HARTFORD STAGE TEEN ENSEMBLE
PRODUCTION OF
FROM THE DIRECTOR
The Lightning Thief follows the story of Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers he’s not just an ordinary kid—he’s a demigod, the son of Poseidon. Thrust into a world of mythological monsters, unpredictable gods, and heroic quests, Percy sets off on an epic journey to find Zeus’s missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. Alongside his friends Annabeth and Grover, Percy learns about friendship, identity, and the power of embracing who you are, even when the odds are against you.
Bringing this high-energy, myth-packed adventure to the stage has been a true joy, especially with such a talented and dedicated group of young performers. These teens have poured their hearts into the story—from complex characters to lightning-fast scene changes— and have brought an incredible amount of humor, vulnerability, and boldness to their roles. Their enthusiasm and work ethic have made Camp Half-Blood come alive, and their teamwork truly reflects the spirit of the show.
This production wouldn’t be possible without our amazing team of professional directors, designers, and arts educators. Their guidance, creativity, and mentorship have helped shape not just a show, but a meaningful experience for every student involved. From the dynamic set and lighting to the musical direction and choreography, their expertise has transformed the rehearsal process into something magical. I am deeply grateful for the time, energy, and heart that this team has given to our students and this production. Thank you for helping us bring the gods—and the heroes—to life.
— Lisa Byrne
SUMMER STUDIO SPONSORS
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Stanley D. and Hinda N. Fisher Fund
The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts
CT State Department of Education
Hartford Stage Teen Ensemble Production of
Book by Joe Tracz
Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki
Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Originally commissioned, created, and produced Off Broadway by TheaterWorksUSA.
AUGUST 8, 2025 AT 7 PM • AUGUST 9, 2025 AT 7 PM
Director ..................................................................................................... Lisa Byrne
Music Director ...................................................................................... Kevin Scott
Choreographer. Avery Serrambana
Stage Manager ................................................................................. .Sara Berliner
Scenic Design ........................................................................................ Dave Lowe
Lighting Design Jackie Costabile
Programmer .......................................................................................... Ethan Sepa
Light Board Operator .............................................................. Sara Dorinbaum
Electrician Nico Platz
Spotlight Operators ............................ Dionysus Hughes, Kaydin Younger
Costume Design .......................................................................... Grace Petersen
Wardrobe Crew Xarea Lockhart, Erica LuBonta, Alissa Mills, Mary Grace Styblo
Sound Design ........................................................................................ Jim Busker
Audio Technician/Deck Crew Shelby Demke
Props .................................................................................... Claire Linden-Dionne
Assistant Stage Manager ............................................................... Emma Rucci
Production Assistant/Sound Operator Sebastian Munera
Production Management ................................. Wesley McCabe-Schroeder
Poster Design ..................................................................... Liss Couch-Edwards
Studio Manager Emely Larson
The Lightning Thief is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
ACT ONE
“Prologue/The Day I Got Expelled” ..................... Luke, Annabeth, Silena, Grover, Clarisse, Half-Bloods, Percy, Chorus
“Strong” ................................................................................................... Sally, Percy
“The Minotaur!/The Weirdest Dream” ...................................... Percy, Chorus
“Another Terrible Day” ................................................................................... Mr. D
“Their Sign” ............................................................................ Chiron, Percy, Luke
“Put You in Your Place”...................................... Clarisse, Annabeth, Grover, Percy, Luke, Silena, Chorus
“The Campfire Song” .................................... Luke, Annabeth, Katie, Grover, Percy, Luke, Silena, Chorus
“The Oracle” .............................................. Oracle, Clarisse, Percy, Annabeth, Grover, Luke, Chiron, Echoes
“Good Kid” Percy, Chorus
“Killer Quest!” Percy, Grover, Annabeth, Chiron, Silena, Chorus
ACT TWO
“Lost!” Annabeth, Grover, Percy
“My Grand Plan” ...................................................................................... Annabeth
“Drive” ........................................................................... Grover, Annabeth, Percy, Ares, Chorus
“The Weirdest Dream (Reprise)” .............................................................. Percy
“The Tree on the Hill” ................................................................................... Grover
“D.O.A.” ...................................................... Charon, Janis, Mozat, Kurt, Chorus
“Son of Poseidon” ......................................... Percy, Sally, Annabeth, Grover, Ares, Chorus
“The Last Day of Summer” ...................................................... Percy, Campers
“Bring on the Monsters” ....................................................................... Company
FROM THE CAST
At its core, The Lightning Thief is a story about outcasts, kids who feel like they don’t quite fit in. This is something that not only theatre kids face but a struggle among young people as a whole. But here, both in this story and on this stage, we found a place to belong. Like Camp Half-Blood, our cast became a community, where being different isn’t just accepted, it’s celebrated.
