THE LIGHTNING THIEF
THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL
BOOK BY JOE TRACZ, MUSIC AND LYRICS BY ROB ROKICKI
ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK ‘THE LIGHTNING THIEF’ BY RICK RIORDAN DIRECTED BY ANDY CHRISTENSEN
CAST
Percy Jackson.................................................................. CASEY JAMES
Annabeth Chase..................................................... ZORA RICHARDSON*
Grover.............................................................................. MEKHI MORLIN
Luke Castellan and Others................................................ LY’LE PULLOM
Sally Jackson and Others................................... JACQULYNNE SAMPLE
Clarisse and Others................................................... HAILEY SCHUBERT
Mr. Brunner and Others..................................................... SAMUEL PACI
Mr. D and Others........................................................... BRANNA SUNDY
Aunty Em and Others....................................................... MAGGIE KELLY
Charon and Others........................................................... OLIVE HUXLEY
Kurt Cobain and Others........................................... KAMUELA HOLLAND *IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE CAPSTONE IN THEATER
UNDERSTUDIES / STANDBY
Annabeth U.S................................................................... MAGGIE KELLY
Grover U.S............................................................... KAMUELA HOLLAND
Charon U.S.......................................................... JACQULYNNE SAMPLE
Luke U.S....................................................................... BRANNA SUNDY
Sally U.S......................................................................... OLIVE HUXLEY
Clarisse and Others Standby...................................... ZOE THYRZA DIAO
THE LIGHTNING THIEF is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
CREATIVE TEAM
Director.................................................................. ANDY CHRISTENSEN
Asst. Director........................................................... PARIELLE SHAPARD
Stage Manager................................................... JAE RENETTE JOSIAS*
Asst. Stage Managers...................................................... LAYA DUGUID, ELIZABETH GOERES
Musical Director............................................................ DAVID DE LYSER
Vocal Director................................................................ SARAH MAINES
Movement Director / Choreographer.......................... COURTNEY FERO
Intimacy Director................................................... ANDY CHRISTENSEN
Scenic / Projection Designer ............................................. TYLER SMITH
Costume Designer..................................... AMANDA CARDWELL-AIKEN
Lighting Designer........................................................... LARRY LARSEN
Sound Designer............................................................ ROWAN LOWERY
Marketing Coordinator...................................................... EMILY HOGAN
THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, S STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED TATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists
PLOT SYNOPSIS
ACT ONE
Percy Jackson is a young boy with ADHD and dyslexia. While on a field trip to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, Percy is expelled after being attacked by a demon math teacher and given a pen that turns into a sword by his Latin teacher Mr. Brunner. His mom, Sally, who is married to Percy’s smelly stepfather Gabe Ugliano, decides to take Percy to someplace where he will be safe. They stop at the beach where Sally met Percy’s dad and then but before they get there, they are hunted down by a minotaur. Sally is killed and Percy is taken to camp by his best friend and satyr, Grover. Percy has a strange dream that a man in a Hawaiian shirt gives him a seashell. Percy wakes up at Camp Half-blood, a haven for demigods who are half-mortal half-god. Percy meets Luke, son of Hermes, who tells him that the gods don't really care about their kids. After a fierce round of capture the flag where Percy defeats the camp bully by mysteriously making a toilet explode, Percy's dad reveals himself to be Poseidon, the sea god. Chiron, Percy’s former mentor, reveals that that Zeus’ lightning bolt has been stolen and that the king of the gods believes that Percy is the culprit. After receiving a prophecy from a creepy oracle and a cool pair of shoes from Luke, Percy teams up with Grover and Annabeth, daughter of Athena, to go on a quest to the Underworld, in Los Angeles, to take the bolt back from Hades, god of death.
