Feb. 21—Lawrence County resident portrays Charon, serves as costumer, choreographer
ASHLAND, Ky. — The Paramount Players’ production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” begins its two-day run tonight.
The regional theater group will present the first show, based on the first book of Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” novel series, a musical spanning just over two hours.
The fantasy novels chronicle the adventures of students at Camp Half-Blood, where students are descended from the Greek Gods in a modern setting.
In the first book, Percy Jackson wrestles with finding both the identity of his father, as well as a hero’s quest to recover the stolen lightning bolt of Zeus.
Portraying the lead is Shawn Weston, accompanied by Neveah Takahashi, who portrays Annabeth, the daughter of Athena; Connor Amos as Luke, the son of Hermes; and Alec Bowling, as Grover, a satyr.
Directed by Matt Stone, who said the books are geared toward fourth through eighth graders, the cast includes dozens, mostly comprised of youth, who portray the leads, while adults portray the parents and instructors.
One of those from Lawrence County is Rick Payne, who portrays Charon, and is also choreographer and costumer for the show.
Actors from throughout the Tri-State fill out the ensemble, such as Naly Khounlavong, of Ironton.
Tickets range from $15-25 and are available at the box office, or by calling 606-324-0007 or visiting www.paramountartscenter.com
The Paramount Arts Center is located at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland.
A second show will take place Saturday at the same time.
