By Chase Godfrey Staff Writer
What and electrifying performance, made by East Centrals College Department of Theatre. For their musical “The Lighting Thief: Percy Jackson the Musical,” that finished their four-day running show this weekend. As this being a very highly anticipated play to be performed, about a coming-of-age story with our protagonist Percy Jackson (Max Ruether.) Finding his place in life at Camp Half-blood, with the help form some new friends and family. Here readers will get an inside look at the overall performance and production of the musical.
Grace Austin, the director of The Lighting Thief, this year expressed that when it came to her vision, on how she wanted to bring her thoughts onto the stage, for this musical, was exceptionally smooth. “I always make an extremely detailed presentation for my cast and creative team, about exactly what my vision for the show is.” She stated that her creative team and crew are such big helpers in this process, especially for this play. Since they have worked for her for years now and often understand what it is she is looking for.
As for the themes from this musical, Grace wanted the audience to see the emotions of self-discovery. Through the lens of the characters, because each character is going through their own personal quest throughout the story. She wanted viewers to see that each character has levels to them, and those levels are what make them the person they are in the musical.
In connection with the actors, here are two actors in the musical. Both these actors were both sons of their cabin parent, Ares god of war and battle. Kohen Wideman and Sam Nicks, both these boys, found that while performing the musical, the play’s anticipation and hype did not affect their performance but boosted it.
For Kohen he conveyed his thoughts about preforming. “The audience anticipation definitely boosted my acting before Preforming. I love the audience reaction… you should’ve seen me bouncing around backstage before the show.” Kohen revealed how the audience’s energy helped him enhance his performance and tries to match the audience excitement.
As for Sam, he had a similar experience while performing throughout the musical. Sam pointed out “At some point you start to realize that every show you do is high energy… Whether it be physical or emotional… My final performance was the culmination of all my minor changes and additions previously.” Sam signified that when he was on stage, for this musical he did not try to focus on situations he could not control.
In regards above, both actors felt they, as well as everyone else, performed this play as best they could. And expressed that everyone manifested there, characters and emotions onto the stage and well as to the audience while performing.
For Grace, she was incredibly pleased and proud of all the demanding work that went into these performances. She said they had a lot of time to rehearse and prep for this musical, so it helped in the play’s execution. Along with that, her group worked hard to produce their visions and creative process through this musical.
This musical dove deep into essential elements of self–exploration, and introspections. Touching base on important themes and factors like sexism, parenting issue, abandonment, and most of all independence in oneself, and their ability to understand what it is they want to do with their life experiences.
ECC Cornerstone 