The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (MUST), at Monash University - 2 hours 20 minutes, including interval

If you think a musical about Greek gods is too much of a literary stretch and hardly relatable to the modern world, think again.

The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is about a 16-year-old dyslexic boy who can’t seem to find his feet at school. In fact, he’s about to be booted out of his sixth school in six years.

That happens after a field trip to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, where he takes to the substitute maths teacher … with a sword.

Photos by Eric Stone

It sounds a whole lot worse than it is because the teacher morphed into a demon.

Percy also can’t understand why his caring mother has never revealed who his father is. All he can get out of her is that “it’s complicated”.

To further muddy the waters, Percy also can’t fathom why his mum has taken up with a deadbeat guy who treats her shamefully (all will be revealed in the fullness of time).

It is when his mother takes Percy to the beach where she first met his father that things kick up a gear.

They run into Percy’s best friend, Grover Underwood, who looks like she has never looked before. In fact, she is half goat.

Suddenly, they are attacked by a minotaur (a half-bull, half-man) and a fight ensues that will eventually see Percy transported to Camp Half-Blood.

That is a place for demigods (the offspring of gods and mortals), where Percy will be tested – again and again.

In his court is Grover and a smart demigod named Annabeth Chase, who is always trying to prove herself.

Percy will not only find out who his father is, but he, Grover and Annabeth will embark on a dangerous quest that could see him reunited with his mother and keep evil at bay.

Adapted from Rick Riordan’s best-selling novel by Joe Tracz, with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, The Lighting Thief opened off Broadway in 2014.

It features a strong rock score and lively interchanges between demigods and gods.

With a cast of 16, Monash University Student Theatre’s (MUST) production is bold, energetic and loads of fun.

I really enjoyed myself trying to keep up with the helter skelter nature of the narrative.

Shocked looks and exaggeration are the name of the game.

I particularly appreciated the chorus numbers, when all were in full voice.

Overall, the cast and band acquit themselves well, although some of the performers were stronger vocally than others.

Among those that stood out musically was Jasmine Salter, who also brought spunk to her role as the not to be taken lightly Annabeth.

Another was Tiara Pires, who is empathetic as Percy’s mum, Sally.

Jet Spicer is charismatic and potent in the lead, with all the action centred around Percy’s travails.

I really believed the rusted-on loyalty that Sofia Jorgovic brought to Grover.

Attitude and bombast are the hallmarks of Thomas Noulikas Galinas, who plays both Percy’s layabout stepdad and the reluctant camp head.

Danny Dominic Hartono brings a dominant edge to his characterisations, while Luca Edwards is able to deliver bad news with dignity as immortal centaur Chiron.

Staging is kept to a minimum, with a few noteworthy props (I don’t want to spoil the surprise), while MUST’s costuming is another plus.

Director Kyra Hatzikosmidis and musical director Claire Gurrin ensure they leave us with lasting memories of not getting onto the wrong side of Greek gods any time soon.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is playing at Monash University until 7th June, 2025.