By Jennifer Ersalesi
Photo Credits: Nicholas Yee Photography
Beginning on Friday, March 16th, Rutherford High School will proudly present The Lightning Thief on the Rutherford High School Stage. There are a few opportunities to see this production with one performance on Friday evening and a matinee and evening performance on Saturday. The Directors, Cast, and Crew have been working on this show for many months and are excited for audiences to see the show.
TIR: What has been the best part of directing “The Lightning Thief”?
Courtney McManus: The best part of directing this musical has been the freedom we've had to make it our own. Even though this show had a short off-Broadway run, The Lightning Thief musical is relatively unknown. I love that we have the opportunity to elevate parts of the production and play around with how the story is portrayed on stage.
Matthew Vaccaro: Honestly, it is the same every year. The fantastic talent these kids share with us is incredible. They work so hard and dedicate themselves every day to the theater program. This show is fun and campy, which genuinely allows the kids and the audience to have so much fun.
TIR: Can you tell us about the show and what it is all about?
CM: The Lightning Thief is a musical adaptation of Rick Riordan's novel by the same name, set to an upbeat rock score. Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod and embarks on a journey to find Zeus' missing bolt to prevent a war among the gods. This is just as campy as it is deep and meaningful.
MV: It is a fun musical with heavy rock songs, an emotional tale of being different and still being a hero.
TIR: What are you most excited for audiences to see?
CM: What I am most excited about is for audiences to see all of the elements come together. We have an amazing production that has worked for the last few months to help the cast strengthen their performances. All of our students are so dedicated and passionate about this show. Get ready to laugh, cry, and have a great time!
MV: How good this cast is. Honestly, it is something I still can't grasp. Vocally, this cast is breathtaking and, in large part, to our musical director, Trisha Blanchard, and all her hard work with these talented kids.
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