This show resonates with all of us in different ways. Some of us saw ourselves in Percy, Annabeth, and Grover, young people navigating a world that doesn’t always make space for them. Others connected with the metaphor of monsters: the pressures and people who try to silence or overlook the voices of this generation. In this story, the heroes fight back, not with hate, but with courage, unity, and self-acceptance.
For many of us, this show represents more than just a summer camp where kids go on quests. It represents neurodiversity, queerness, disability, resistance, and resilience. It’s a reminder that those who think differently, feel deeply, or walk an unexpected path are not alone. In fact, that might be their greatest strength.
We’re grateful for this story, this community, and this summer. And we hope you walk away with what Sally Jackson knew all along:
The things that make you different are the very things that make you strong. With love, The Cast of Lightning Thief
THE CAST
Percy ..................................................................................................... Maya McCue
Annabeth........................................................................................Gabby Braswell
Grover ..................................................................................................Becca Schroll
Luke .........................................................................................................Sara Hearne
Sally Jackson ............................................................................Julia Arrendondo
Mr. Brunner/Chiron ..................................................................... Louis Haberlandt
Clarisse/Train Conductor .......................................................... Cwen Williams
Mrs. Dodds ........................................................................................... Emily Klorer
Gabe Ugliano ........................................................................................... Lucy Alford
Poseidon/James Brown ................................................................ Malik LeOrisa
Mr. D .................................................................................................................. El Roiz
Silena Beauregard Yoshabelle Rodriguez
Katie Gardner Ella Pass
The Oracle Marissa Ackerman
Squirrel Kate Lefurge
Aunty Em Javontí Daley
Echidna Kamali LeOrisa
Newscaster Naomi Gramling
Farmer Leo Sullivan
Ares ................................................................................................ Payton Schilling
Bianca/DJ Cerberus ........................................................................ Chloe Galvin
Kronos/Cyclops ................................................................................ Zianna Miller
Thalia.............................................................................................. Maia Gray-Davis
Charon .......................................................................................... Madison Stewart
Mozart ............................................................................................... Ryann Holmes
Kurt Cobain ..........................................................................................Ari Marquez
Janis Joplin ....................................................................................... Natalia Gause
Hades ................................................................................................ Evelyn Hughes
THE CAST
Marissa Ackerman Lucy Alford
Julia Arrendondo Gabby Braswell
Javontí Daley
Chloe Galvin
Natalia Gause Naomi Gramling
Evelyn Hughes Emily Klorer Kate Lefurge Kamali LeOrisa
Maia Gray-Davis Louis Haberlandt Sara Hearne Ryann Holmes
THE CAST
Malik LeOrisa Ari Marquez
Maya McCue
Zianna Miller
Ella Pass
Yoshabelle El Roiz
Becca Schroll Rodriguez
Payton Schilling Madison Stewart Leo Sullivan Cwen Williams
ABOUT THE CAST
MARISSA ACKERMAN (The Oracle) is an upcoming senior at Watkinson. Some of her credits include: Ursula in The Little Mermaid, Berthe in Pippin, Andy Paris in The Laramie Project, Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hope Cladwell in Urinetown, and Mary Warren in the Crucible. She hopes you enjoy!
