Walton Arts Center to Present THE LIGHTNING THIEF

Walton Arts Center will host technical rehearsals and three preview performances on Jan. 4-5, 2019 for the new national tour of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, a musical adaption of the New York Times best-selling novel written by Rick Riordan, before it embarks on its first national tour.

Show times are Friday, Jan. 4 at 7 pm and Saturday, Jan. 5 at 2 pm and 8 pm. Single tickets start at $25 plus applicable fees. Tickets for the production go on sale Aug. 6 and can be purchased in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office, by calling 479.443.5600 or by visiting waltonartscenter.org.

Before taking the hit off-Broadway musical out on a national tour in 2019, the 50 members of the cast, crew, management and production teams along with about 50 local crew members will spend a week building the show and in technical rehearsals at Walton Arts Center.

Technical rehearsals focus on integrating the live performers with production elements such as scenery, audio, lights, rigging, special effects, props and costumes. These rehearsals allow the traveling cast and crew to spend time in one location together, preparing the show before the tour starts.

"Walton Arts Center has a strong history of hosting and supporting national tours during their technical rehearsals," said Scott Galbraith, vice president of programming and executive director for Walton Arts Center. "This season we are teching The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical and Falsettos. We love giving these shows a place to come together and rehearse, and it gives our community the opportunity to see the first performances of the show."

With more than 100 million copies of the book series sold worldwide, this global phenomenon has found a new home on the live stage in a "mesmerizing" theatrical event that proves "lightning can strike twice!" (TheaterMania). Following a sold out run in New York City, where it garnered three Drama Desk Award nominations, including Best Musical, this "winning adaptation" (The Hollywood Reporter) is coming to rock Northwest Arkansas.

As a son of Poseidon, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can't control, monsters on his trail, and is on a quest to find Zeus' lightning bolt to prevent a war between the Greek gods. Based on the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed theatrical adventure that has been celebrated by audiences and critics alike.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is produced by TheaterworksUSA, Martian Entertainment, Greg Schaffert Productions, Lang Entertainment Group and in partnership with The Road Company.

More information about The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is available at www.lightningthiefmusical.com and at waltonartscenter.org.