Summary of "The Lightning Thief (The Other Palace Theatre, London) - ★★★ REVIEW" by MickeyJoTheatre

Podcast Information:

• Title: MickeyJoTheatre
• Host/Author: MickeyJoTheatre
• Episode: The Lightning Thief (The Other Palace Theatre, London) - ★★★ REVIEW
• Release Date: December 3, 2024

Introduction

In this episode, Mickey-Jo from MickeyJoTheatre delivers an in-depth review of "The Lightning Thief," a stage adaptation of Rick Riordan's beloved Percy Jackson novels, currently performing at the Other Palace Theatre in London. As a prominent voice in theatre criticism, Mickey-Jo shares his insights on the musical's adaptation, creative choices, performances, and overall execution.

Overview of the Musical and Source Material

Mickey-Jo begins by providing background on the musical's journey from its off-Broadway origins to its current London production. He notes that the musical initially gained traction as a one-act version off-Broadway before expanding to a full production. However, its Broadway run was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to its closure and absence from that year's Tony Awards. Despite these challenges, "The Lightning Thief" has maintained commercial appeal and a strong online fan base, enabling its revival in London.

"But understanding what it is is key to enjoying it." ([00:00])

Mickey-Jo expresses a personal connection to the Percy Jackson series, acknowledging that while he didn't grow up with the books, his interest in mythology and young adult fantasy made the musical an appealing watch.

Tone and Adaptation

One of Mickey-Jo's primary observations pertains to the musical's tonal balance. He initially anticipated a serious, epic fantasy adaptation akin to "Lord of the Rings." However, he was surprised to find the musical leaning heavily into comedy, whimsy, and quirkiness.

"It feels on occasion like a Percy Jackson parody musical."

Mickey-Jo highlights that while the musical retains elements of the original books' humor, this shift towards a lighter tone impacts the show's ability to handle more dramatic and intense moments effectively. He draws a parallel to different adaptations of the Harry Potter franchise, contrasting a serious film adaptation with a parody musical.

"The comedy of this lives tonally a lot closer to the book and is very familiar with that."

Structure and Pacing

Mickey-Jo delves into the musical's structure, commending the second act for its compelling quest sequence, which he finds more effective than the first act. The first act, while light-hearted, successfully delivers necessary exposition without feeling sluggish.

"The second act just containing this quest sequence makes it a compelling second act. It's probably a stronger act than the first."

However, he critiques the epilogue for reverting to a serious tone abruptly, leading to what he describes as "tonal whiplash." This inconsistency undermines the overall narrative cohesion, leaving the audience uncertain about the show's intended emotional impact.

Creative Choices: Direction, Set, and Costume Design

Direction

Directed by Lizzie G., the production showcases creative staging that allows for seamless transitions between various locations across North America. Mickey-Jo appreciates the innovative use of props and set pieces to bring mythical creatures to life, though he notes that the overall aesthetic sometimes feels "threadbare" and reminiscent of a high school production.

"It feels not unlike, aesthetically, a really great student production of the Lightning Thief that feels very creative and very innovative."

Set Design

The set design by Ryan Dawson Layt is praised for its functionality, enabling the narrative to traverse multiple settings effectively. Mickey-Jo highlights the use of a circular portal with a translucent cover as a standout staging choice, enhancing scenes like flashbacks and oracle revelations.

Costume Design

Costumes receive mixed reviews. While certain elements like Grover's goat legs and Ares' attire are lauded for their creativity, others, such as the centaur's horse legs, fall short. Mickey-Jo feels that some costumes lack authenticity and humor, detracting from the overall visual appeal.

"The way that we represent a minotaur with various members of the company holding up these different lit cages to show the eyes and the horns and we feel the danger and the scale of that. And that's the kind of creativity that I love to see on stage."

Performances and Characters

Lead Performers

• Max Harwood as Percy Jackson: Mickey-Jo praises Max Harwood for his vocal prowess and ability to embody Percy's quirky and awkward nature. Harwood's performance brings depth and sincerity to the character, making Percy's journey relatable and engaging.

  "His characterization of Percy Jackson really works as well."

• Scott Folham as Grover: Folham is commended for his charming portrayal of Grover, particularly in the transformation scenes where Grover reveals his goat legs. His performance adds a humorous and endearing quality to the character.

• Jessica Lee as Annabeth: Lee delivers a nuanced performance, balancing Annabeth's perfectionism and maturity with her youthfulness. Mickey-Jo appreciates how Lee navigates the complexities of Annabeth's character, making her both relatable and aspirational.

Supporting Performers

• Paisley Billings: While Billings excels in over-the-top characterizations, such as Medusa and the Oracle, Mickey-Jo feels her portrayal of Percy's mother lacks maternal authenticity, impacting the depth of their relationship.

  "I just don't know that she feels like she reads old enough on stage to be appropriately maternal."

• Greg Barnett: Barnett stands out for his versatile performances, handling multiple roles with ease. His ability to switch between profound and silly characters adds dynamism to the production.

• Joaquin Pedro Valdez: Valdez is praised for his charming interpretations of characters like Luke and Ares, effectively balancing seriousness with playful elements.

Ensemble and Supporting Characters

Mickey-Jo highlights the ensemble's creativity in bringing mythical creatures to life through inventive staging and choreography. However, he notes that the comedic elements sometimes overshadow the more dramatic aspects, leading to a disjointed emotional experience.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mickey-Jo concludes that "The Lightning Thief" musical is a delightful, albeit uneven, production that successfully delivers humor and charm but struggles to maintain a consistent dramatic tone. He emphasizes the importance of approaching the musical with an understanding of its light-hearted intent to fully appreciate its strengths.

"The Lightning Thief musical is a quirky, charming, slightly juvenile, slightly threadbare, but legitimately funny show."

He encourages listeners to share their experiences and thoughts if they've attended the production and reminds them to subscribe and follow his channel for more theatre reviews.

"If you've already seen it, I would love to hear what you think in the comments down below."

Overall Rating: ★★★

Recommendation: Suitable for fans of the Percy Jackson series and those seeking a fun, whimsical theatre experience, though those expecting a serious adaptation may find the tonal shifts jarring.

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