LUCY ALFORD (Gabe Ugliano) is 16 years old and is excited to be in their first Hartford Stage show! They go to East Hampton High School and Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half Day. You may have seen them in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as Leaf Coneybear recently. They would like to thank their friends for making this experience as fun as it was.
JULIA ARRENDONDO (Sally Jackson) is 14 years old and now attends Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts. She enjoys acting and singing. She can’t wait to come back next summer. She hopes you enjoy the show and remember that normal is a myth!
GABBY BRASWELL (Annabeth) is thrilled to play Annabeth in The Lightning Thief! She is a rising sophomore at Suffield Academy. Gabby has spent four summers at Hartford Stage and has performed at Ethel Walker, Suffield Academy, and more. She is a big Percy Jackson fan, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
JAVONTÍ DALEY (Aunty Em) is a senior at East Hartford High school as well as Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half Day. This is her second summer at Hartford Stage. You may have seen her as Alana Dale in Marian, or The True Tale of Robin Hood, as well as ensemble in other show like The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Urinetown, etc. She hopes you enjoy the show!
CHLOE GALVIN (Bianca/DJ Cerberus) is a rising junior at Greater Hartford Academy of the Art Full Day and has been doing Hartford Stage for 8 years. Her most recent production was A Midsummer Night’s Dream for her high school. Enjoy the show!
NATALIA GAUSE (Janis Joplin) is a 14-year-old rising sophomore at Rocky Hill High School and attends Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half Day. She has been in many productions but this is her first musical performance with Hartford Stage. Natalia absolutely loves working with the staff and the other students.
ABOUT THE CAST
NAOMI GRAMLING (Newscaster) is a rising Junior at Miss Porter’s School and is thrilled to be making her Hartford Stage debut! She has previously been in productions including Into the Woods and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. She wants to thank her parents and all of her friends and family for supporting her.
MAIA GRAY-DAVIS (Thalia) is a sophomore at University High School of Science and Engineering. She likes to draw, read, write, sing, and dance. This is her second summer at Hartford Stage. Last year, she was a part of the run crew for Anastasia, and this will be her first year performing at Hartford Stage.
LOUIS HABERLANDT (Mr. Brunner/Chiron) is a sophomore at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half Day. He has been doing Hartford Stage productions since he was a little kid, and he is very excited to play the role of Chiron in The Lightning Thief. His previous roles include Cat in the Hat in Seussical, Dimitri in Anastasia Jr., and King Triton in The Little Mermaid Jr.
SARA HEARNE (Luke) will be attending Boston College as a freshman. This is her fourth summer at Hartford Stage with past roles including Hot-Blades Harry in Urinetown and Sandy Cheeks in The SpongeBob Musical! She would like to thank her supportive family and the amazing directors of The Lightning Thief!
RYANN HOLMES (Mozart) is an incoming freshman and is elated to be participating in her first theatrical production! With a love for theater, greek mythology, and Percy Jackson, she instantly fell in love with this show. She put her whole heart into her performance and hopes you enjoy the show!
EVELYN HUGHES (Hades) is thrilled to be apart of Hartford Stage again! She is 17 and has been in countless shows like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Urinetown, and The Crucible. She would love to thank everyone who has supported her theatrical journey so far!
EMILY KLORER (Mrs. Dodds) is excited to be playing the role of Mrs. Dodds as well as various other ensemble characters in her fourth year of Hartford Stage. She is very dedicated to being an actress and in theater. She wants to thank everyone who has helped her including her mom and dad.
ABOUT THE CAST
KATE LEFURGE (Squirrel) is so excited to be working with Hartford Stage! She also works with Windsor High at its Drama Club. She would like to thank the cast for being so welcoming and her family for being so supportive of her acting.
KAMALI LEORISA (Echidna) is a sophomore at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Full Day. This is their second summer at Hartford Stage, and they are 15 years old. They hope you enjoy the magic of this show!
