OBSERVER: Lightning Thief
A truly musical fantasy, first conceived by Rick Riordan, a story about the Greek God, Poseidon’s “half blood” son who has an attention deficit hyperactive disorder and dyslexia. Monash University Student Theatre (MUST) embraced the work to a full house season of some 10 performances under Director Kyra Hatzikosmidis and her formidable crew.
The full title The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, a book in 2005, then two films, a Disney+ spin off and a video game, giving way to the suggestion that it is in the realms of the Harry Potter phenomena.
The intimate MUST black box theatre was transformed with a three level rostra, two rising staircases, four tall imposing Greek columns all with a backdrop of ethereal lighting.
A credit to the Set Designer Nikita Sinclair and her Team. A five piece Rock Band under Musical Director Claire Gurrin kept the momentum going over a 23 song list.
The story revolves around the “half blood” son, Percy Jackson played by Jet Spicer who commanded a great presence whether with word or song and his masterly use of the sword. Jackson sets out on a quest to find his absent father and Zeus’s lightning bolt so as to prevent a war between the Greek gods.
Being well supported as a trio by stand out performances from Jasmine Salter as Annabeth Chase and Sofia Jorgovic as Grover Underwood.
With a strong cast of 16, impressive was Danny Dominic Hartono in two particular roles of Luke and Ares and with the sword, while Andrew McGregor showed great character flexibility in the roles of Medusa and Poseidon.
Bridget Hyde as Hades, Tiara Pires as Percy’s mother Sally Jackson, Thomas Noulikas Galinas as Mr D/Gabe and Luca Edwards as Chiron all played striking performances.
A final comment is that not all head mikes appeared to operate during important dialogue. That aside, MUST’s program for the year is well worth being part of – explore monashstudentassociation.com.au/theatre/
Review by Graeme McCoubrie