Though we are sadly seeing multiple professional city shows close early in Melbourne in the current economic climate, Community Theatre in Cranbourne right now is absolutely thriving!
A fantastic cast of young people have just opened “The Lightning Thief” The Percy Jackson Musical, produced by Peoples Playhouse, and it’s a massive hit!
I knew absolutely nothing about this show prior to going on the sold out opening night and only learned this is also a series of very popular books from the friend I took along, who hadn’t seen the actual show either and equally enjoyed it. As “theatre mums” we love love love to sit back and feast on a bright new energy level. This show is full of action from the get go and it never ceases to amaze me what storytellers can weave in their imaginations.
A plot of wayward demigod teenager, Percy Jackson, the son of Ancient Greek God Poseidon, finding his purpose via a quest with other children of Gods to discover his father’s reason for not being present in Percy’s life is also a journey of bravery and self discovery. This musical, loaded with both catchy dance tunes and meaningful lyric songs, has everything in it to pack a punch with a young audience especially; the cheers didn’t stop from start to finish.
Playing ‘Percy’ is Isaac Lane from Nida Open in a huge role he handled like a pro, accompanied by Olivia Woodhouse, growing up in ballet and then discovering her love for musical theatre, she is a super strong ‘Annabeth’, and Jack Thompson studying full time at Showfit, is a true champion player in his role as Percy’s best friend ‘Grover’.
The flashbacks of the three mains as their younger selves by 11year old Jasper Sage, 11year old Ayda Melody Hendricks and 12year old Matthew Theoclitou were all well played with a lot of emotion from these experienced theatre youngsters.
The use of spotlights in this show is very effective; something I constantly noticed as enhancing what was happening on stage and there’s a LOT happening! Demon teachers, cute squirrels, frozen statues and very inventive props including the funniest tractor scene, you won’t ever guess what’s coming up next.
All the cast work exceptionally well together in the little details and the choreography is fun and energetic with some cleverly rehearsed fights and battles. Great job everyone, you were so fun to watch.
It’s always interesting to observe the versatility of cast members you’ve seen before in other shows and I was pleased to see Matthew Berend step out on stage tonight as ‘Mr.Brunner’ (aka Chiron & Ares) with his usual larger than life personality and in this show, half horse body 🙂
Christine Ferra was wonderful as Percy’s mum ‘Sally’ with such warmth in one of my favourite songs ‘Strong’ sung with Percy. Parent / Child moments in any show always get me.
A confident Alex Sabljak rocked as ‘Luke’ and Lucas Battey as ‘Mr.D’ (aka Dionysus & Hades) convincing in every role, as were Tyrah Pocock-Davies as Clarisse, Michaela Fitzpatrick as Charon, Jeanne Carlos as Medusa, Lore Burns as Poseidon and Penny Norris as The Oracle was superb.
A highly talented bunch of young ensemble members completed this show perfectly and we couldn’t have enjoyed it more!
Congratulations to Sarah Jeffs (Director), Drew Lane (Musical Director) and Sarah Hayes (Choreographer), what a triple threat trio you make!
You must all be so proud, congrats to EVERYONE, including those amazing set builders, costume gurus and organising / creative teams behind the scenes with Production Managers David Krause and Heather Rose and Peoples Playhouse President Michelle Thomas. Bravo!!!
Ticket link:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1570412
More info:
https://www.peoplesplayhouse.com
To book tickets to The Lightning Thief, please visit https://www.peoplesplayhouse.com/whats-on.
