THE LIGHTNING THIEF Opens Tonight Off-Broadway

Theatreworks USA, the nation's leading not-for-profit professional theatre for young audiences, presents the Off-Broadway premiere of the new musical THE LIGHTNING THIEF as the featured production of its 26th annual Free Summer Theatre Program in New York City. THE LIGHTNING THIEF began performances on July 21, 2014 at Off-Broadway's Lucille Lortel Theatre (121 Christopher Street) and continues through Friday, August 22, 2014. Opening night is set for tonight, July 24 at 6:30 p.m.

Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, THE LIGHTNING THIEF is the story of Percy, a 12-year-old boy who journeys into a world of mythological monsters and Greek Gods as he struggles with dyslexia and ADHD -- as well as coming to terms with a father he has never known -- while solving the mystery of Zeus' stolen lightning bolt.

Directed by Stephen Brackett (Buyer and Cellar) and choreographed by Sam Pinkleton(Machinal; Natasha, Pierre and the Comet of 1812), THE LIGHTNING THIEF features a book by Joe Tracz (Epic feature film) with music, lyrics and orchestrations by Rob Rokicki (Strange Trails).

The complete cast for the Off-Broadway premiere production includes Parker Drown (Spring Awakening, Olney Theatre Center) as Luke, Eric Meyers (Lord of the Flies) as Percy Jackson, Jordan Stanley (At the Edge) as Grover, Graham Stevens (Peter and the Starcatcher) as Chiron, Kristin Stokes (Fly by Night) as Annabeth and Zakiya Young (Stick Fly; The Little Mermaid) as Sally/Clarisse.

The production features scenic design by Lee Savage (Satchmo at the Waldorf), costume design by Sydney Maresca (Hand to God), lighting design by Drama Desk Award winner David Lander (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo), and sound design by Carl Casella (A Night with Janis Joplin). Rokicki also serves as music director. The production stage manager is Randy Lawson.

Launched in 1989, the mission of Theatreworks USA's Free Summer Theatre Program is to provide New York City youth with their own theatre tradition that not only entertains, but also educates and fosters positive values and an appreciation for theatre. "Grey's Anatomy" star Kevin McKidd serves as the Honorary Chair for this year's Free Summer Theatre Program. McKidd starred as Poseidon in the 2010 Fox Pictures feature film adaptation Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief.

THE LIGHTNING THIEF is a 60-minute, one-act musical recommended for audiences ages eight and up. THE LIGHTNING THIEF is produced by special arrangement with Twentieth Century Fox. For more information, visit www.TWUSA.org. For exclusive behind-the-scenes access and insider information, follow THE LIGHTNING THIEF on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LightningThiefMusical.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Daniel