(Off-Broadway) The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (157)
See it if you love the book series, the movies, rock operas, Greek mythology, and/or quirky off-Broadway shows that are beyond clever.
Don't see it if you want something intense or serious, or if stories about teens/self-discovery aren't your cup of tea. But seriously, go see it!
See it if You loved the movie and the book.
Don't see it if If you didn't like the movie and the book
See it if You are a Camp Half-blood junkie, or if you are looking for a family friendly affordable show.
Don't see it if You are expecting an epic production with demi-gods flying on stage. Read more
See it if you like shows based on popular material or are curious how an epic series can be scaled down into a musical that works!
Don't see it if you're not a fan of light, lean shows meant for younger audiences.
See it if You loved the books and want to see a clever musical adaptation and if you enjoy piece-meal set designs that require creative stage magic
Don't see it if You want serious theater.
See it if you're a fan of the book. Unlike the film, this does not disappoint! The creators have managed to produce a delightfully faithful adaptation
Don't see it if you're looking for something serious. This is a fun, family show. So, grouchy people (like the man who sat next to me last night), stay home
See it if you like clever adaptations of Greek mythology. Great performances, spot-on humor, solid rock music. Great for pre-teens and adults!
Don't see it if you are looking for a serious take on Greek myths, avoid bright lights and rock concerts, and forgot what it's like to be a teen. Read more
See it if you enjoy quality shows for young audiences, with some top notch performances, and clever direction.
Don't see it if you do not enjoy theatre for young audiences.
Critic Reviews (22)
"A deliciously dorky new musical...Sure to win over the books’ young fans, the books’ grown-up fans, and anyone in between...Embraces the clever energy and fun teen angst of the books. The songs skillfully flesh out the characters and their relationships to lend the play stronger emotional weight all while keeping the energy and enjoyment high...The main trio’s winning performances, as well as those of their fellow demigods, play up their characters’ trials in thoroughly endearing ways."
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"It’s innocent enough and a fair amount of fun, although moments border on the ridiculous and silly…Some characterizations are played primarily for laughs and are a bit over-the-top…The direction seems to swing wildly from over-the-top clowning to more sincere moments of feeling…There is a good show hidden among the scaffolding and high school production-level kitsch on stage...It will take some work to raise this show from pedestrian to God-like."
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“An energetic, generally entertaining rock musical for the seven-years-old-and-up crowd…'The Lightning Thief' is a fast-paced, decibel-blasting, theatrically frisky take on the original story...The show...adopts an air of deliberate, even self-deprecatory playfulness...Rokicki's conventional rock score...is a listenable, efficient engine for keeping the show moving but most of its songs are of the undistinguished, volume-up variety; only two even hint at standard balladry.”
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“The cast is an incredibly talented group…The direction by Brackett is fun and keeps the pace at God-like speed. The choreography by McCollum is unimpressive and looked a little messy. Book by Tracz will appeal to teens and will keep their parents from being bored. The music and lyrics by Rokicki are tuneful and toe-tapping...The overall messages of belonging, community and acceptance make you forgive any of the show's faults.”
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"With an energetic pop-rock score and a text that heavily taps into the real-world themes, 'The Lightning Thief' has the potential for greatness. It just misses the mark at times...If you're unfamiliar with the source material, the way some facts unfold becomes confusing...The magical world of 'The Lightning Thief' was subpar...It desired flash and pizzazz...'The Lightning Thief' is meant for the stage. And this production shows what it can be. Kids will love it. Parents will tolerate it."
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"The zippy production addresses sexism, loneliness and parental neglect, but champions friendship and smart, independent choices—at lightning speed. Director Stephen Brackett makes the most of low-tech elements, utilizing mood lighting and creative costumes to create a parallel universe of monsters, centaurs and gods. He’s also blessed with a versatile cast...The dialogue is funny and the story, like its engaging, energetic lead, has important messages for adults and teens alike."
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“With a novel’s-worth of ground to cover in two hours, the production favors incident over emotion, and potentially impactful moments are shorn of any dramatic heft…The routine pop-rock score and facile lyrics too often impede the narrative, instead of deepening it…The show may not sing, but McCarrell does, with brio. His reedy, falsetto and feverish buoyancy make the show watchable…There’s not much lightning in this ‘Thief,’ but the cast brings the thunder.”
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“A fast-paced fun filled delight…The story moves along at rapid speed spiced with juvenile dialogue that is witty, many sight gags, and an infectious pop/rock score filled with songs which sound alike, but nonetheless put forth some universally positive messages for everyone…Chris McCarrell is appealing in the leading role turning in an engagingly high-spirited performance that starts out strong and sustains with passion throughout the evening.”
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