Play features many young stars
KIM COOL – Venice Gondolier – Our Town Editor Emeritus
VENICE – Venice Theatre’s production of “The Lightning Thief,” the Percy Jackson musical that opened on Broadway in 2019, tells the story of a teenager named Percy (Charlotte Crowley), who discovered he is a demi-God.
While the story is about a bunch of young (pre-teen and young teen) people, the story can be enjoyed by youngsters, parents and grandparents. The latter may enjoy this work the most as many of that age group likely studied Greek mythology while they were in school.
In the Broadway production, some 47 characters were portrayed by just seven actors.
In the Pinkerton Theatre within the main building of Venice Theatre, 13 actors portray about 41 roles. Consider the number of costumes designed by Heather Marie Clarke and made by at least 21 volunteers.
Consider also how many costume changes are made in each production by those playing multiple roles. There was some of that in “My Fair Lady,” which recently closed In The Raymond Center.
In both shows, many volunteers helped with all those changes but in “The Lightning Thief,” there also were many swords, lightning bolts, stairs to climb and even a variety of vehicles — another challenge in the 90-seat black box Pinkerton theater.
To see “The Lightning Thief ” with its fabulous set created by so many talented volunteer set builders, painters and more is to see what a treasure Venice has with this theater, its employees and nearly 1,500 volunteers.
For anyone who has not had to use his or her imagination recently, this is the show to see. It will return viewers to a land of pretend in which Percy Jackson, a 12- or 13-year-old, learns that his father is the Greek God Poseidon.
While that means he, as the son, has divine powers, it also means he will be thrown into an Olympian melee on Earth to rescue his mother from Hades, God of the Underworld.
To that end, there is a lot of sword fighting on that tiny stage, which for this production has several rows of audience members on each side of the room with that action up close.
Katie McKinnis, the fight choreographer, was a good choice, given her experience in stage combat with the Medieval Fair cast since 2009.
Because of all those flashing swords, it is definitely exciting — and safe — to sit in the front row for this show.
Scenic designer Tim Wisgerhof takes you immediately into this fantasy world of gold and purple with the river Styx at your feet. There is a raised area with a pond that we cannot see, yet the actors are careful to not fall into it when on that level.
There also is a balcony with an ornate golden railing that seems as though it might be made of lightning bolts. Even the ceiling has been adorned with lightning bolts and other elements of this other worldly place.
The characters are as fanciful as the sites of all the action. Percy’s friend, Annabeth (Eve Hunter), who occasionally refers to Percy as “Seaweed Brain,” helps Percy recover from an altercation with the Minotaur.
In the real world outside of this magical musical world created by Joe Tracz with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, the creators have been nominees for the Drama Desk and other awards for this and their many works for both stage and film.
Kudos to all: Crowley for her portrayal of Percy Jackson; Evie Hunter as Annabeth, and Tyler Ashlock as Grover. Ashlock, a junior at Booker High School of the Performing Arts, is new to Venice but not to acting. He also works as a pirate with Pirate Adventure of Cortez.
Van Force Dinverno portrays Luke, Hades and a farmer. He is a junior at Venice High School in the International Baccalaureate Program.
There are two other adults in this play in addition to Crowley, who has been in many shows at Venice over the years since a youngster. Sudi Van Dien portrays Sally Jackson, Mrs. Dodds and Echidna.
Lisa Figueroa portrays Mr. Brunner, Chiron, Gabe, and a member of the Vienna Boys Choir.
“The Lightning Thief ” continues through March 23 on the Pinkerton Stage in the theater’s main building at 140 W. Tampa Ave in Venice.
Photos by Renee McVety Photography
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, 2025
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, 2025
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, 2025