Samford Theatre for Youth’s production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical”, directed by Laura Byland, invited audiences into a world that at once felt larger than life and deeply relatable. The show, which is adapted from Rick Riordan’s popular novel, brought together humor, music and a sense of tenderness into a fast-paced, highly enjoyable evening.
William Sabonis-Chafee anchored the cast as Percy, taking on the weight of the story with humor and vulnerability. His performance allowed Percy’s search for identity and belonging to resonate with the audience. Morgan Heim gave Annabeth a quiet determination that sharpened every interaction, while Colton Dearborn’s Grover added depth and warmth in an important, but subtle way.
This trio is central to the production, their chemistry pulling the audience into the story. Musical highlights included Sabonis-Chafee’s take on “Good Kid,” and the ensemble’s energy in “The Day I Got Expelled,” which not only stood out for their vocal complexity and sound, but for their storytelling.
The design elements supported the depth of each performance. David Glenn’s set design was versatile, subtly and seamlessly transitioning the audience from Camp Half-Blood to the Underworld and beyond. Sydney Morgan’s costume design pulled together modern tastes with mythic nods. Puppets by Amelia Bradstreet and Hilary Cunningham creatively immersed the audience in a beautiful way, while the lighting and sound added magic where needed.
More than anything else, the production felt cohesive. Every aspect of the show, from acting to design, worked in service of the narrative rather than competing for top billing. Those specific choices made the show not only entertaining but also moving in an unexpected way.
While “The Lightning Thief” is full of gods, monsters and quests, on Harrison Theater’s stage, it felt like a story of friendship, bravery and finding a place in the world. The production was less about lightning bolts, and more about the quiet spark of connection that theatre creates between a story and its audience.
Staff Reporter
