Ahead of the Upper School production of the Percy Jackson musical "The Lightning Thief" on November 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m . and November 19 at 2 p.m. Dragon Digest sat down with GFA's New Theater Director Kellie Comer to learn a bit more about this inspiring show.
This play is about a lot more than someone being framed for stealing Zeus' lightning bolt. Do explain.
While the plot does follow the quest for the bolt, at its core the message of The Lightning Thief is that the things that make you different are the things that make you strong, and by embracing your unique abilities, anyone can be a hero. Throughout the show, the characters learn how to view what sets them apart as something to be proud of, and as something that can bring them together. Percy’s arrival at Camp Half-Blood finally gives him a place where he feels like he belongs, and that sense of community appears throughout the story, both inside the story as the characters look out for one another on their quest, and outside of the story, as the actors create a community among themselves.
Why did it appeal to you personally and why do you think it is such an important message for kids of all ages?
I was in 5th grade when the first book came out, so they were the series I followed growing up. I was also diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia in 2nd grade, and I found these traits frequently being referred to as something that would set me apart in a negative way. However, within the world of The Lightning Thief, I felt seen by the characters who assured me that these traits were not meant to hold me back, but rather things that would simply help me navigate the world in a different way. They repeatedly prove that they succeed because of the traits that set them apart, not in spite of them, and that things like learning disabilities are an asset, not a fault. While not everyone is living with a learning disability, I think the idea that the traits that set you apart are what makes you strong is a great one for all ages.
This is your first play at GFA. What have you learned about this school and its people in the process of directing it?
That the “Each for All” motto really extends into every aspect of the day! From a production side, so many of my fellow faculty members have reached out asking how they can help out with the show, which has made me feel so welcome in the community. However, my favorite part has been getting to know the cast of the show. I’ve spent the past two months watching these young actors, many of whom met for the first time in September, take on this show and find their own place of belonging in the theatre, and I’m reminded of why I loved the books as much as I did. The sense of community described in its pages has come to life both onstage and through the rehearsal process, as they’ve formed new friendships and strengthened old ones by celebrating each other's unique strengths. While we are approaching the “last day of summer” for this production, my hope is that this cast feels a little more prepared to take on the monsters of the world knowing their camp friends here in the theatre always have their back.
Favorite numbers? Why should you bring your kids?
My personal favorite song in the show is “Good Kid”, which is sung by Percy after he finds out that he’s been framed for stealing Zeus’s bolt. I know the current cast favorite is “Put You in Your Place”, which is a high-energy dance number where the entire cast plays capture the flag! Many kids will know the book series, and it's super exciting for kids to see the characters come to life on stage.