The audience on the night I saw “The Lightning Thief,” adapted from Rick Riordan’s book, was filled with youngsters and from all indications they were having a good time. That’s as it should be for they are the ones at whom this show is aimed. This is not a musical likely to entertain adults, except in certain spots.
The set (scenic design by Lee Savage) is an ungainly looking structure. It is the lighting (design by David Lander) that carries the visual impact, with vertical up and down streaks at the back of the stage flashing on and off at various moments in the show. Special effects likely to entertain the kids include toilet paper being shot out from a gun-like tube, and confetti showering the audience, as well as strong spotlights sometimes shining in one’s eyes.
The other ingredient likely to impress the target audience is the performance by Chris McCarrell as Percy Jackson, the title youth who is the son of Poseidon, god of the sea, and a mortal mother. Percy is attending Camp Half-Blood, geared for mixtures like him. McCarrell has appeal and he works hard to pass through the outlandish escapades.
The plot is steeped in Greek mythology, with an array of gods mixed with ordinary humans, and with mortal combat scenes providing the action, and interwoven songs mostly loudly performed. The book is by Joe Tracz, the music and lyrics are by Rob Rokicki. The choreography by Patrick McCollum is consistently hyper, and the direction by Stephen Brackett accents the churned-up intensity, especially as Percy heads off with his pals on his central quest.
The cast is game, with most handling a host of roles. It includes Jorrel Jayier, Ryan Knowles, Sarah Beth Pfeifer, James Hayden Rodriguez, Jaylnn Steele and Kristin Stokes. Come to think of it, this is a small cast for bringing so many mythical and other individuals to life.
An effort is made to make a statement in the final number, which identifies mortals as the real monsters in the world with a song titled “Bring on the Monsters.” In other words, they are us. Other numbers worth noting include “Another Terrible Day,” “The Weirdest Dream,” “My Grand Plan” and “Son of Poseidon.”
Sitting next to me was a family from Utah, and the two daughters in the group had read the book, which was probably true of many in the audience. The girls appeared to be having a good time, enjoying the opportunity to see a big Broadway show about a subject they knew. At the Longacre Theatre, 220 West 48th Street. Phone: 212-239-6200. Reviewed October 25, 2019.