By Emma Hawkins
“This is a story that has been popular for years, for a reason… it’s relatable” said Morgan Heim, the next Annabeth Chase in Samford’s 2025 upcoming fall musical: “The Lightning Thief”. How will this nostalgia be captured on stage? Will there be any surprises in the show? With a performance including 17 actors, 20+ stage-hands and roughly 145 props, through voice, lights and a little help from the gods, this Percy Jackson diegesis will be crafted right in front of your eyes.
Stage manager, Mallory Hubbard, shared a little about her experience through this behind-the-scenes process of “The Lightning Thief,” a theatre for youth production.
“The rehearsal process is crucial — creative liberty is a necessity — we bond over battling on stage,” said Hubbard. For this heavy movement show to run smoothly, there must be careful attention to building a symphony in personalities, timing and authenticity. The set is standard, static, but pieces will be added and removed throughout, taking the audience to different places, different worlds.
“We can share the deepest parts of ourselves… we come in friends, and leave as family” said Hubbard, discussing the environment in which she has blossomed. The rehearsal atmosphere, in preparation for such a bold performance, held the opportunity to be chaotic and overwhelming. However, through trust in each other and dedication, the show is nearly complete, nearly ready for its debut.
“The fun and comfortability I’ve experienced offstage from the crew has made me more confident in making big choices onstage,” said Heim.
The actors have gone through extensive research and training during this process. For each of their characters, they have drawn a family tree, traced back to their godly parents within mythology. Even though not all of this information may be told to the audience, it is a key factor in personal character development to help the actors get into the right headspace and fully encapsulate their role. Not only that, but they have also been sufficiently trained in the art of stage combat, including sword fighting. Scenes like these immerse the audience into the Percy Jackson realm of high stakes, risk and thrilling quests.
The audience is encouraged to not only support the heroes of this story, but to “think about the villains too… this is a story about belonging and contributing to the world,” said Hubbard. “The Lightning Thief” is not for anyone specific. It is for the young and the old, the brave and those learning to be, the adventurous and the wallflowers.
“Our differences are what make us strong, and this show reinforces that theme,” said Heim.
“The Lightning Thief” is open to the public October 3-5 in the Harrison Theatre, and students get a discount. If you want to be a true witness to singing minotaurs, evil substitute teachers, and elaborate onstage battles, this is the show for you.
