VYT Brings Broadway Hit The Lightning Thief to Phoenix

PHOENIX – Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) brings the world of Percy Jackson, to its stage for the first time with The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, running October 9 through October 25, 2026, in downtown Phoenix. This action-packed Broadway musical brings Percy’s epic adventure from page to stage with an electrifying rock score, mythical monsters, Greek gods, and plenty of adventure.

Adapted from the best-selling fantasy book series by author Rick Riordan, with book by Joe Tracz and music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, The Lightning Thief, the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, follows the harrowing adventures of Percy Jackson, the half-blood son of a Greek god.

In the musical, Percy finds himself with newly discovered powers he can’t control and a destiny he never wanted. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen, he becomes the prime suspect. To fight for his innocence, Percy has to do more than catch the real thief, he must travel to the Underworld and back, solve the riddle of the Oracle and come to terms with a father who abandoned him. Along the way, Percy faces mythical monsters, unexpected challenges and a journey that will test his courage, friendships and understanding of who he is.

“Percy’s story is such a wonderful fit for Valley Youth Theatre because, at its heart, it’s about discovering that the things that make you different can also be your greatest strengths,” said Leigh Ann Dolan, VYT’s Executive Director. “Our young people bring so much of themselves to every production, and I love that this musical celebrates finding where you belong, believing in yourself and realizing you are capable of more than you ever imagined. And they get to tell that story through this incredible rock musical, which makes it even more fun.”

Directed by Wesley Bradstreet, a Valley director, actor and arts educator, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical runs from Friday, October 9 – Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Valley Youth Theatre at 525 North First Street, Phoenix, 85004. Tickets start at $22.50 and can be found at vyt.com/tickets. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 20+. For more information, contact VYT’s Box Office at (602) 253-8188x1.

List of cast members:

Percy Jackson | Aiden Haren, 14 | Phoenix, Shadow Mountain High School
Annabeth Chase | Grier Donnally, 16 | Phoenix, Arcadia High School
Grover Underwood | Tommy Hebel, 13 | Peoria, American Leadership Academy Vistancia
Luke Castellan/Ares | Erick Xavier Reséndiz Jr., 19
Sally Jackson/Charon | Amber Poirier, 19 | Peoria
Clarisse La Rue | Makena Meyer, 13 | Fountain Hills, Desert Mountain High School
Mrs. Dodds/ The Oracle | Nora Bermudez, 16 | Gilbert, Mesquite High School
Mr. Brunner | Andon Wright, 17 | Phoenix, Homeschool
Mr. D. (Dionysus) | Beni Bermudez, 15 | Gilbert, Mesquite High School
Katie Gardner | Ayden Armbrust, 15 | Gilbert, Mesquite High School
Silena Beauregard | Alyssa Ocean, 16 | Surprise, Sandra Day O'Connor High School
Hades | Avery Khoundara, 17 | Phoenix, Desert Vista High School
Poseidon/Gabe Ugliano | Taylor Nunziato-Cruz, 17 | Peoria, Sandra Day O’Connor High School
Thalia | Milan Marcinek, 13 | Phoenix, Alpha School

ABOUT VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE

Valley Youth Theatre’s mission is to inspire young people to be the best they can be through a variety of performing arts opportunities. Along with mainstage productions, VYT offers year-round performing arts classes, Spring Break and Summer Camps, and award-winning community programs including Literacy and the Arts, Sponsor-A-Seat, and The Nigel Ross Scholarship Fund. For more information, visit vyt.com

###