(Off-Broadway) The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (157)
See it if You're a fan of the books, or you just want to see an incredible show about a modern take on Greek mythology.
Don't see it if You can't take mythology or teenagers seriously.
See it if You love the books. It was a slam dunk for its target audience and left me wanting them to adapt the next four.
Don't see it if You've never read the books. Watching the movie doesn't count. This was aimed squarely at fans.
See it if you are a fan of the author...or even if you never heard of him, like me. This musical is wonderful with a great cast in multiple roles.
Don't see it if you don't like to see young people singing and dancing and working their behinds off to bring you a great show.
See it if If you wanna sit back and have a fun, entertaining, evening. And go with kids who follow the books. They will have a blast.!!!!
Don't see it if If you want to see a Broadway type musical. That's not what it is.
See it if You like bright lights and expose and fun and gods and mortals and young actors singing and stage combat. It was really enjoyable!!
Don't see it if You don't like fantastical musicals about gods and monsters. You want a serious drama. This is adventurous and a bit young actors
See it if you're down for a fun, rocking teen quest/self-discovery story. TYA but it's for everyone. The kids in the audience seemed to have a blast.
Don't see it if you don't like theatre for young audiences, Greek mythology, rock musicals, or didn't like these specific books. Read more
See it if you can dig "(adults will like it too!)" material and are ready to embark on a wacky, well-crafted quest with some insanely game performers.
Don't see it if YA fantasy isn't your bag. Read more
See it if You like the books! You love Chris McCarrell or George Salazar. With kids. Want a fun adventure story with some great songs!
Don't see it if Don't like shows with small set/casts. Want a realistic story. Don't enjoy musicals about high schoolers
Critic Reviews (22)
"Underneath its fantasy trappings is a relatable coming-of-age tale about growing up and finding your place in the world...The seven cast members, though too mature to totally convince as angsty adolescents, are charismatic and energetic, and handle the required quick character changes smoothly...The action rarely flags thanks to Brackett's sharp direction; Rokicki's spirited songs; Tracz's lucid book...For tween audiences, this 'Lightning Thief' is liable to steal their hearts."
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“This low-budget off-Broadway musical thoroughly charms…Providing ample compensation is the amusing dialogue, which proves just as funny for adults as children, and the tuneful, pop-rock score…Both the book and score feature plenty of funny gags…McCarrell makes for an engagingly plucky Percy. The rest of the seven-person ensemble, most of them playing multiple roles, are equally terrific…An excellent if irreverent introduction to Greek mythology.”
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“Director Stephen Brackett keeps this two-hour show moving at warp speed, one song after another advancing the plot and hysterical performances filling the gaps in between…Along with the music, the show's special effects will captivate young and old…‘The Lightning Thief' is a great show to get kids 8 and up engaged with a full-length live theater production. "
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"Delivered with plenty of brio thanks to Tracz's wisecracking, incident-rich script and the energized music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki...Under Stephen Brackett's buoyant staging, aided by Patrick McCollum's caffeinated choreography, Percy's saga makes a smooth transition to the stage...'The Lightning Thief' is not intended for couples seeking a Mom and Dad's night out, but you can take the kids and feel fairly certain that you'll have a good time, too."
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“‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical’ is a clever entertainment from an exciting novel. Faithful to the source material, it should please both those who have read the book and those who have not. Unlike the similar 'Harry Potter' films, this story is an excellent introduction—or review—of Greek mythology made relevant for our own time. The remarkable special effects are clever in their simple solutions to the story's requirements.”
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"Writer Joe Tracz has excellently adapted Riordan’s novel for the stage by infusing wit and nonstop action into the high-stakes quest. Director Stephen Brackett creates a playful world...McCarrell is a charming young actor with a golden voice and swoon-worthy good looks...Much of Rob Rokicki’s music and lyrics are drowned out amidst the incredibly loud musical accompaniment...Audio errors aside, audience members will delight in this theatrical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s popular novel."
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“More than clever; it’s an exuberant and exciting story that, along the way, teaches ancient history with wit and without sense of pretense. The language is smart without being smart ass and the characters are easily identifiable to both the young and old in the audience. There is something for everyone in ‘The Lightning Thief’…The songs are carefully crafted to express character and plot progression…Although mostly formulaic, the numbers have sufficient wit and are beautifully arranged.”
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“You wanna see a show that is completely innovative and inspiring, where you can share the experience with your children, where after you can go for sushi and discuss how good you feel, how much fun you just had? Yup that’s ‘The Lightning Thief.’ This production is acted and sung as well as any Broadway production…Fun and magic, those are the two words that best describe this production…Every song is a gem.”
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