Ruben Uribe
Gadsden County News Servicr
The Quincy Music Theatre’s 2026 Summer Intensive production will bring The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical to the stage for one weekend, July 31 through Aug. 2.
Based on the best-selling novel by Rick Riordan, the musical follows Percy Jackson, played by Madison Clay, as he discovers his place in the world of Greek mythology.
Percy is a middle school student from New York City who struggles with ADHD and dyslexia. After a supernatural encounter gets him expelled from school, he sets off on a journey with his friends Grover, played by James Gaethers, and Annabeth, played by Lily Reitter. Along the way, Percy uncovers long-hidden secrets about his life and family while encountering mythological creatures, making new friends and facing betrayals. As the adventure unfolds, he must help prevent a war among the Greek gods.
The production is directed and choreographed by Naomi LaMarche, a longtime Quincy Music Theatre volunteer and community theater performer. Garry Nielsen serves as music director. Nick Stein and Kayden Moore are the stage managers, with Stein also serving as sound designer. Antonio “Gio” Gonsalves is the lighting designer, while Elizabeth Ortiz and Kayden Moore oversee costumes.
The cast and crew include 22 members. This is the second time LaMarche has directed The Lightning Thief, after previously directing the musical with Stage 11 at First Presbyterian Church of Quincy.
Most of the cast is made up of student performers ages 15 to 19. The cast and crew spent about four weeks rehearsing daily to prepare for the production.
Clay said Percy is a young person searching for his place in the world.
“He is a kid attempting to find his place in the world,” Clay said. “He gains confidence in himself, and he embraces his position in life while learning and gaining friends. It’s a journey of growth.”
Gaethers plays Grover, a satyr who serves as Percy’s loyal friend and protector.
“Grover struggles with his personal history,” Gaethers said. “He previously had issues with protecting others and suffers trauma from a past situation where he failed in that role. He worries about his ability to keep Percy safe from those who want to harm him.”
Gaethers said Grover struggles with insecurity throughout the story but gradually grows more confident as his friendship with Percy develops.
Reitter plays Annabeth, the daughter of Athena.
“She starts off as a sort of gruff character who gradually becomes part of the trio,” Reitter said. “Most of the characters are demigods, or ‘half-bloods,’ who grew up in single-parent homes, so they have built walls around themselves.”
Reitter said the story centers on learning to trust others, overcoming fear and accepting one’s identity.
For LaMarche, directing the production at Quincy Music Theatre has personal meaning.
“Coming back home to direct and choreograph The Lightning Thief at Quincy Music Theatre has been incredibly special for me,” LaMarche said. “QMT is where I first fell in love with theater, so being able to return and tell one of my favorite stories with such a talented cast has been an unforgettable experience.”
LaMarche said the production draws inspiration from the early 2000s, with influences from artists such as Avril Lavigne and Pearl Jam, rather than recent film or television adaptations of the story.
“We are taking very little inspiration from any adaptation of Percy Jackson because we wanted to capture the era when the book was originally published,” she said.
LaMarche also said several members of the production crew have experience working at Universal Orlando, where conversations about theatrical effects helped inspire ideas used in the show.
“Watching this cast grow throughout rehearsals has been amazing, and I can’t wait for our community to see everything they’ve accomplished,” she said.
The musical runs about 90 minutes and includes one intermission.
Performances are scheduled for:
- Friday, July 31, at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 1, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 2, at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $21 for adults, $18 for seniors and $16 for students and children.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. Authorized performance materials are supplied by Concord Theatricals.
For more information about Quincy Music Theatre’s 42nd season and upcoming programs, visit quincymusictheatre.com.
The production is sponsored in part by the Florida Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.