Paramount Players Debut ‘The Lightning Thief’ Musical in Ashland

ASHLAND, Ky. — The Paramount Players kicked off their two-day run of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” tonight, delighting audiences with a vibrant adaptation of Rick Riordan‘s beloved fantasy series.

The musical, based on the first book in the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series, features a youthful cast portraying the adventures of half-blood demigods at Camp Half-Blood. Shawn Weston stars as the titular Percy Jackson, joined by Nevaeh Takahashi as Annabeth, Connor Amos as Luke, and Alec Bowling as Grover.

As Percy embarks on a quest to recover Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt, the show spans just over two hours and is directed by Matt Stone. “These books resonate with students, particularly those in fourth through eighth grade,” Stone said, highlighting the show’s appeal to younger audiences.

The cast, predominantly composed of youth, brings energy and enthusiasm to the stage. Adult actors enrich the narrative by portraying parental and instructional figures. Among them is Rick Payne from Ironton, who not only plays Charon but also serves as the costumer and choreographer for the production.

“The collaborative effort from everyone involved has transformed this musical into a captivating experience for our audience,” Payne stated. His dual role showcases the diverse talents found within the regional theater scene.

The ensemble includes Naly Khounlavong of Ironton, whose contributions add depth to the performance. The show provides an engaging blend of music, action, and storytelling that celebrates the themes of friendship and self-discovery.

Tickets for the performances range from $15 to $25 and can be purchased at the Paramount Arts Center box office or by calling 606-324-0007. The center is located at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland. A second performance is scheduled for Saturday at the same time.