ACT TWO
After blowing up a bus the trio are lost in the woods until they come across Aunty Em's Garden Emporium. Aunty Em turns out to the gorgon Medusa. Percy chops off her head and Annabeth and Percy share a moment before Grover returns with three train tickets; the quest continues. During their journey across the coutnry, the three meet Ares, god of war, who gives them a ride to Las Vegas, after finding a bus to Los Angelos the trio collapse from exhaustion. Percy has another dream where he sees a hooded figure talking to an ominous pit; the pit tells the figure to remember Thalia. Percy wakes and asks Grover about the name he heard, Grover tells him that Thalia was the half-blood, daughter of Zeus, she was killed while helping Annabeth and Luke escape from a cyclops. The bus comes to a halt, and the three enter the lobby of DOA records, the entrance to the Underworld. Charon the ferryman takes them down the elevator. Once in the Underworld Percy's shoes begin pulling him into a pit, Grover and Annabeth save him. They realize that the pit is actually Tartarus, the prison containing Kronos, the titan and father of the gods. Annabeth rips open Percy's backpack revealing Zeus's stolen bolt. The trio turn on each other before they realize they've walked into a trap. Hades appears and offers to resurrect Sally in exchange for the bolt. Percy nearly gives in but suddenly remembers the seashell from his dream. He uses it to create a portal to the ocean which they use to escape the Underworld. Percy discovers that Ares is behind theft of Zeus’ bolt. Ares arrives and the two fight. Ares overpowers Percy, but Percy rises to his full potential and summons a massive tidal wave to defeat Ares. Poseidon enters and tells Percy that the gods, in gratitude for stopping a war, have agreed to resurrect Sally. Percy, Sally, and Poseidon and reunited and the half-blood trio make their way back to camp. Percy finds Luke and tells him about the quest, Luke then unmasks himself as the Lighting Thief, he stabs Percy and escapes. Percy recovers as him and the entire camp learn that the gods aren't going to fix the world, it's up to them.
Biographies in Alphabetical Order
Amanda Cardwell-Aiken, she/they (Costume / Puppet Designer, Costume Shop Manager) is the Costume/Puppet Designer for The Lightning Thief and Costume Studio Manager at University of Portland. She has an MFA in Costume Design and Technology from Utah State University and a BA Theatre Arts from University of Oregon. Recent Costume Designs include: The Eleanors (PSU Opera), The Thanksgiving Play (UP), The Storyteller (ART), Pride and Prejudice: Devised (UP), Chekhov! 3 Farces (21Ten), Waiting for Godot (Corrib), Dorothy’s Dictionary (21Ten), Little Shop of Horrors (UFOMT), Pinocchio Teatrale (USU), Spring Awakening (USU). She has worked with Des Moines Metro Opera, Arizona Opera, Phoenix Theatre Company, 59E59th, Kitchen Theatre Company, and Oregon Contemporary Theatre. She is designing Scalia/Ginsburg & Trial by Jury at UFOMT this summer! You can follow her on Instagram @amandaaikendesign or see more www.amandaaiken.com
Andy Christensen, he/him (Director), is an actor, director, and intimacy director who specializes in emergent forms of immersive and site-informed theatre. He earned his MFA from the Lir Academy of Trinity College Dublin/RADA. He is the currently an assistant professor at the University of Portland and a resident intimacy consultant with Oregon Ballet Theatre. Andy is an associate member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. andersoncarr.net
David De Lyser, he/him (Music Director) Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Music, joined the University of Portland faculty in 2010. His conducting duties at the University include the UP Singers, Chamber Choir and Music Director and Pit Orchestra Conductor for campus musical productions. He has previously conducted the UP
Orchestra. He teaches composition, orchestration, conducting, music theory and musical theatre courses. Outside of the University, he is the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland. He has served as music director/pit orchestra conductor and played in pit orchestras for dozens of shows throughout the Midwest and West Coast, including Chess, City of Angles, West Side Story, Secret Garden, Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Prom and many others. He is excited to be working with this talented and hardworking student cast, artistic team and pit orchestra to present The Lightning Thief.
Zoe Thyrza Diao, she/her (Standby), is a junior Biology and Theater double major with a Neuroscience Studies minor from Las Vegas, NV. She has been in theatre since her freshman year of high school, and you may have seen her onstage as Dee Dee Allen in The Prom or as Maya in TBA. In the free time she has, she is heavily involved in FASA sa UP as their PCN Co-Chair and is preparing for the 12th Annual Pilipino Cultural Night on April 11. The Lighting Thief and the Percy Jackson universe has always been a part of her life, and she is so excited and honored to help bring it to life onstage. She hopes that you can leave this production feeling confident in your own voice and power, while also acknowledging that when we stand together, we can conquer anything. Free Palestine always, ICE out, and bring on the monsters. Enjoy the show!
Laya Duguid, she/her (ASM), is a senior Political Science major and Theater minor from Royse City, Texas. You may have seen her on stage for The Effect, Forefolk (devised show), as Alicia in Larissa Fasthorse's The Thanksgiving Play, or Olympe De Gouges in The Revolutionists. This is her last tech role
and show at UP, she is grateful to the few who have supported and helped her grow as an artist during her time here. Especially Andy Christensen, Jae, Jackie, and Olive who are apart of this production thank you.
