LCC’s ‘Lightning Thief’ musical showcases student star power

Judging by the youthful audience’s  reactions to “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” at Lansing Community College, the fans of Rick Riordan’s Greek-mythology-based book series were thrilled with the show. The patrons were quite familiar with the plot, and their overwhelmingly positive response to the play’s action helped build and keep the momentum going, right through to curtain call. 

The show fills the renovated Dart Auditorium with a hard-charging progressive-rock score, ably led by music director Jeff English. The student actors join in with their strong, contemporary voices and charming characterizations. Janus Hoang (Percy Jackson) excels in everything a lead must do, singing a difficult vocal score, speaking clearly and moving well, all the while exuding a magnetic energy. Fenton High School student Isabella Edmonds-Hogan (Annabeth) has the vocal and acting chops to pull off the mercurial part she plays. She has no trouble fitting in with college students and more than holds her own on stage. Watch out for this promising actor in the future.

Olivia Hammond (Chiron) has a strong, authoritative stage presence and a clear, powerful voice. Simon Menold (Luke) aptly switches gears from playing a supportive character to a menace. Chris Pongracz has all the charm and warmth a crowd-pleasing role like Grover requires.

The entire cast is well rehearsed and prepared for the show, and scene transitions are smooth and rapid. The chorus members act in multiple roles, and each effectively steps forward from the ensemble when it’s their time to shine. It can be easy to get lost in the large, almost cavernous stage at Dart, but the ensemble keeps aware of the stage picture and fills the playing area with robust action. It’s quite rewarding to see acting students doing large musicals in the auditorium again, and with several notable upgrades to the facility. 

The highlight of this show is the lighting, designed by Hillsdale College theater Professor Michael Beyer. Beyer uses projections to magical effect and illuminates the play with the muscular energy expected of a rock concert, quite suitable for Greek demigods. Both theater professionals and local students studying lighting are highly encouraged to witness what Beyer is accomplishing in Lansing this weekend.