I1USICI1L FEEDBACK Show gave cast an opportunity to extend range

LIGHTNING, from Page 30

Snow said she was pretty confident from the start that the show was going to be a success, but said there was a magical moment during dress rehearsal when the kids have all the elements — costumes, lights and musicians — where everything clicks for the people involved.

As production neared, Snow said she was excited for audiences to see the “Put You in Your Place” number.

“There were always audible gasps as the first guitar rip was heard and the heavy rock feel had people bouncing up and down in their seats,” she explained.

Snow said the musical also featured a message she thought was good for the students in and out of the production to learn.

“Percy's mother explains to Percy early on in Act 1 ‘normal is a myth, everyone has issues they’re dealing with, the things that make you special are the things that make you strong,”’ she explained. “I thought this was an important message for our student population and they can relate to the issues in this show. They can relate to struggles with friendships, family, school, learning and change.”

The students of Warrior Run High School, under the direction of Elizabeth Snow, presented a terrific production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” With a classic Greek temple-inspired set, colorful lighting and fun, inventive costumes, this show was a delight, particularly for young fans of the Rick Riordan book series.

“The Lightning Thief,” which premiered in 2014 as an OffBroadway show before multiple tours and a Broadway run, is based on the YA novel and tells the story of young Percy Jackson who discovers he is part of a community of demigods, children of the Greek gods and goddesses of mythology. This production featured a strong ensemble of 17 students, some of them playing up to five roles each, led by senior Gavin Hormell playing Percy, and Emma Podobinski and Alena Shaffer playing his best friends Annabeth and Grover, respectively. With matching “Camp Half-Blood” T-shirts, strong voices, and overflowing with energy, this cast is to be commended for their upbeat, uplifting presentation of this musical. As the director’s note in the program said, quoting the lyrics, “Normal is a myth... (and) the things that make you different are the very things that make you strong,” which is a powerful message for young students today.

With Taylor Rhodes providing musical direction, the show was full of funny and touching songs, including: the expositional “Another Terrible Day” led by Jane Petrin playing camp counselor Mr. Dionysus (or “Mr. D”); the rousing group numbers “The Campfire Song” and “D.O.A.” (the latter spearheaded by Elle Bowers as

Charon), and the very funny Act II opener “Lost!” in which Percy, Annabeth and Grover bemoaning how their mythic quest has been waylaid in New Jersey, of all places. With a guitar-heavy score, the rocking, rollicking musical numbers in this show were a joy to listen to, thanks to the live six-piece band led by Rhodes and the vocal talents of the students on stage. Congratulations to the cast and crew for another enjoyable production!