Tampa Bay visited the College of Design, Art & Performances School of Theatre & Dance for an inside look at the musical production of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, supported by the British International Theatre Program, opening Thursday, April 16, and running through Sunday, April 26.
Director Michelle Hache, stage manager Aurora Peugh, lead actor Sam Lipsey, and assistant fight director Seth Henley-Beasley shared their enthusiasm for the teamwork behind the scenes, the power of choreography paired with a live band, and the importance of a strong musical theatre program as they micd up with photojournalist Barry Wong.
The musical follows Percy Jackson, the half-blood son of a Greek god, as he discovers powers he cant control and embarks on a quest to return Zeus stolen lightning bolt. Lipsey plays Grover Underwood, a satyr tasked with protecting Percy along the way. Lipsey shared that becoming an actor was a childhood dream, and he hopes this performance resonates emotionally with audiences. I want to show people the fun of the show, he said, while also evoking a feeling and creating an emotional impact.
Peugh understands the importance of connection, especially as a senior balancing life as a student and a leader. Ive enjoyed watching people grow over the past four years and now training, mentoring, and focusing on safety as a stage manager for The Lightning Thief, she said. While managing her coursework, Peugh runs rehearsals, coordinates schedules, and ensures a safe, organized environment for a large team comprising 22 actors, 2 directors, 10 technicians, and 6 live band members.
Henley-Beasley can attest to the level of organization required as actors practice choreography and learn to hit musical beats during the fight scenes. When you become that actor, you embody that moment and feel the power that comes with the moves, he said. Even though its rehearsed, it feels like the first time, and thats what is really fun. Combat scenes are led by adjunct faculty member Landon Green, fight director for the production, who works closely with Henley-Beasley throughout rehearsals.
Its a monster show, but a well-oiled machine, with actors on stilts, striking visual elements including the squirrel and Medusa created by guest scenic designer and British artist Jessica Staton, and music in 90 percent of the production, said Hache, faculty head of musical theatre and director of the show. She described the production as a mind-palette in theatre, offering a new way of approaching performance. I appreciate seeing the students doing what they love in the best way possible, she added, highlighting how the production allows students to explore creative choices. This is our musical theatre program.
The Lightning Thief promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats!
today.