The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (Broadway) NYC Reviews and Tickets

70%

(266 Reviews)

Positive

65%

Mixed

23%

Negative

12%

Members say

Entertaining, Funny, Quirky, Clever, Great singing

About the Show

Director Stephen Brackett ("A Strange Loop") and book writer Joe Tracz bring Rick Riordan's bestselling young-adult fantasy novel to Broadway in this action-packed musical adaptation.

From the show:

As a son of Poseidon, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can’t control, monsters on his trail, and is on a quest to find Zeus’ lightning bolt to prevent a war between the Greek gods. Based on the best-selling novel by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, with an onstage company of seven playing more than 47 characters, "The Lightning Thief" is an action-packed theatrical adventure about accepting that normal is a myth and embracing the superpowers inside all of us.

Member Reviews (266)

Strong lead players, Young, Fun, Unrwemarkable

See it if you'd like to see a fun (if not quite exciting) musical journey that draws on Greek myth & kid culture.

Don't see it if you want to be consistently excited or surprised. Read more

Thought-provoking, Great singing, Funny, Entertaining

See it if SOME GREAT YOUNG TALENT,. A WINNER FOR TEENAGERS WHO GREW UP WITH THE BOOK,

Don't see it if SET IS MINIMAL. APPEAL TO OLDER AUDIENCE NOT AS STRONG

Cheesy staging, Positive message, Too long, Quirky

See it if if you're in the YA demographic or accompany someone who is. Occasionally amusing. Tries hard to please with limited success, if an adult.

Don't see it if expecting a lavish, creative production. Read more

Fluffy, Quirky, Ambitious, Clever

See it if Enjoyable family musical based on Greek mythology. The kids will have fun.

Don't see it if There were no memorable songs.

Poor tech, Excruciating, Disappointing

See it if you have a 'tween who loves the Percy Jackson novels or 'tween who you want to get a "safe" intro to Broadway musical theater.

Don't see it if you want your 'tween to be introduced to quality musical theater. Read more

Cute, Funny, Fluffy, Entertaining

See it if you're looking for a cute family friendly show. Based on young-adult novel, but writing skews much younger than that.

Don't see it if you're looking for a Broadway calibre production or must-see theatrical experience. It is cute and fun for what it is, but nothing standout.

Better-off in a smaller venue (or high school fare), Talented small cast working with mediocre material, Tween-and-family-friendly fun, Amateurish, Playful

See it if you need family fare that isn’t too scary, isn't sexual, and is simple in plot & design. Your kids will enjoy it; you’ll enjoy their joy.

Don't see it if you need highbrow, serious theatre; lack imagination; are over the “teen/tween-musical” scene (it’s the same book writer as Be More Chill). Read more

Childlish, Banal, Amateurish

See it if If you liked the book. If you are into superheroes and young people’s stories.

Don't see it if If you want a professional and adult play. If you prefer material for grown-ups.

Critic Reviews (20)

"‘The Lightning Thief,’ a Far Cry From Olympus: A musical adaptation of the popular fantasy novel comes to Broadway and goes to Hades."
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2/5 Stars "While those young theatergoers can fill in any missing details from memory, the challenge of turning a YA bildungsroman full of epic battles and road trips...into a musical has overwhelmed the creative team. In staying faithful to the novel, they've wound up with a mess."
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"Teen Perseus Alights on West 48th in 'The Lightning Thief'"
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"The new musical by 'Be More Chill' author Joe Tracz and composer Rob Rokicki adapts the first book in Rick Riordan's best-selling YA fantasy series."
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Grade: B- "'The Lightning Thief' musical is mythic fun that lacks range"
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"The packed narrative may be child’s play for fans of Rick Riordan’s 2005 book — and there were plenty of enthusiasts in the audience on a recent night at the Longacre Theater, where the musical is having a limited run — but others will find the show and the bare-bones production simply myth-begotten."
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