THE LIGHTNING THIEF Set for MCCC's Kelsey Theatre in January

Young Percy Jackson is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime as he tries to set things right in the mythological world of the Greek gods. Young audiences will thrill to the new musical adaptation of "The Lightning Thief," to be presented by Theatreworks USA at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre Saturday, Jan. 17 at 2 and 4 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.

Adapted from the book by Rick Riordan, "The Lightning Thief" stars Percy Jackson, a young man whose irrepressible spirit and newly discovered powers have gotten him into hot water at his boarding school...again. But that's the least of Percy's troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and Greek gods seem to be walking straight out of his textbook and into his life. Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen and Percy is the chief suspect. He has just ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus.

Recommended for ages 8 and up, the show has earned glowing reviews. "The Lightning Thief is an action-packed musical with heroic battles and mythological beasties," wrote Elizabeth Vincentelli of the New York Post. "Everyone enjoyed the loud, funny, fast-paced, wonderfully imaginative musical. This show is a true family-pleaser," wrote Theatermania's Pete Hempstead.

Based in New York City, Theatreworks USA is America's largest and most prolific professional not-for-profit theater company for youth and family audiences. Since 1961, the company has enlightened, entertained and instructed more than 90 million people in 49 states and Canada. It is the only children's theatre to receive both a Drama Desk and a Lucille Lortel Award.

Tickets are $10 for children and seniors, and $12 for adults. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Theatre Box Office at 609-570-3333. Free parking is available next to the theatre. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and provides assisted listening devices upon request. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure.