MOUNT CARROLL, ILLINOIS (April 14, 2023) — Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP), the premier professional summer theatre of northwest Illinois, is thrilled to announce that The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, an “electrifying” (Newsday) musical adaption of The New York Times bestselling novel written by Rick Riordan, book by Joe Tracz, music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, will open at TLP on May 12 for one weekend. From page to stage, it’s a thrilling new musical for all ages.
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 the Playhouse.
“We have wanted to produce Lightning Thief at TLP for some time now,” said TLP Executive Director Dan Danielowski. “When I heard that Western Michigan University had done the show last fall, I reached out to Jay (Berkow — WMU Theatre Professor) and we started working out the details.” This production will feature Western Michigan actors and actresses and be directed by Jay Berkow. “We have typically hired Western Michigan students in the May company so this seemed a perfect fit,” said Darren Mangler, TLP Artistic Director.
As a son of Poseidon, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can’t control, with monsters on his trail, on a quest to find Zeus’ lightning bolt to prevent a war between the Greek gods. Based on the bestselling Disney-Hyperion novel by Rick Riordan 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.
Timber Lake Playhouse opens up the Summer Subscription Season on June 1 with the musical celebration of growin’ up, cruisin’ with friends and goin’ steady — Grease. TLP’s second production mixes a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel and a dash of Monty Python in The 39 Steps. The Sound of Music, 9 to 5, Bright Star, and Jersey Boys finish off the series.
It’s a great time to come back to Timber Lake Playhouse and make lasting memories with friends and family. Performances are ONE WEEK ONLY, May 12 through 14 on Friday, 7:30PM; Saturday, 2PM and 7:30PM; and Sunday, 2PM.
Information and tickets for all Timber Lake events are available online at timberlakeplayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at (815) 244-2035. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 10AM-5PM.