Sadie Dunlap, she/her (Wardrobe and Puppet Manager), is a first year Theater and History double major. The Lightning Thief will be her first time participating in a musical at University of Portland, having previously been in the Ensemble of The Revolutionists, and Assistant Stage Manager for The Thanksgiving Play. She is also involved with the UP Playhouse Theater as well. She is so grateful to be a part of this spectacular project and hopes you enjoy the show!
Courtney Fero, she/her (Movement Coach / Choreographer), is grateful to be working at UP! She graduated from UC Irvine with her BFA in Musical Theatre and is active in the Portland theatre scene. Most recently, she was onstage as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes with Broadway Rose Theatre. Favorite past credits include Hairspray (Merry Go Round - NY), Cats (SDMT- San Diego) & A Little Night Music (Cygnet Theatre - San Diego).
Elizabeth Goeres, she/her (ASM), is a performer that is trying to expand her knowledge of theatre, so being different parts in each show is very interesting and a large learning experience.
Kamuela Holland, he/him (Kurt Cobain and Others), is a first year Economics major with a minor in musical theatre. The Lightning Thief will be his first show at University of Portland. When his is not spending his time with the theatre program his is involved in UP's Choir. This is his first time working with the university's theatre program and he is very thankful to
have been able to perform next to amazing performers, and is thankful for this experience. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Olive Huxley, she/her (Charon and Others), is a freshman Marketing and Theater double major. The Lighting Thief is her third onstage performance here at University of Portland she was previously seen in The Thanksgiving Play (Ensemble/understudy) and New Works, New Voices (Actor/devisor) last semester. Olive was also an Assistant Stage Manager for the last production here at UP, The Revolutionists. She has been doing theater since she was 8 and so excited to participate in the adaptation of a classic book she grew up on and hopes you enjoy the show!
Casey James, they/she (Percy Jackson), is a senior Music and Theater major with a concentration in performance. Since starting at UP, she has performed on every stage available on campus, and several others off campus, both on and backstage. Recently Casey was seen as Jaxton in The Thanksgiving Play and worked as Production Technician for The Revolutionists. When not acting, Casey serves as Tenor Section Leader in University Singers, and studies voice with Dr. Sarah Maines. After graduation she will enter her third season as an associate with OPS fest and seek more acting work in Portland.
Jae Renette Josias, she/her (Stage Manager), is a senior Communication and Theater major. Her love for theater has only grown with each show. In the past she has stage managed: Peter and the Starcatcher, Sanctuary City, and the recent New Works, New Voices (Folklore). She’s excited to have
you in the space and hopes you walk away with a greater sense of purpose!!
Maggie Kelly, she/her (Aunty Em and Others), is a first year Political Science and Global Affairs and Musical Theatre double major with a Constitutional Studies minor. This is her second show at the University of Portland, having previously been involved with Forefolk: New Works, New Voices in the fall. Past credits include: Ellie (Freaky Friday), Katherine (Newsies), and Urleen/Rusty Understudy (Footloose). When not onstage, Maggie can be found staffing Pilots After Dark events, writing for the LOG Yearbook, or working for the Honors Program as an Ambassador and member of the Student Advisory Board. She has had so much fun working on this show and cannot wait for you to see the magic this cast and team has created. Bring on the monsters!
Larry Larsen, he/him (Lighting Designer), has been the scenic and lighting design faculty for the University’s Theater Program for 32 years. Larry has served as the Chair of the Department of Performing and Fine Arts, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and is currently the Director of the Theater Program. Larry’s design work for last year included the lighting for The Effect and Pride and Prejudice. Larry has been working professionally as a scenic and lighting designer in Portland since 1988 when he moved to town to be the Design Associate for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival – Portland. His current design work included Triangle and In Clay at Broadway Rose Theatre Co., and Highland Hearth for Portland Revels where he has been the resident scenic designer since 2001. Over the years he has designed shows at Lakewood Theatre Company, Artists Repertory Theatre, Third Rail Repertory Theatre, Oregon Children’s Theatre, Northwest Children’s
Theatre, Mocks Crest Light Opera for which he was the Producing Artistic Director, Portland Actors Conservatory, Portland Civic Theatre, Portland Repertory Theatre, Tygres Heart Shakespeare Company, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival/ Portland. He has an MFA in Theatre Design from the University of Washington.
Rowan Lowery, he/him (Sound Designer), is a Junior Arts Administration Major with a Theater Minor. This is his 6th production Sound Designing at University of Portland, his past productions include The Effect, Sanctuary City, and The Prom; he is looking forward to whatever projects he works on in the future. Rowan plays viola in the orchestra and sings in the choir here at University of Portland. Besides being involved in the Performing Arts, Rowan is an RA in Shipstad Hall, and also works professionally as a freelance photographer.
