Summer is right around the corner, and what better way to spend it than at a summer camp? Just picture it, a beautiful lake, fun activities like capture the flag, and an escape from the monsters that are chasing you — wait, monsters?
For demigod Percy Jackson, the world of Greek mythology was new to him, and fighting monsters was even newer. After barely defeating the Minotaur, Percy finds himself at Camp Half Blood, where he is given the quest of a lifetime, but will he succeed?
This staged reading of The Lightning Thief will have you even more excited for summer as you watch these brave heroes battle to complete their quest in this adventure comedy. Performances will take place on Thursday, April 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. at the W. Carroll Coyne Center for the Performing Arts with an additional matinee at 2 p.m. on the final day.
With this production being a staged reading, it won’t be a typical musical performance, but despite how different it may look, it is still sure to be a great experience all around. After all, the cast and crew have been working nonstop these past 3 weeks to bring this musical to life.
Directed by Greg Giovanini, with Chloe Budziszewski as assistant director, starring senior Carly Nicolai (Percy Jackson), senior Chloe Budziszewski (Annabeth Chase), and freshman Maxwell Martineck (Grover Underwood). The designers for this production include Professor Ola Kraszpulska, who designed the set and props, and both Mia Leslie-Fox and Jeremy Terino on costume design.
“Being able to be part of production and cast for my senior show has been so rewarding. I’ve always loved acting, and I’ve recently found a passion for directing, so it’s been absolutely amazing being able to do both the jobs I love,” Budziszewski shared when asked about her experience working as both a director and an actor.
When discussing how working on this production with these people has impacted him, Martineck stated, “We learned so much about each other by trying to make each other laugh, and I felt as if that was the most myself I have ever been on campus here at Le Moyne. I was actively being asked to be myself, and that is because I chose to do the theater program here.”
Another cast member, Francesca Smith, who plays Medusa, shared some of her experience while working on the show. “It’s always been my dream to be in The Lightning Thief, and to be able to perform with such talented people makes the experience so special to me.”
While talking about what it was like to work with a big cast such as this one, Eliza Hodgdon (Mrs. Dodds/Silena) stated, “We’ve put in so much work together, and I am so excited for people to come see the show, it’s going to be awesome!”
“It’s been a great experience! The cast and crew are wonderful, and we’ve all put in a lot of work to get everything ready in three weeks,” Katie Rotondi, a fellow cast member, shared.
Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the theater box office at (315) 445-4200. Prices are $5 for students, $10 for faculty and staff, $15 for senior citizens, and $20 for the general public.
