Whether you know every word of Percy Jackson or just know it’s a book, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is great show for the family and helps to open up difficult conversations.
Thank you to AT&T Performing Arts for sharing the arts in North Texas and this sponsored post.
First off: I’ve never read a Percy Jackson book in my life.
However, I have a truly committed fan in my 10-year-old son who has spoken non-stop about Percy and Greek mythology for months.
Photo: Jeremy Daniel
While he has always been my date/co-host for many movies, events, and even TV shows, we haven’t had a chance to spend as much time together…because growing up often means growing apart from your parents. At least in my two experiences (first as a kid and now as a parent.) Now we haven’t had any fights or issues, but he has interests outside of me and the ones I’ve presented and is beginning to cultivate his own personality. PLUS I’d be remiss to not mention just a few weeks ago he got to see “the movie” at school (you know the one where all the boys and girls are split into two rooms?)
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So needless to say, it’s been a heck of a few months talking about the topics that honestly all parents and kids dread. So when The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical came across the schedule at AT&T Performing Arts, I had a feeling it was time for the boy and I to have some time together. To do something he enjoyed and let him take the reigns as the expert. And that he did – and much more.
“See there’s a kid, Percy, he’s a half-blood, so he’s the son of…” he began.
Photo: Jeremy Daniel
About the Show
Anyone who does know Percy knows there’s nothing simple about the storyline (hence the very large novels in the library.) But even with the complex story, I would soon find during the musical (which should be noted is taken from the BOOK and not the MOVIE), would transcend into a myriad of starter topics of several conversations I’ve either wanted or have thought about talking with my kid about for months. And the cast just put it out there…easy for me to pick up and take home for later. And of course, many other opportunities to laugh, sometimes because I did and sometimes because I could see how tickled it made my son.
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While I won’t put any spoilers in here (at least I don’t think), I will share that the story begins where Percy goes to Camp Half-blood, a place for those children of the gods to be protected and to learn their skills among each other. So like many coming-of-age stories, you have characters with different backgrounds all trying to find their way in the “odyssey” of life. The cast of The Lightning Thief is very small, but that doesn’t limit the number of very unique and interested characters you’ll meet along the show (including one from North Texas.) However actor Ryan Knowles (who plays Chiron and many other characters) is what kept me laughing throughout the show from start to finish.
What to Expect
Like the cast, the set isn’t overly complicated with a simple backdrop that is used throughout the show. But honestly, with heavy discussions about dyslexia, ADHD, feeling alone, etc., you don’t need all the other stuff to cover it up. And the “interesting” props and light effects do make a big impact on advancing the show. While only a few “light” curse words were uttered at all through the musical, I feel like there were some parts (mostly when the entrance of two big characters appear) that are a little less appropriate for the littles, but only if they scare easily. Some sword action also adds to a little bit of violence in the story, but honestly, we’re talking Greek gods, so this isn’t doesn’t hold a candle to any of those books we read in school at this age.
Photo: Jeremy Daniel
What Did We Think
As for my son’s review of the show, I was able to capture him to give his thoughts right after the show. But to say it in his words, “It was awesome.” (He goes into more in his Instastories.) “…It speaks for itself.” When asked how many thumbs he says – “27 thumbs up.”
But for this mom, what I appreciated more was our ride home. All of a sudden in talking about the show, he seemed so at ease about discussing things on his mind and some of those more “difficult” topics, just began to flow. And while I don’t expect every conversation from here on out to be as easy, it was great to be able to able to have Percy Jackson as a platform for us to talk, learn and share together.
A few notes: if you haven’t read the book, it’s ok, you’ll still be able to enjoy the story. If you have read the books and/or enjoy mythology, you’ll like this musical in a different way. If you don’t like musicals, well, it’s a musical, but it’s got some great acting and fun plot lines that make it enjoyable between the show.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is at AT&T Performing Arts from now – May 26 at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House. Get 25% off tickets to “The Lightning Thief ” with THIS SPECIAL OFFER!
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