Sarah Maines, she/her (Vocal Director). Hailed as a “natural, most charming” performer, mezzo-soprano Sarah Maines’ favorite roles include Margaret in The Light in the Piazza, Claudia in Nine, and Maurya in Riders to the Sea. Dr. Maines is a member of the Portland Opera Chorus and voice faculty at the University of Portland. She frequently performs with Portland companies such as Fear No Music, Resonance Ensemble, Cascadia Composers, Broadway Rose Theatre, Lakewood Theatre, Bridgetown Conservatory, and Mock’s Crest Opera. As a practicing singing voice specialist, Dr. Maines administers voice habilitation to singers referred by laryngologists and speech-language pathologists. Dr. Maines holds a BA in music from Berea College and MM and DMA degrees in voice pedagogy from Shenandoah Conservatory. She is a published researcher who frequently lectures on vocal health, pathology, and function. www.themainestudio.com
Mekhi Morlin, he/him, (Grover) is a senior music major at the University of Portland, where he plays (trumpet) in the Jazz Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Orchestra, and University Singers. He previously performed with the university’s Brass Quintet and Pit Orchestra (for The Prom), gaining experience across a wide range of ensemble settings. He is excited about making his on-stage debut in The Lightning Thief, and hopes you have a blast watching the show.
Annalie Nachreiner, she/they (Projections Operator), is so thankful to have the opportunity to do projections for The Lightning Thief! Previously, she’s been seen onstage in New Works, New Voices, and The Revolutionists, and they are so excited to do tech for the first time! Thank you to everyone who led to this opportunity. Enjoy!
Samuel Paci, he/him (Mr. Brunner and Others), is a second year Theater major with aspirations of one day working in film. He was previously acted in Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind here at UP, and has also worked backstage at a couple of shows. Watching movies and sports are common pastimes that Samuel indulges in. He thanks you for coming and wants you to enjoy the show!
Ly’Le Pullom, she/they (Luke and Others), is a junior Musical Theatre Major. The Lightning Thief is her latest work and the last time we’ve seen her on the mainstage since The Prom as Alyssa Greene in 2024. Her latest contributions to the theatre program were as a costume designer for VHS Christmas Carol and as an understudy for The Revolutionists. When not in the theatre program, you can find her, still performing, in
concerts as a member of the UP Singers. She’s excited for you to see their hard work and wishes you a good show.
Justin Radford, he/him (Drummer / Percussionist). A prolific musician and composer, Justin has previously performed in UP's student production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch in September 2025. He's also played in numerous productions with Broadway Rose, Portland Center Stage, and Stumptown. Most recently, Justin co-wrote, recorded, and released a concept album for the musical In Odin's Name and he hopes to get it staged in a local theater near you!
Aside from drums, Justin plays piano and is a student of the Chapman Stick, a guitar-like instrument. Outside of music, he enjoys writing, weightlifting, driving stick-shift, and seeing how many people groan at his innovative sense of humor.
Zora Richardson, she/they (Annabeth Chase), is a senior Theater/Arts Administration major and Music minor who is thrilled to be completing her acting capstone in The Lightning Thief! Recent credits include: The Thanksgiving Play (UP Theater); Romeo and Juliet (Sunstone Theater), and Pride and Prejudice (UP Theater). Zora also spends her summers bringing free Shakespeare to the Portland parks with Original Practice Shakespeare Festival. In September, she will begin her master's degree in Shakespeare and Performance at Mary Baldwin University/The American Shakespeare Center. Zora would like to thank her parents Judy and Dan, her partner Casey, and all the dear friends and mentors who have been a part of her undergraduate journey.
Jacqulynne Sample, she/her (Sally and Others), is absolutely delighted to be returning to the UP theater stage one final time. She was last seen in Pride and Prejudice and is so grateful for the opportunity to perform again. When not on stage, she can be seen in University Singers, Chamber Choir or struggling with her math homework in the library. Her passions include being outside in any capacity, wool (the textile) and Sweet Cream Caramel Brownie ice cream. Jacqulynne would like to thank her parents, her friends and her professors for supporting her. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Hailey Schubert, she/her (Clarisse and Others), is a Freshman and is so excited to be participating in her first production here at University of Portland! She wants to thank the cast and management for being so welcoming and uplifting throughout this process, and the direction team for giving me this opportunity to learn from you all. She thanks you for being here, and hopes you enjoy the show!
