By: Chloe Swanson, Rancocas Valley Regional High School, Mount Laurel
PENNSAUKEN — Forget the movies, Pennsauken High School finally gave “The Son of Poseidon” the adaptation he deserves. On March 15, audience members joined the cast of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” along for their high-energy, chaotic, “Killer Quest!”
After premiering off-Broadway at the Lucille Lortel Theater in 2014, the musical made its Broadway debut in 2019 at the Longacre Theatre. Its electrifying storyline is known for its wide fan base sparking many national tours, ammature productions, and a 2024 London run at The Other Palace.
The adventure follows Percy, a “troublemaker” who discovers his misbehavior stems from his true identity — a demigod. Alongside two friends, he embarks on a high-stakes quest to return Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt and prevent a war between the gods.
The production’s core “Drive” was its dedication to individual storytelling. Beyond the physical support of the ensemble, seen in the effortless lifts during “The Day I Got Expelled,” each member crafted a distinct character that added depth and personality to numbers like “The Campfire Song” and “Lost!”
The success of this odyssey rested on Aiden Scott’s tireless portrayal of Percy Jackson. Despite being in almost every scene, Scott’s stamina was consistent throughout. His presence was eye-catching, particularly in “Good Kid,” where he captured the heart of a boy just trying to discover himself.
His dynamic with Sydney McCurry as Annabeth was fascinating to watch develop. Her initial hesitation to trust him bloomed beautifully in “My Grand Plan” when she was comfortable enough to open up to Percy about her burning desire to leave a lasting legacy.
The supporting cast proved that even the less popular gods can steal the spotlight. In “Put You In Your Place,” Zipporah Jones’s Clarisse instantly sparked the Camp Half-Blood rivalry with an undeniable resilience that left the audience exhilarated. An equally unforgettable moment at camp was “Another Terrible Day” featuring Connor Wolfl as Mr. D. Connor’s thorough commitment to the sarcastic grumpiness required for his character was hysterical to watch. Combining comedy with star-quality was Giana Nesmith as Charon. She made her presence known even as a freshman in her captivating delivery of “D.O.A.” from her fascinating dance style to her thunderous voice.
Pennsauken’s crew created a mythological universe of adventure and high-stakes that any cast would be lucky to work in. This trip to the underworld was led by a top-notch team of student directors. Marienne Mayo, Sarina Tran, and William Snyder Jr. ensured powerful crisp, vocals as Music Directors by conducting their castmates in the wings. Additionally, dynamic staging was brought by Stephanie Malo and Allure Lindsey-Prince, paired with choreography from Sydney McCurry, Giana Nesmith, Janai Nesmith, and Zipporah Jones. Together, they put together professional quality numbers including “She Fought Bravely” and “Weirdest Dream.” Their costumers, Madison McKenzie and Ayona Roberts met the “Bring on the Monsters” challenge head on, designing a three headed dog for DJ Cerberus. Their creative risks paid off, bringing life into every demon on stage.
The Lightning Thief may have stolen Zeus’s bolt, but Pennsauken’s talented group of students were the ones who stole the show!
- WATCH: What’s Good in South Jersey? American Training Center Graduation Celebration
- WATCH: What’s Good in South Jersey? Cinco De Mayo Celebration
- WATCH: What’s Good in South Jersey? Salem Donates House For Full Renovation
Follow South Jersey provides local journalism which highlights our diverse communities; fosters transparency through robust, localized, and vital reporting that holds leaders and institutions accountable; addresses critical information needs; supports people in navigating civic life; and equips people with the information necessary to partake in effective community engagement. If there is a story or event you think we should cover, please send your tips to news@followsouthjersey.com with “NEWS” in the subject line.
