Percy Jackson musical brings myth, music to Haddad stage

The Medina County Show Biz Company is taking audiences on a mythological adventure with “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” running at Medina's Haddad Theatre April 17-26.

Directed by Machia Wheeler, this show offers a high-energy, originally scored rock musical based on Rick Riordan’s best-selling Percy Jackson book series.

The story follows teenager Percy Jackson – played by Trevor Haywood – who discovers he is a demigod and is suddenly thrust into a world of gods, monsters and destiny. Alongside friends, Percy sets out on a cross-country quest to recover Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt and prevent a brewing war among gods.

“We were looking for a show that was a little outside of the ordinary staple of community theater productions,” Wheeler said. “‘The Lightning Thief’ is a musical that's not performed very often, but the people who know the show really love the show.”

The cult following – combined with the popularity of the books, movies and Disney series – made it an appealing choice. While the stage version doesn’t follow the novel beat for beat, Wheeler said it captures the tone and spirit that fans appreciate.

At its core, the show explores themes of identity, belonging and resilience. Percy begins as a kid who feels out of place, struggling with challenges like ADHD and fitting in at school, before growing into confidence and courage.

“Many young people see themselves in him,” Wheeler said. “His journey shows that what makes you ‘different’ can actually be your greatest strength.”

That message, paired with upbeat music and energetic staging, makes the production accessible even for audiences unfamiliar with the books.

“We feel that everyone will love the music, story and theme of the show,” Wheeler said.

Like all Show Biz shows, “The Lightning Thief” showcases the strength and honesty of community theater, bringing together performers of varying ages and stage experience.

“The thing they love most is the camaraderie they have with all the cast members and production staff,” Wheeler said. “The kindness, inclusiveness and acceptance from the entire theater is overwhelming.”

Audiences can expect a visually engaging show, with special effects, imaginative costumes and even a few hidden Easter eggs for devoted Percy fans.

Behind the scenes, area high school students are also gaining experience in technical roles, including set decoration, lighting, sound and props, contributing to the overall production.

One standout element is the inclusion of a live pit orchestra on stage.

“Our music director Rachel Knaggs has worked really hard with the cast to make a wonderful collaboration of harmonies,” Wheeler said. “We think the audience will love it.”

The production also ties into a broader effort to promote reading and the arts. Show Biz has partnered with local bookstores, schools and libraries to highlight the original books that inspired the musical.

“There is something magical about reading a book and falling in love with the story and characters and then being able to bring them to life on stage,” Wheeler said. “We hope audiences leave with a sense of awe at all that can be accomplished in a collaborative community theater like ours.”

Performances will take place at the Haddad Theatre, home of Medina County Show Biz Company, 144 N. Broadway.

Tickets ($11.63-$22.13) are now on sale at medinashowbiz.org. Curtain goes up Friday, April 17, at 7:30 p.m., with showtimes continuing Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Reserved seating is available.

Cast: Trevor Haywood, Percy Jackson; Jodi Rabung, Annabeth Chase; Reece Noethen, Grover Underwood; Christina Terry, Sally Jackson; Will Padilla, Mr. Brunner/Chiron/Kronos; Louis Schwartz, Mr. D/Gabe; Owen Murphy, Luke; Brynn Yannayon, Clarisse; Emersyn Kearney, Selina Beauregard/featured dancer; Katie Grimes, Katie Gardner/Janis Joplin; Dana Rabung, Mrs. Dodds/Satyr; Jennifer Zayac, Aunty Em/Satyr/featured dancer; Diann Gorsuch, The Oracle/Charon; Matt Vavrek, Ares; J. Coyle, Hades; Isaac Bratt, The Minotaur/Charlie Beckendorf/D.J. Cerberus; Mary Grace Sir Louis, Squirrel/Fury 2/featured dancer; Mason Rusyniak, featured camper/Greyhound passenger 2/Nico; Olivia Porcella, bus driver; Grace Urda, Greyhound passenger 1; Hannah Crawford, train conductor; Em Davis, Echidna/Satyr/Mozart; Micah Collins, farmer/Kurt Cobain; Gabby Jackson, Fury 1/newscaster/featured dancer; Ximena Castro Ayala, Bianca; Vivian Padilla, wood nymph/Thalia/featured dancer.

Ensemble: Isaac Bratt, Ximena Castro Ayala, Micah Collins, J. Coyle, Hannah Crawford, Em Davis, Katie Grimes, Gabby Jackson, Emersyn Kearney, Owen Murphy, Vivian Padilla, Will Padilla, Olivia Porcella, Dana Rabung, Mason Rusyniak, Louis Schwartz, Mary Grace Sir Louis, Grace Urda, Matt Vavrek, Brynn Yannayon, Jennifer Zayac.

Special appearance: Jordan Johnston, Chris Preston and Wayne Terry – Poseidon Trinity.

Production staff: Machia Wheeler, director; Maureen Martin-Stocks, choreographer; Rachel Knaggs, music/vocal director; Elizabeth Wheeler, fight choreographer; Julie Onderak, stage manager; Kasey Ziska, costumes; Lily Pozderak and Vickie Jackson, sound; Chris Jackson, lighting; Leney Faulhaber, light operator; Jordan Johnston and Bill Knaggs, set design; Roy Symonds, production coordinator; Beth Allen, front of house; Tina Hile, box office; Derwin Loverlink, programs.