I am afraid I'm not quite the right generation to have been inspired by the Percy Jackson novels, which began in the post Harry Potter fantasy landscape with the original Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief 2005 novel, and continued with a further six novels in the series by creator Rick Riordan. The piece was transformed into a stage musical in New York during 2014 and finally made it over here last year for a London run. But now Percy Jackson and the Half Bloods are on tour courtesy of Bill Kenwright Productions.
To summarise the plot, when Percy goes on a field trip to a local museum, his teacher Mrs. Dodds transforms into a Fury, a hellish creature from Hades, who attempts to kill him. His Latin teacher Mr.Brunner hands Percy a pen which transforms into into a sword (Riptide) which vaporizes the Fury. Troubled that nobody remembers the events after they happen,and expelled from school for leaving the school party, his mother confesses that he inherits his special powers from his father. Percy discovers his best friend Grover is a Satyr, a half goat-half man. Suddenly a Mintour (half man,half bull) attacks and Percy's mother Sally sacrifices herself to save Percy and Grover. Knocked unconscious he awakes in Camp Half-Blood where he learns he is the son of Poseidon, and sets off on a quest to the Underworld...
A little truncated but its a bit complex. Many will be familiar with the 2010 movie, with its big effects and Hollywood pizzaz. How can the theatre compete? Set (and costume) designer Ryan Dawson Laight has ingeniously created a multi layered set which takes us from Los Angeles to the Underworld and all points inbetween. With video design by Matt Powell, we cleverly find that Furys, and Minotaurs are created in front of us. This is the true magic of theatre, unlike its big budget screen cousin which pours in multi millions, theatre can take you on the same journey but less fuss.
The book by Joe Tracz covers all the major plot points from the book (although I am glad I watched the movie before I went, particularly as events in the second half move on thick and fast). The show is has a rock/pop score by Rob Rokicki, some numbers hit home and others pass over soon to be forgotten. It is a very song heavy score. Perhaps a couple of numbers could of been dropped in favour of plot clarification, but its a minor gripe.
Portugal's Vasco Emauz is an endearing Percy Jackson, trying to make sense of his new life as a demi-God, whilst Kayna Montecillo as Annabeth (last seen by us as a railway carriage in Starlight Express) uses her voice to good effect, as its a song heavy score. Cahir O'Neill is a very likeable Grover, and Simone Robinson works her butt off as Sally Jackson and becomes a myriad of characters, including leading the cast as Charon in a 1970s disco stomper "D.O.A.".
The ensemble cast work hard as the action moves from Camp Blood to a dizzying array of locations, as they move around scenery and adopt guises with what must surely be quick change hell backstage. Director and choreographer Lizzi Gee makes sure the action is kept on a roll for the full two and a half hours, together with musical director Will Joy who leads a five piece band in belting out those rocky numbers. The audience on the night I saw the show were entranced from beginning to end, and this journey for the Half Bloods is warmly recommended for the young and young-at-heart.
Rob
(Ian was sadly unable to make it this time!)
Tour details can be found at THE LIGHTNING THIEF OFFICIAL TOUR WEBSITE
Further listening:
The original Broadway cast album brings the thumping pop score to life admirably.
