Welcome back to our new feature focusing on “only in NYC” experiences. This fun-filled column will continue to uncover some of the most unique and epic family destinations in and around New York City.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed, mythical adventure, but it’s also a coming of age, relatable story about growing up, making our own choices, and finding our place in society. Based on the best selling novels by Rick Riordan and popular film series, this musical recently leaped onto the Broadway stage for a limited 16-week run.
In The Lightning Thief, Percy Jackson discovers he’s not only a teenager challenged with dyslexia and ADHD, but he’s also a demigod (half-blood) armed with wild powers he needs to learn to control. With his father being the mighty Poseidon and his mother trapped in Hades (the Greek mythology underworld), Percy needs to make important choices, think under pressure, navigate new friendships, and rely on his strengths to persevere and find himself. Just like most teenagers in high school!
The inspirational musical, adapted from a one-hour Theatreworks/USA production, will be most appreciated by school-age children, especially loyal Percy Jackson fans, and their families. What amazed our family the most was the incredibly talented cast. These seven actors had tremendous range and were able to transform swiftly and believably into dozens of different characters. Despite an underwhelming set design, costumes and lack of special effects, the strong ensemble’s singing chops and catchy rock music score kept the musical flowing smoothly to the very end.
We’re fans of Greek mythology so the standout scene for us was Percy Jackson and his demigod friend’s encounter with the legendary Medusa. We don’t want to spoil all of the surprises in the hopes that you will rush over to the see the musical before it storms out of New York City.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is playing a limited engagement on Broadway through Jan. 5, 2020, at the Longacre Theatre, 220 W. 48th St.
Disclosure Note: Our family received complimentary tickets to see the show. Even though we fear the wrath of Percy Jackson’s super-powers, all thoughts and opinions in this post are authentic and our own.
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