_edited.png)
THE LIGHTING THIEF: Victoria School of the Arts
- Alberta Youth Theatre Collective
- 11 minutes ago
- 9 min read
Read the Top 5 Reviews! All reviews are written by high school students in the Edmonton and surrounding area.
Make sure to:
Follow us @albertaytc
Follow Vic @victoriaschoolarts
By Andrea Noga
Archbishop MacDonald High School
Bringing the world of Greek Gods to a high school stage is no easy task. Sword fighting, flying shoes, and exploding toilets are only a few of the complex, impressive feats Victoria School of the Arts’ accomplishes in their passionately polished production of The Lightning Thief; The Percy Jackson Musical. Transporting the audience on a trip through the United States, meeting Gods and monsters along the way, Victoria showcases a story of found family with depth and developed performances from a phenomenal cast of young actors.
Based on the book of the same title, one of the best-selling young adult books of all time, The Lightning Thief first premiered Off-Broadway in 2014. After years of revision, the Greek mythology inspired musical finally opened on Broadway in 2019 for a limited run. Following the titular Percy Jackson, the musical begins with Percy’s discovery that his father is a Greek God, and continues as he discovers the world of “Half-Bloods”-- that is children with one Godly parent, and one mortal parent– and finds connection and understanding in this new world.
In Victoria’s production of The Lightning Thief, ensemble took center stage. The musical includes a plethora of characters, and requires a great diversity of talent to thrive. Luckily, the cast included actors of all talents. From the confident vocals and dancing of Ivy DeGagne (Charon/Ensemble), to the soft kindness of Asha Campbell (Sally Jackson), the students of Victoria showed commitment and various talents across the entire cast. Sebastian Melo stood out specifically as the brooding Luke Castellan, coming across as incredibly human and layered throughout the production. Though, of course, there’s no Percy Jackson musical without Percy Jackson and Jordan Ho was an exceptional fit for the iconic role. Portraying Percy with an appropriate amount of teen angst and soaring vocals that fit comfortably within the pop-rock score, Ho impressed audiences and left a lasting effect with his natural performance of the leading role.
Victoria had a challenge from the beginning, including 40+ actors in a show written for a cast of less than ten. While the large ensemble occasionally veered into making crucial moments impersonal, it mostly added a much needed community to a show that, at its core, is about family. I cannot imagine some of the numbers without the many actors I saw on stage during the show, creating interesting stage pictures and nailing intense choreography. The impact of dance captain Morgan Mitchell was clear, as the choreography was cohesive and well-timed across the substantial ensemble.
The Lightning Thief may have included prophecies, and teenagers controlling water, but the real magic came from the dedication of every member of the extensive cast and crew. The professionalism of the production was astounding, though you could still clearly see the joy radiating from the students as they put their all into a fun, complex, and thrilling musical. When it comes to this enthusiastic and earnest portrayal of the classic Percy Jackson story, I say bring on the monsters!
By Mikaela Cabalo
St. Oscar Romero High School
Better get some ambrosia, nectar, and a few blue marshmallows because Victoria School of the Arts’ production of The Lightning Thief is a theatrical hurricane of energy, talent, and demigod-worthy fun! No musical about teenagers on adventures could match the thrill and nostalgia this rendition evoked in its audience. With an unbelievably talented cast and crew, this show thunderstruck thespians and half bloods alike.
Joe Tracz’s The Lightning Thief is a musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s 2005 novel of the same name. The musical premiered off-Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in 2014 before receiving an updated script and score. It follows 16-year-old Percy Jackson, who discovers his godly lineage. He learns that the Greek pantheon and creatures are real—and they aren’t happy. Percy ventures across the USA with his friends, Grover and Annabeth, to retrieve Zeus’ lightning bolt to prevent a war between the gods.
Jordon Ho as Percy Jackson may have 99 problems, but being a showstopper isn’t one! Ho’s goosebump-inducing singing summoned a tsunami of awe that washed over the audience. He captured Percy’s klutzy and brave personality, marvellously displaying the emotional duality of his character. Costar Lucia Rowe-Doyle as Annabeth Chase mesmerized the audience with her transcendent vocal range and masterful quick-witted characterization. Rowe-Doyle and Ho had remarkable onstage chemistry, flawlessly presenting the banter and unintentional flirting between Seaweed Brain and Wise Girl. Alongside them was Lenny O’Neill-Becker’s Grover Underwood, whose kind and loyal interpretation of Grover elicited joyful jitters every moment he was on stage. The impertinent partners-in-chaos made a terrific trio.
