Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Rob Rokicki. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Rob Rokicki. Sort by date Show all posts
Thursday, 10 October 2024
Max Harwood to Star as Percy Jackson in Musical's West End Premiere
Stepping into the shoes of a demigod and taking on the lead role of Percy Jackson for the London premiere of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is Max Harwood (Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie).
Max Harwood, who gained widespread acclaim in 2021 for his breakout role as Jamie New in the film adaptation of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, has quickly made a name for himself on both stage and screen. His performances have included roles in Netflix’s Black Mirror and the Olivier Award-winning Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Now, Harwood is set to take up Percy Jackson’s lightning bolt as he leads the cast in this thrilling musical adaptation.
Presented by Bill Kenwright Ltd. and Paul Taylor-Mills, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is based on Rick Riordan’s beloved book series, which has sold over 180 million copies worldwide. Percy Jackson’s adventures have already captivated audiences through film adaptations and the hit Disney+ TV series. The musical first premiered off-Broadway in 2014 to rave reviews, followed by two US tours, a 2017 off-Broadway run, and a limited 16-week Broadway engagement in 2019.
For the first time ever, London audiences will experience this magical musical starting in November. Guided by an exceptional creative team, the production promises to transport viewers to a world of gods, monsters, and epic adventures.
The story follows Percy Jackson, a New York City teenager who discovers he is the half-blood son of Poseidon. Thrust into a larger-than-life world of Greek mythology, Percy grapples with newfound powers he can’t control and a destiny he never asked for. With mythical creatures hunting him and the future of the world at stake, Percy embarks on an epic quest to prove himself a true hero.
This dynamic musical adaptation of The Lightning Thief features a book by Joe Tracz (Be More Chill), music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki (Monstersongs), and is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee (Groundhog Day).
Further casting and full creative team details will be announced soon.
The Lightning Thief is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd.
London is in for an electrifying adventure this November, so get ready for an unforgettable journey with Percy Jackson and friends!
Wednesday, 23 October 2024
Full Cast Announced for The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical London Premiere
The highly anticipated London premiere of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is fast approaching, and Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills are excited to announce the full cast for this thrilling production. Fans of Rick Riordan’s bestselling book series are in for a treat, as a stellar cast brings the beloved characters to life on stage this November.
As previously announced, the lead role of Percy Jackson will be played by Max Harwood (Stranger Things: The First Shadow), joined by a talented ensemble. Scott Folan takes on the role of Grover, Jessica Lee plays Annabeth, and Paisley Billings will be Sally Jackson. Greg Barnett steps into multiple roles as Mr. Brunner/Poseidon/Hades, while Joe Allen portrays Mr. D/Gabe. Samantha Mbolekwa brings Clarisse to life, and Joaquin Pedro Valdes takes on the roles of Luke/Ares.
Ensemble members include Philip Catchpole, Morgan Gregory, Charlotte O’Rourke, and Alex Waxman, who makes her professional stage debut.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is based on Rick Riordan’s beloved book series, which has sold over 180 million copies worldwide. Fans of the story have already seen Percy Jackson’s world adapted into films and a hit TV series for Disney+, and now it’s time for London audiences to experience the magic of the musical.
First premiering off-Broadway in 2014, the musical has gone on to tour the US and had a limited Broadway run in 2019. Now, Londoners will get their first chance to be transported into the world of Percy Jackson and the Greek gods.
When New York City teenager Percy Jackson learns he’s the half-blood son of Poseidon, his life changes forever. Plunged into a world of mythical monsters and godly powers, Percy must navigate a destiny he never asked for while discovering what it truly means to be a hero. With heart-pounding adventures and thrilling stakes, The Lightning Thief musical will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
This dynamic musical is brought to life by an outstanding creative team. The book is written by Joe Tracz (Be More Chill), with music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki (Monstersongs). The production is directed and choreographed by Lizzi Gee (Groundhog Day). Set and costume design is by Ryan Dawson Laight, lighting by Charlie Morgan Jones, and sound by Dominic Bilkey. The team also includes video designer Duncan McLean, illusions director Richard Pinner, fight director Lisa Connell, and puppet director Laura Cubitt.
London’s premiere of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical promises an unforgettable experience for fans and newcomers alike. Be prepared to embark on an epic journey with Percy and his friends in this electrifying musical event.
Saturday, 10 November 2018
Monstersongs, The Other Palace | Review
Monstersongs
The Other Palace Studio
Reviewed on Tuesday 6th November 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
The Other Palace played house for the UK premiere of Rob Rokicki's Monstersongs, a theatrical experience that combines rock music, theatre, graphic novels and technology. Taking form as part song cycle, part staged show, Monstersongs is a journey into the minds of often misunderstood 'monsters' and 'baddies'. The music flips the switch on the traditional monster narrative and welcomes us to look at the alternative side of a story and the humanity which unites us all.
This show has the potential to be performed in a number of venues and formats so it will certainly be exciting to see how it evolves and progresses. In its current iteration, we see a series of stories introduced by the young narrator, Bradley Riches who welcomes the creatures to centre stage as well as becoming the Dragon in the rousing song, Reluctantly.
Aside from the vocal performances, the live band are the stars of the show. Providing enough oomph for the rock feel but not becoming overpowering, even in the intimate space of The Other Palace Studio. David O' Neill's graphic novel artwork is also it's own character, with projections adding another layer of interest to the story and helping create the multi-sensory feel of the performance.
Sinéad Wall and Amanda Flynn give a stand out performance with Blood and Brains which is equal measures humourous and gruesome. Sinéad also performs Say Goodbye, a moving number about the pain of Medusa as she freezes another man to stone, with vocal ease and power; whilst Amanda is suitably heartbroken and wicked at the scorned witch in Hell Hath No Fury. Tyrone Huntley is a vocal powerhouse in Down and Under which tells the story of the troll under the bridge and Right Through You is performed with chilling smoothness by Cleopatra Higgins. Another stand out is certainly George Damms in both his first number, The Plans, where he is extremely witty as Igor and his second solo, I'm Sorry in which he showcases his superb vocals.
Whilst I wouldn't say Monstersongs is an immersive show right now, it certainly has the potential to be one and it could definitely do well as a musical which becomes a sort of art installation. It's a 60 minute rock musical about monsters, that provides vocal greatness and heartfelt (if at times predictable) stories- what more could you ask for?
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