SOLON — What happens when ordinary teenager Percy Jackson finds out he’s a demigod (the offspring of a god, Poseidon, in this case) and is tasked with an epic quest to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt, thus preventing a war among the gods? You can find out this weekend as the Solon High School Drama Department presents their fall musical “The LightningThief”.
“We wanted to pick a show that would highlight the talent of many of our SHS students,” said Director Sami McAtee. “We also wanted to focus on a show that was contemporary and highlighted tech and all they do to make the show possible. I had past musical students share with me how cool this show was, so it has been on my short list of options for the last few years! This was a focus on more lights, sounds, flying, and set building. This was a fun show would encompass all of our needs, challenged students musically, and allowed for a “rock band” kind of experience.”
An epic quest demands epic and dramatic effects. Among the technical highlights of the show is having five performers flying, a stunt McAtee said is an amazing experience to bring back to the Solon stage. “The last time we had flying was in 2017 for “Mary Poppins,” when Jessica Frerich was directing. We have such an amazing space and it would be a shame to not use it to its full potential,” said McAtee. “Not to mention the amazing learning opportunities it creates for the students.”
The Fly Team is led by Technical Director Norah Fischer with Fly Captain Olivia Bonnema and Fly Operators Natalie Arthur, Brayden Baker, and Bella Nerad. A professional theatrical flying company was consulted with a representative on-site to train the crew and cast. McAtee also wanted to put the spotlight on the set crew – the ones who erected, dismantled, rebuilt, disassembled again, and then reassembled the set under the guidance of professional carpenter Shane Merrick. “We want to send a special shout out to Shane and his crew for all of their expertise, knowledge, flexibility, and extra time dedicated to making this show come together!”
McAtee pointed out the set had to be removed for a choir concert, and then had to be moved back to provide a clearer and safer flight path for the flying actors.
The show is the 14th musical production in the Solon Center for the Arts. “This show,” said McAtee, “involves many talented and dedicated students in a dynamic musical adaptation (book by Joe Tracz, music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki) of Rick Riordan’s best-selling Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.” The show first opened on Broadway in 2019. “I am so proud of the hard work and dedication of this cast,” she said.
“Watching them learn, grow, and step out of rheir comfort zone on stage has been such a joy and I cannot wait for them to share their talents with you!”