ 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 13 @ 2 p.m.; it will also run Friday, Oct. 25 @ 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 26 @ 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 27 @ 2 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Ella Walters plays the role of Annabeth Chase in “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.”<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\"\"
Cassidy Williams holds the Minotaur’s head aloft as Adam Hoover, as Percy Jackson, strikes it with a sword.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The musical, adapted from Riordan’s 2005 bestseller, debuted on Broadway in 2019 and follows the journey of Percy Jackson, an underachieving teen who discovers he’s a demigod. Played by EMU senior Adam Hoover<\/strong>, Percy is accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt, leading him on a quest with his friends Grover, portrayed by Mac Rhodes-Lehman<\/strong>, and Annabeth, played by Ella Walters<\/strong>, to clear his name and prevent a war between the Greek gods. Along the way, Percy must face mythological monsters and unravel the mysteries of his heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Cassidy Williams, left, dodges an attack by Elie Hoover during a rehearsal in September.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Directed by EMU Theatre Program Director Justin Poole<\/strong>, with music direction by Jim Clemens<\/strong> and costume design by Rachel Herrick<\/strong>, the production delivers an action-packed adventure filled with humor, heart, and high-energy performances. Rounding out the artistic staff are Robert Weaver <\/strong>(lighting designer), Shannon Dove <\/strong>(set designer\/technical director) and <\/strong>Ellie de Waal<\/strong> (choreographer).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The electrifying score, performed by Clemens on keyboard alongside a live rock band, will energize the intimate theater space, while larger-than-life puppetry and choreographed sword fights enhance the mythical spectacle.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
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The show will be held in the Lee Eshleman Studio Theater. <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Senior Cassidy Williams <\/strong>portrays Luke and Ares, delivering dynamic performances that combine vocal range and physical prowess. “Singing while sword fighting is no easy feat,” said Williams. “It’s been a rewarding challenge to portray such complex characters.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senior Alexis Lewis<\/strong> serves as assistant director and production assistant. “This show offers a fresh, punk rock twist on classic Greek myths,” Lewis said. “It’s packed with fun, upbeat moments that will appeal to longtime fans and newcomers alike.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cast, composed of EMU students and community members, will interact with the audience throughout the production, using the entire Studio Theater space for an immersive experience. “It’s a highly dynamic production,” said Poole. “There are no barriers between the cast and the audience\u2014they’ll be performing from the stage, the mezzanine, and even within the crowd.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $10 for children 18 and under, and $6 for university students. For tickets, visit: emu.edu\/theatre<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Cast
<\/strong>Percy Jackson \u2014 Adam Hoover<\/strong>
Annabeth Chase \u2014 Ella Walters<\/strong>
Annabeth Understudy\/Silena Beauregard \u2014 Emilee White<\/strong>
Grover\/Mr.D \u2014 Mac Rhodes-Lehman<\/strong>
Luke\/Ares \u2014 Cassidy Williams<\/strong>
Sally Jackson\/The Oracle \u2014 Emma Saville
<\/strong>Clarisse\/Mrs.Dodds\/Medusa\/Charon \u2014 Elie Hoover<\/strong>
Chiron\/Kronos \u2014 Ezra Smith<\/strong>
Gabe Ugliani\/Hades\/Poseidon \u2014 Jacob Nissley<\/strong>
Katie Gardner\/Various ensemble roles \u2014 Saycia Szakonyi<\/strong>
Various ensemble roles \u2014 Katie Beth Warner<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crew<\/strong>
Director \u2014 Justin Poole<\/strong>
Music Director \u2014 Jim Clemens<\/strong>
Assistant Director\/Promotions Assistant\/Production Assistant \u2014 Alexis Lewis<\/strong>
Vocal Coach \u2014 Afton Rhodes-Lehman<\/strong>
Technical Director and Set Designer \u2014 Shannon Dove<\/strong>
Costume Designer \u2014 Rachel Herrick<\/strong>
Light Designer \u2014 Robert Weaver<\/strong>
Choreographer \u2014 Ellie de Waal<\/strong>
Stage Manager \u2014 Sarah Peak<\/strong>
Assistant Stage Manager \u2014 Erin Batten<\/strong>
Assistant Stage Manager \u2014 River Lynch<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

EMU Theatre is bringing Rick Riordan\u2019s beloved young adult novel to life in its fall production of \u201cThe Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.\u201d The epic rock musical premieres at ... read more about Mythology meets musical in EMU Theatre\u2019s production of \u201cThe Lightning Thief\u201d<\/span><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":302,"featured_media":57783,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[266,7931,5583,14184,14715,17562,60,5147,5730],"tags":[13746,17100,15040,18224,18055,18225,18226,12501],"feature":[17427,17426,17241,17422],"class_list":["post-57768","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","category-arts","category-campus-community","category-campus-guests","category-campus-life","category-digest","category-homecoming","category-theater","category-undergraduate-programs","tag-emu-theater","tag-jim-clemens","tag-justin-poole","tag-lightning-thief","tag-musical","tag-percy-jackson","tag-rachel-herrick","tag-theater","feature-emu-home-page-feature","feature-myemu-feature","feature-news-feature","feature-news-landing-page-main-feature"],"yoast_head":"\nMythology meets musical in EMU Theatre\u2019s production of \u201cThe Lightning Thief\u201d - 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