MALIK LEORISA (Poseidon/James Brown) is happy to play his roles as Poseidon and James Brown! This is his second year at Hartford Stage, and he has acted before in other shows such as Hadestown and Murder on the 508. He is 15 years old, and he hopes you enjoy this as much as he did.
ARI MARQUEZ (Kurt Cobain) is incredibly excited to make his debut as Kurt Cobain! He is 16 years old and absolutely loves art and webcomics. Read Homestuck!
MAYA MCCUE (Percy) is going into 11th grade at Manchester High School. This is her 4th year at Hartford Stage but her 11th year of theater overall. This is her 23rd show, and she loves the message of normal being a myth.
ZIANNA MILLER (Kronos/Cyclops) is happy to be doing her 11th year at Hartford Stage. She has enjoyed her summers here and wants to keep continuing her summers here. She has gained a lot of new knowledge on theater which is something she wants to pursue in the future.
ELLA PASS (Katie Gardner) is a rising senior! Ella has been in many productions, four of which were produced by Hartford Stage. Her favorite roles include Little Sally (Urinetown), Miss Honey (Matilda Jr.), Mrs Puff (SpongeBob), Juror 4 (12 Angry Jurors), Doris Macafee (Bye Bye Birdie), and Mrs. Mayor (Seussical). She wants to thank her family, director, castmates, and best friends for supporting her through this journey.
YOSHABELLE RODRIGUEZ (Silena Beauregard) is a junior at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Full Day. This is her second summer at Hartford Stage. She’s really excited to be a part of this production and hopes you enjoy it!
ABOUT THE CAST
EL ROIZ (Mr. D) is a rising sophomore at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half Day and has been a loyal Hartford Stage camper since he was 5. Some of his previous roles are William Barfée in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Chef Louis in The Little Mermaid. El wants to thank his Mom for always being there for him and supporting his dreams.
BECCA SCHROLL (Grover) is a 16-year-old rising junior at Hall High School. Previous roles include: Tiny Tom in Urinetown, Logainne in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and several plays at their school! They are grateful for this opportunity and want to thank their parents for continuing to support their many endeavors.
PAYTON SCHILLING (Ares) is going into her junior year at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half Day. This is her second summer at Hartford Stage and first summer with the teen production. You may have seen her as Anya in the youth production Anastasia. She has loved working with this show!
MADISON STEWART (Charon) is a sophomore at Simsbury High and Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. She has been acting since she was 6, and she is now 14. Her favorite musical is Urinetown after getting introduced to it last year. She loves Hartford Stage, and she hopes for many more memories!
LEO SULLIVAN (Farmer) is very excited to make its debut at Hartford Stage as ensemble! It is fifteen years old and in addition to acting, it also likes writing and making bracelets! It wants to thank its mom and its best friend for helping it make it this far.
CWEN WILLIAMS (Clarisse/Train Conductor) is an incoming BFA MT freshman at Marymount Manhattan College. Past roles include Bobby Strong (Urinetown) and Patrick Star (The SpongeBob Musical). She’s thrilled to bring Ares’ bold daughter to life at Hartford Stage!
ABOUT HARTFORD STAGE
For more than 60 years, Hartford Stage has played a leading role in its industry—producing world-class theater and serving as a civic space where community, creativity, and conversation thrive. Located in the heart of downtown Hartford, the theater is a place for all, where audiences are connected in shared experiences and invited to engage with high-quality, transformative theater.
The Tony Award-winning company is dedicated to telling entertaining and thought-provoking stories that reflect the diversity of the Greater Hartford Region, whether reinventing the classics or premiering new work. The theater’s rich legacy includes plays and musicals that have made their way to Broadway, Off-Broadway, and stages around the globe, earning Tony Awards and Pulitzer Prizes along the way.
Hartford Stage’s impact extends beyond the stage, through robust education programs—including in-school programs, student matinees, youth productions, and adult classes—nurturing creativity, building confidence, and ensuring that the performing arts remain accessible and essential for generations to come.
To learn more, visit hartfordstage.org.
