Theater Review: Following its hit downtown debut and national tour, 'The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical' (LTMusical), based on the RickRiordan novel, comes to Broadway
features the sort of potty humor geared strictly for preadolescents. For every mildly amusing joke in Joe Tracz's book , such as Charon ferrying the Vienna Boys' Choir across the River Styx , there are dozens of groan-worthy ones, including a cheap shot at Josh Groban and a sight gag involving a regurgitating toilet. At one point in the performance, rolls of toilet paper are shot out into the audience via leaf-blowers, which also serves as a handy visual metaphor for the show.
That's not all audiences are forced to endure. Director Stephen Brackett's frantic staging also periodically assaults us with deafening noises and bright lights shined directly in our eyes, the latter unfortunately not quite blinding enough to prevent us from seeing what's going on.
The pop/rock score by Broadway newcomer Rob Rokicki, performed by an onstage five-piece band, proves higher on energy and volume than musical inventiveness. Needless to say, it includes the obligatory female empowerment anthem, "My Grand Plan," in which Annabeth sings, "My grand plan is that I will be remembered / My grand plan, just you wait and see / They better wise up, cause I'll rise up / Bring on any challenge, and someday soon, someone will notice me.
The seven-person ensemble, most of whom assume multiple roles, certainly work hard and earn their paychecks. McCarrell, who played Marius in the 2014 Broadway revival of, makes for a charming Harry Potter…excuse me, Percy Jackson. Javier provides dual amusement as the insecure satyr and licentious Mr. D., while Steele brings a palpable warmth to her turn as the loving mom.
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