Fox Valley Theatre Company to bring Percy Jackson musical to ECC stage
Join Fox Valley Theatre Company, the teen and young adult performance program of Children’s Theatre of Elgin, for “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” an epic adventure based on Rick Riordan’s bestselling novel.
As the demigod of Poseidon, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, Percy must embark on a cross-country quest to prove his innocence and prevent a war among the gods. Along the way, he travels to the Underworld, outwits monsters, solves ancient riddles, and discovers that friendship, courage, and believing in yourself are the greatest powers of all.
Featuring a thrilling original rock score, “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” brings Greek mythology to life with humor, heart, spectacular adventure, and unforgettable music. Whether you’re a longtime Percy Jackson fan or discovering the story for the first time, this action-packed production offers an exciting theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
Performed by a talented cast of young artists in seventh grade through age 23, this production showcases the exceptional performers of Fox Valley Theatre Company while delivering a professional-quality theatrical experience for the entire family.
“’The Lightning Thief’ story holds such a special place in my heart,” said director Larissa Catalano. “I found the Percy Jackson series shortly after my own ADHD diagnosis, and the way this story addresses the challenges as well as highlights the strengths of neurodivergent individuals helped me reframe my own experience.”
“As a fan of the books and an alumni of Fox Valley Theatre Company, I wanted to make this show as special for the cast and audience members as it is for me,” Catalano said. “We incorporated a revolving stage, trap doors, practical effects, puppets, and swordfights with two unimaginably talented casts of young performers to bring the world of Percy Jackson and the Olympians to life. I cannot wait to see the audience's reactions when they see stage magic happen right before their eyes!”
Performances will 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 11-20, at the Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
The Children’s Theatre of Elgin & Fox Valley Theatre Company is committed to making live theater welcoming and accessible to everyone.
The sensory-friendly performances will be 2 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 12 and 19. These specially adapted performances feature adjusted lighting and sound levels, minimal special effects, and a more relaxed theater environment for audience members who are autistic, neurodivergent, have epilepsy, sensory sensitivities, or anyone who prefers a performance with reduced sensory stimulation. Free registration is required for these performances.
The ASL-interpreted performance will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. An American Sign Language interpreter will provide interpretation throughout the performance for members of the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
Tickets, which include a $2 per ticket fee, are $18 or $16 for seniors and students. All orders will have a $5 transaction fee added. Tickets and free registration for the sensory-friendly performances are available at cteelgin.com.
About Fox Valley Theatre Company
Fox Valley Theatre Company is the performance program of Children’s Theatre of Elgin, serving performers in seventh grade through age 23. The program provides young artists with opportunities to develop their theatrical skills through high-quality productions while fostering confidence, creativity, collaboration, and leadership. The company is dedicated to producing exceptional theater that inspires performers and audiences alike while creating an inclusive environment where everyone can experience the magic of live performance.