The Cast Photo by Mark Lyons

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is based on the 2005 novel of the same name by Rick Riordan. It tells the tale of Percy Jackson, a young teenager who learns he is part human, part god. At a summer retreat for demigods, he is sent on a quest to locate Zeus' missing lightning bolt and stop a war between the Greek gods. The show was presented Off-Broadway twice and toured twice, then had a brief run on Broadway in 2019.

The book by Joe Tracz is quick-paced and full of action. However, the story also feels quite rushed and several key plot points are glossed over or insufficiently explained. Some songs could have been cut to allow for more detailed storytelling and improved flow. There are a number of themes and humor directed at teenagers, who are typically this show's largest demographic.

The songs by Rob Rokicki don't fare much better than the book. The rock-infused music is generally tuneful, but also undistinguished and somewhat derivative of other scores. The lyrics are of a higher quality overall, though some of the rhymes feel forced. The best songs are "The Day I Got Expelled," "My Grand Plan," and "Drive." The score and book lack the sophistication present in most Broadway shows.

With interesting characters such as monsters and gods, along with unique settings including the Underworld and Camp Half-Blood, staging this show requires a lot of inventiveness to execute it well. CCM Director Rachel Stevens employs an assortment of stagecraft creativity in telling the story. The blocking is very active and there are moments of campy fun which go over very well. The lively choreography by Jessica Harris is a highlight throughout. Rosamund Hencinski leads a fine-sounding five-piece band.

Griffin Simmons does a superb job portraying the teenage Percy with the appropriate levels of confusion, determination, and slowly growing confidence. He also possesses a strong singing voice. Arden Allmon provides sharp acting and first-rate vocals as Annabeth. As Grover, Sam Yousuf supplies praiseworthy comic relief and shows off great stage presence. Each of the other cast members gets their moment to shine covering multiple roles, and they are a vocally strong ensemble. Especially noteworthy are Annika Jonker, Hannah Bourgeois, Jack Haroutunian, Joey Baciocco, and Elysa Matula.

Gabby Trice's attractive scenic design skillfully incorporates projections by Maddi Myer which clearly convey the settings and includes many apt smaller set pieces. The costumes by Heather Sampanis are well-suited and include some amusing campy elements. The lighting by Lucas Inman produces several very impactful effects such as crashing waves and complements the scenic design well.

While The Lightning Thief isn't as strong of a piece as one normally finds on Broadway or at CCM, the Conservatory's production is up to the typically high standards local audiences have come to expect. It was wonderful to see many school-aged youth in the audience on opening night, which isn't normally the case at this venue. The excellent work on the stage and behind the curtain at CCM is to be commended.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical runs through October 25, 2025, at University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music, Patricia Corbett Theater, 290 CCM Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45221. For tickets and information, please call 5130556-4183 or visit ccmonstage.universitytickets.com.