It’s not every day you have a shopping cart behind your back—or a grumpy god. For Augustus Williams as Chiron, it seemed like second nature. His horse-like walk, mellow voice, and magnetic stage presence delightfully contrasted with Quin Signorini’s booming voice and cantankerous persona as Mr. D. They embodied their roles as the surly and serious duo admirably. You might think they jumped right off the page!
Director Natalie Witte asked, “What are their gifts?” When it comes to this production’s ensemble, the real question is: what gifts don’t they have? Their perfect tableau, harmonies, synchronized dancing, stage fighting, and ability to fill in negative space would make any director proud. Moreover, Ivy DeGagne, Sabine Woroniuk, and Sebastian Melo stood out as Charon, The Oracle, and Luke Castellan respectively. With the ensemble’s spectacular talents, one might suspect there was divine intervention by Dionysus.
The technical elements were nothing short of spectacular. Despite some microphone errors, they became forgettable moments that did not fully distract the audience from the wonderful technical designs. From monstrous sounds and flashing lights to carefully crafted structures and costumes, it was impossible to find one bad aspect.
Victoria School of the Arts showcased its artistic craftsmanship and passion for theatre in The Lightning Thief. If any spectator was having another terrible day, this show doubtlessly lifted their spirits. This production had audience members weirdly dreaming they were at Camp Half-Blood, embarking on their quest to the sea of monsters.
By Karolina Guzman Smyl
Mother Margaret Mary
There’s a sign in the stars! Victoria school of the arts rendition of “The Lightning Thief” is a must-see. From the moment the first crack of thunder hits the stage the audience is transported to a world where Ancient Greek mythology collides with modern day America. We meet our protagonist Percy Jackson (Jordan Ho) as he and his class tour the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, when suddenly his teacher Mrs. Dodds (Lorena Kiew) transforms into a terrifying Fury. This shocking event sets the tone for Percy's thrilling journey ahead. A story of identity where a young demigod embarks on the quest to discover who he really is, proving that embracing every part of yourself is what makes you a true hero. Told by the cast of about 45 students, band of 6 and all of their production team, done over the span of 3 months.
“The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson” written by Joe Tracz and music done by Rob Rokicki. The Musical began as a small off Broadway production in 2014, for a limited time. Due to its popularity, it was adapted into a full length production and opened off Broadway in 2017. Where it gained a strong fan following for its eccentric score and faithful adaptation to Rick Riordan’s beloved series of novels. After a successful national tour, the show made its Broadway debut in 2019.
Victoria’s version of “The Lightning Thief” took the audience's breath away, with its ability to put on a Broadway level show. It was obvious how much dedication and effort went into this production from start to finish. It's impossible to describe all of the wonderful things we saw. A standout feature was how mythical monsters were depicted. Two that absolutely had my jaw on the ground were the massive puppet used for the Minotaur (controlled by Cormac Tiley). And the three headed dog Cerberus (Milo Sanders) who had red glowing eyes. We were shown theatre magic at its finest.
Fuelled by the energy of camp-Half Blood, the cast brought humor, heart, and heroism to every moment of Percy’s journey. Lenny O’Neill-Becker who played Grover Underwood captured the characters loyal charm through delivering both the emotional core and comic relief of the story, adding depth to his protective friendship with Percy, Grovers journey from self-doubt to confidence resonates with the audience making him a relatable and loving presents throughout the show. Another actor who stole the spotlight was Ivy DeGagne who played a major ensemble role, but also Charon the ferryman to the underworld, had the whole audience dancing along to their show stopping number D.O.A (dead on arrival) the vocals delivered by DeGagne made the number infectious, blending the rich soulful tones with the ensemble’s seamless harmonies and sharp choreography.
Victoria School of the Arts production of “The Lightning Thief” brings Percy Jackson’s world to life with energy and heart. The cast's take on the beloved characters, sharp line delivery and chemistry make for an undeniable captivating performance.
