Produced by lauded family theater company Theatreworks USA, The Lightning Thief is just an hour long so obviously the 377-page book has been condensed somewhat, but it still hews close to the main story. Percy (Eric Meyers, who's sure to inspire many a tweenage crush) discovers he's the son of Poseidon just as he's attacked by a Minotaur and his mother is whisked away to Hades. He recovers at Camp Half-Blood where he makes a few friends: a satyr named Grover and Annabeth, daughter of Athena. Together they embark on a quest to recover Zeus' missing lightning bolt, prevent a potential all-out war among the Gods and save Percy's mom. Phew, that's a lot of plot but since it's presented clearly and cleverly, most school-age kids shouldn't have trouble following it.

There's a lot of action on their journey as they defeat mythic monsters like Medusa and Chimera. Unlike the poorly reviewed movie adaptation, which put special effects before the story, the musical is all about low-tech stage craft (a leaf blower with toilet paper represents Percy's ability to control water), creative costuming (Grover's furry legs are a hoot, and wait until you see what Poseidon is wearing) and campy characterizations. Graham Stevens, who plays Chiron and others, is a comic standout, inspiring giggles as he prances around (he is a centaur after all). Meanwhile, the utilitarian scaffolding set stands in for all the locations and comes in handy as the actors climb up it or swing off its bars.

The songs, by Rob Rokicki, are of the pop-rock variety (you can hear a few online) and a few are pretty funny, like the pun-filled "In the Same Boat" (good luck trying to get that one out of your head. My kid is still singing it days later). Some are moving, too, with lyrics like, "Normal is a myth—Everyone has issues that they’re dealing with." Any kid who's ever felt like an outcast can relate to Percy, even if they don't have special powers.

If you're thinking, sounds great! But it's FREE so what's the catch? There's only one: Tickets are distributed first come, first served one hour prior to the first performance of the day. Weekday performances are often sold out with camp groups so you may be better off attending on a weekend. Whenever you go, just make sure you arrive early and prepare for potential disappointment. Also, no strollers are allowed in the theater so leave them at home (although this show really isn't good for preschoolers).

The Lightning Thief is playing through Friday, August 22 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher Street at Bedford Street. Tickets are FREE.

Find more no-cost seasonal activities in our Summer Fun Guide.

Photos by Jeremy Daniel