Adventure Theatre MTC (ATMTC) summons demigods, monsters, and mortals alike to experience The Lightning Thief – TYA Version, an electrifying adaptation of Rick Riordan’s beloved novel, directed by ATMTC Artistic Director Kurt Boehm. Inspired by the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, this high-energy, 70-minute musical quest opens June 27, 2025, and is recommended for heroes ages 5 and up.
“With The Lightning Thief, Riordan gave us a mythological odyssey for the modern age — and now we get to bring that world to life onstage,” says Kurt Boehm, Artistic Director of Adventure Theatre MTC and director of The Lightning Thief – TYA Version. “This production is a thunderbolt of imagination, action, and heart. Whether you’re a young demigod discovering this story for the first time or a longtime fan of Percy Jackson’s epic saga, this show promises a theatrical journey worthy of Mount Olympus.”
A one-act adaptation of the Broadway hit, The Lightning Thief – TYA Version follows Percy Jackson, a seemingly ordinary teen who discovers he’s the son of Poseidon. With a war among the gods looming, Percy must embark on a perilous quest to recover Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt, all while battling monsters, navigating prophecies, and embracing the hero within. Featuring thrilling music, daring escapes, and timeless themes of friendship and identity, this adventure brings ancient myths crashing into the 21st century.
Praised by critics and nominated for the Lucille Lortel Award, Off-Broadway Alliance Award, and the 2017 Drama Desk Award, The Lightning Thief is a must-see theatrical storm of music and myth.
Actor Jeremy Crawford (Sing Down The Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales) heads up the cast of The Lightning Thief – TYA Version as the titular series character, Percy Jackson. Lots of familiar faces are also returning to Adventure Theatre MTC’s stage for The Lightning Thief including Brigid Wallace Harper as Annabeth (Sing Down The Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales, Junie B. Jones, The Musical, Dragons Love Tacos), Jordan Essex as Grover (Sing Down The Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales, Junie B. Jones, The Musical, Dragons Love Tacos), Jimmy Bartlebaugh as Luke (You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Sing Down The Moon: Appalachian Wonder Tales, Junie B. Jones, The Musical, Dragons Love Tacos), Caroline Graham as Clarisse (You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown, Junie B. Jones, The Musical, Dragons Love Tacos), Christian Montgomery as Mr. Brunner (You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown), and Trenton Beavers as Swing (Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical). Adventure Theatre MTC would also like to welcome newcomers to their stage, Cayla Hall as Sally Jackson and Alexandra Lopez as Swing.
The Lightning Thief – TYA Version runs June 27 – August 17, 2025, Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd, Glen Echo, MD, 20812 in the historic Glen Echo Park. The show is recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $27 and can be purchased online or by calling 301.634.2270. Group, field trip, and birthday party rates available. Children under 1 are free.
This production features flashing lights, fog, and moments of theatrical combat. Parental discretion is advised for young heroes sensitive to such effects.
ABOUT ADVENTURE THEATRE MTC
ATMTC cultivates new generations of artists and audiences by creating memorable theatrical productions and by providing young people the highest quality musical theater training. ATMTC serves students at all skill levels and families from diverse communities, approximately 75,000 people annually.
THE LIGHTNING THIEF – TYA VERSION
Book by Joe Tracz
Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki
Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Directed by Kurt Boehm
CAST
Percy Jackson: Jeremy Crawford
Annabeth: Brigid Wallace Harper
Grover: Jordan Essex
Luke: Jimmy Bartlebaugh
Sally Jackson: Cayla Hall
Clarisse: Caroline Graham
Mr. Brunner: Christian Montgomery
Swing / Luke as of July 7: Trenton Beavers
Swing: Alexandra Lopez
Swing as of July 7: Bryan Stopak
PRODUCTION CREW
Director: Kurt Boehm
Choreographer: Ashleigh King**
Music Director: Elisa Rosman
Fight Choreographer: Ryan Sellers
Set Designer: Megan Holden
Lighting Designer: Lynn Joslin*
Projections Designer: Hailey LaRoe
Costume Designer: Bailey Hammett
Resident Props Designer: Andrea “Dre” Moore
Sound Designer: Brandon Cook
Stage Manager: Shannon Saulnier
Assistant Stage Manager: Mercedes Blankenship
Director of Production: Michael Burgtorf
Technical Director: Jax Penland
Production Manager / Dramaturg: Dom Ocampo
*Member of the United Scenic Artists Local USA 829
**Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society
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