By Carly Vos
Strathcona High School
Tear jerking, witty, and an absolute treat to watch, Victoria School of The Arts has put on an absolutely electrifying show. The Lightning Thief takes the audience on a journey alongside Percy Jackson, a young demigod, as he stumbles through the challenges of Greek mythology in a modern world. This musical is full of zeal, talent, and impressive physicality, that of which brings the famous Rick Riodan novel to life.
The ability for actors to remain authentic to their own interpretations while paying tribute to the preexisting media is a challenge, but Victoria was seamless in their originality. The energy was contagious, particularly Jordon Ho as Percy Jackson, who’s confounding voice and stage presence had a beautiful mix of vulnerability and courage. All of the ensemble brought a unique style to their roles all while humorously respecting the camaraderie and community in the original story. Namely, Clarisse La Rue, the daughter of Aries, played by explosive Joyanna Castro, was phenomenal. She managed to completely steal the show whenever we saw her, her voice had an impossible range and her characterization was mesmerising. Clarisse was definitely an audience favorite with her fighting spirit, snappy comebacks, and slight crazy, overall she was gratifying.
Something unique about this show was their live student band, made up of grades 7 to 12. It’s notable the toil of switching from tracks to live music, as well as the hiccups that can follow with the relationship between a band and a vocalist, but it was remarkable. Live musicians brought the professionalism of this show to a standard that's rarely seen in high school performances, and the vibrancy that live pop-rock music has compared to a backing track is undeniable.
Victoria School of the Arts presented a stellar rendition of The Lightning Thief that will have the audience humming melodies out the doors of the auditorium. Put together in a remarkably short amount of time, three months for a set and a cast is a challenge no matter how talented the team may be. The ensemble, staff and students behind this production should be gushing with pride at what they've put on stage and we all look forward to what they devise next.
By Summer Maybank
Archbishop MacDonald High School
Victoria School of the Arts took their audience through a journey across America full of tidal waves, mythological battles, and teenage rebellion in their production of The Lighting Thief. A classic story that shaped many of this generation’s childhood, Victoria School of the Arts gave the story a fresh and exciting atmosphere that transported the audience right back to the pages of the ever-loved story.
The Lighting Thief, a musical based on the book of the same name by Rick Riodan, first premiered Off-Broadway in 2014 as a one hour musical with the music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki and book by Joe Tracz. This book-to-stage adaptation set in a world where the Greek Gods are real, The Lighting Thief is an iconic hero’s story that follows 16 year old Percy Jackson as he discovers that his father is a god and that the world around him will never be the same again. Victoria School took the audience right with them on this daring adventure, leaving the audience laughing, reeling, and feeling as though they could be demigods too.
There were many incredible aspects of Victoria School’s take on The Lighting Thief, but one standout was the talent involved in the vocals and characterization of the characters. Jordan Ho, who played the role of Percy Jackson, stunned the audience again and again with his remarkable vocals and broad emotional range, particularly demonstrated in his song “Good Kid.” Ho’s dynamic with his co-leads, particularly Lenny O’Neill-Becker as Grover Underwood, was genuine and had the audience truly invested in their relationships. Ho and his co-leads encapsulated the audience no matter the atmosphere of the show, demonstrating talent and dedication. Lenny O’Neill-Becker as Grover Underwood was a both show stopping comedian and a compassionate friend with incredible songs such as “Tree on the Hill” and the scene with the squirrel (puppeteered by Ash Klein). Another remarkable character, Ivy DeGagne was both a standout ensemble member with her bright expressions and enthusiastic dancing and an absolute showstopper with her incredible number D.O.A..
Aside from the talent of the cast and ensemble, the technical and musical elements of the show were crucial in the audience’s enchantment. The music was performed by a live band, composed almost entirely of students from grades 7-12. The live band served to create an immersive and encapsulating environment, particularly the bass, played by Graham Fieldberg and Charles Marshall. Another aspect of the show that elevated Victoria’s performance was the Fight Choreography. Captained by Augustus Williams, the show involved fist-to-fist fights, group fights, and fights involving the supernatural, and all were executed with precision and accuracy. This all stood to create an environment of tension and awe, allowing the audience to fully transport themselves into the pages of the story.
Victoria School of the Arts’ production of The Lighting Thief brought life and joy to the stage with their impressive, well put-together, and incredible performance. The audience left that theatre in awe of the show and believing that maybe the Greek Gods are real too.
Comments