Although performances are underway for the Waynesburg University Players, it is not too late to attend, “The Lightning Thief: A Percy Jackson Musical.” 

According to cast member Rachel Little, a senior digital design major and marketing minor, the musical, which opened on Wednesday, March 19, will run until Saturday, March 22. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available to students and staff for $3 and to general admission for $5. They can be purchased on myConnect or at the door before a performance.

 Little explained that the musical follows three characters: Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase and Grover Underwood, played by Jonah Gannoe, Jayda Fyock and Tyler Drum, respectively. 

“It’s heavily based in Greek mythology, and it’s going to be a beautiful production,” said Little. “There are some moments where you’re going to feel all the feelings, but overall, it’s a very funny show. Songs are going to get stuck in your head.”

This production is the first musical under the guidance of Ted Watts, director of Theatre Productions and part-time instructor of theatre, since he joined the Waynesburg University faculty. 

“I didn’t pick the musical until basically right before the end of the fall semester,” Watts said in an interview prior to the musical’s opening. “I put forward a few ideas, but when I said I was thinking about ‘The Lightning Thief,’ I could tell the students were interested. It’s a popular show.”

Once the musical was announced, it received an unusual amount of attention from students, according to Stage Manager Mia Appleby, a senior criminal justice major and music and psychology dual minor. 

“It was so amazing to see the amount of people that came out to audition,” Appleby said. “I know a lot of people auditioned because the theme seems more personalized, and many came just because they like Percy Jackson.” 

Cast member and junior electronic media major Tyler Drum also commented on the unexpected increase in the number of students participating in the musical. 

“We have a cast of about 20 people,” Drum said. “This includes a lot of returning faces, but we also have a lot of freshmen in major roles.”

Although Drum attributes the rise in popularity to the fact that the musical is a comedy, he explains that the storyline also has a deeper meaning. 

“Despite being a super humorous musical, it has a really important message about self-identity and choosing to act for yourself and for your friends,” Drum said. “I think that is something that audience members of any age can learn from.”

Watts says he is encouraged by the interest that students have shown during the production. He hopes that the increase in participation will allow the Waynesburg University Players to expand and experiment with new ideas for upcoming productions. 

“We are doing new things with the lighting system, and we are going to play with some moving lights for this one,” Watts said. “In addition, instead of just using graphics like years past, we’ve got the actors’ faces on the poster that is going out now, and I think that’s really important to showcase the students. I want to do more of that.”

“I would encourage everyone to take the time to come see the show,” Watts said. “It’s funny, it’s a good time, the score is good and the cast is doing a great job. Come check it out.”