Nathan Darrow and Nayib Felix in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (2024). Photo by T. Charles Erickson.
Our award-winning education programs provide students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds with innovative opportunities that challenge and inspire. Using theater techniques, we build community, promote a passion for literacy and creative expression, and encourage life-long learning.
ADULT & YOUTH CLASSES: Throughout the year, we have classes for youth and adults looking to improve their acting skills.
STUDENT MATINEES: Middle and high school students are invited to join us for special performances throughout the year. They’ll get to see the show, plus participate in a talkback with the cast. Tickets start at $20, with discounts available for Title 1 schools.
CONNECTIONS: Connections is an in-school program that brings teaching artists into classrooms to explore a book through drama, strengthening reading comprehension skills and building excitement about reading.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS: Bring a Hartford Stage teaching artist to your afterschool program! Programs range from drama classes to full productions and are designed based on the needs of each individual school.
HARTFORD STAGE STAFF
LEADERSHIP
Melia Bensussen, Artistic Director
Position endowed by Janet S. Suisman
Cynthia Rider, Managing Director
ADMINISTRATION
Emily Van Scoy, General Manager
Sara Walnum, Business Manager
ARTISTIC
Zoë Golub-Sass, Richard P. Garmany Associate Artistic Director
EDUCATION
Jennifer Roberts, Director of Education
Nina Pinchin, Associate Director of Education
Emely Larson, Studio Manager
EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Jennifer Levine, Director of External Relations
Rachel Phillips, Associate Director for Marketing
Travis Kendrick-Castanho, External Relations Manager
Evan Kudish, Manager of Board & Donor Relations
Sierra Vazquez, Annual Fund Manager
Todd Brandt, Audience & Revenue Data Analyst
House Management
Scott McEver, Front of House Manager
Aarron Schuelke, Assistant House Manager
Bartenders:
Marsha Arpin, Tanya Bermudez, Lexi Blinder, Sam Chiasson, Tracy Chinnici, Karen Kudish, Michaela McManus, Kimberly Quinn, Nefris Quiterio, Erica Santa Lucia, Kerry Yerkes
Gift Shop Attendants/Event Bartenders:
Art Arpin, Paulette Caldwell, John Harbison
Patron Services
Lindsey Hoffman, Box Office Manager
Corey Welden, Box Office Associate & Student Matinee Coordinator
Rick Sahlin, Box Office Associate & Group Sales Coordinator
Lindsay Taft, Box Office Associate & Subscription Concierge
Box Office Representatives: Julie Borsotti, Amaris Diaz
PRODUCTION
Bryan T. Holcombe, Director of Production
Wesley McCabe-Schroeder, Assistant Production Manager
Alyssa Edwards, Production Assistant
Set Construction & Scenic Art
Aaron D. Bleck, Technical Director
Jared Wolf, Assistant Technical Director
Ian Sweeney, Lead Carpenter
Audra Giuliano, Scenic Carpenter
Nathalie Schlosser, Charge Scenic Artist
Costumes & Wardrobe
Alex Meadows, Costume Director
Grace Petersen, Assistant Costume Director
Joshua Richardson, Wardrobe Supervisor
James Weeden, Staff Draper
Rio Cañas, First Hand
Properties
Joe Dotts, Props Manager
Claire Linden-Dionne, Assistant Props Manager
Lighting
Jackie Costabile, Lighting Manager
Ethan Sepa, ALDM, Programmer
Sara Dorinbaum, Light Board Operator
Sound
Lucas Clopton, Audio/Video Manager & Content Creator
Jim Busker, Assistant Audio/Video Manager
Facilities
Michael Langer, Facilities Manager
A THANK YOU TO THE PEOPLE WHO FIRST LIVED ON AND CARED FOR THESE LANDS
We recognize that our theater is built on land that was once and still is peopled by indigenous tribes, specifically territory of the Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Eastern Pequot, Golden Hill Paugussett, and Schaghticoke peoples and their ancestors of these lands: the Wangunk, the Podunk, and the Tunxis.