Parielle Shapard, she/her (Asst. Director), is a second year Theatre major with a minor in Psychology. From Camas/Vancouver Washington, she is a graduate from Vancouver School of Arts and Academics. This will be her seventh show at University of Portland, having previously loved Assistant Directing and Stage Managing in previous productions. When she is not in class or rehearsals, she works in UP’s Costume Shop as a Costume Studio Assistant. The Lighting Thief is her third time Assistant Directing at UP and she is grateful to the production team, cast and crew for making this show
such a wonderful experience. She also feels compelled to thank her friends and family, but especially her sister Sophia, to whom she would not have been brave enough to be in theater without. Parielle hopes you leave the show loving it much as she does!
Tyler Smith, he/him (Scenic / Projection Designer), is an award winning designer, technical designer, and project manager with a variety of experience in the education, experiential marketing, regional theater, and custom fabrication industries. Tyler earned his MFA in theater technology from the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign in 2001 and has taught at many large university theater programs including University of Arizona, University of Central Florida and his alma mater, UIUC. He has also served as a LORT Technical Director for Studio Arena Theater and the Milwaukee Rep. His background includes Project Management in the construction industry building performing arts centers, theaters, cafetoriums, concert halls and upgrading safety systems for roller coasters. Most recently he has been refining his design skills in the custom fabrication industry creating all manner of scenery, interactive games, custom vehicles and trade show displays. He also has built giant weddings in the woods and refurbished a very large, historic lumberjack. Tyler's work has earned many awards including: Themed Entertainment Association Award for Outstanding Achievement, Brand Experience CES - The Google Assistant Ride, A Clio Sports Silver Award - Gatorade X Jordans, MLS Activation of the Year 2018 - Portland Timbers Goal Dust, the Verge's Most in Show CES 2018 - Google Connected Devices and Oregon Restoration Demuro Award 2018 –Paul Bunyan.
Laura Stephenson, they/them (Bass), is a UP alum from the class of 2025. They played bass in UP's past two musicals Company and The Prom, as well as Hedwig and the Angry
Inch this past fall for a student's capstone project. They are honored to be invited back for another show and can't wait to play again.
Branna Sundy, she/they (Mr. D and Others), is thrilled to be in one of their favorite musicals with some of their favorite people, playing the god of one of their favorite things to do: theatre. This will be her last show at UP, and she’s glad to be leaving the department in good hands. She’ll be staying in Portland after graduation to work with Original Practice Shakespeare and maybe some other mysterious projects…and is so excited to have more time to read and hang out with friends. We’ll make ‘em listen. Love you all.
Lily Wride, she/her (Dresser), is a second year Social Work major with a minor in Music and Education. The Lightning Thief will be her third show she with be a technician for at University of Portland, having previously acted in The Revolutionists and Pride and Prejudice. Previously, she has been a technician for VHS Christmas Carol and The Effect. When not spending her time with the theater program, she is involved in University of Portland's Bel Canto Choir, working at the Athletic Box Office and working for 21ten Theatre doing marketing. It has been fun watching this show come together! Enjoy the show!
Salvador Wallin, he/him (Guitarist), is a composer, guitarist and songwriter based in Portland, OR. His recent projects include an evening length dance, music, and sound art show entitled MANTID, staged in collaboration with Building Five and funded by the Regional Arts and Culture Council, a harp trio being premiered by Portland’s Lyra Trio, and a piece for guitar ensemble being
premiered at Oregon State University. During his time as a music student at Reed College, Sal was awarded multiple arts grants and fellowships, and enjoyed many collaborations with the theater and dance departments. Upcoming projects include a program of classical guitar chamber works to be featured at the Corvallis Guitar Society, and music for a video game being developed by a fellow Reed graduate.
Technical Director
Tyler Smith
Costume Studio Manager
Amanda Cardwell-Aiken
Scene Shop
Student Assistants
Am Blank
Costume Shop
Student Assistants
Light Board Operator
Azlym Amaya
Projections Operator
Annalie Nachreiner
Sound Board Operator and Live Mixer
Rowan Lowery
Wardrobe and Puppet Manager
Sadie Dunlap
Dressers
Sadie Dunlap, Lily Wride
Props Coordinator
Jewel DeVyldere
Box Office Manager
Kaylee Gotay-Perez
Production Staff
House Manager
Mindi Logan Ushers
Monae Cuellar, Fiona Haselton
Full-Time Theater Faculty in Alphabetical Order
Andy Christensen Directing
Larry Larsen Theater Design
Mindi Logan Acting and Voice
Gregory Pulver Costume and Makeup Design
