Wallace State Theatre staging “The Lightning Thief” March 8-10

Hanceville, AL — Anyone who enjoys a story about a quest for redemption will enjoy Wallace State Community College Theatre’s production of “The Lightning Thief” March 8-10.

A theatrical adaptation of Rick Riordan's popular young adult novel of the same name, “The Lightning Thief” follows the story of Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. But when Zeus' lightning bolt is stolen and Percy is accused of the theft, he sets out on a quest with his friends Annabeth and Grover to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods. Along the way, they encounter various mythical creatures and face numerous challenges.

“The play explores themes of friendship, identity, and the power of believing in oneself,” said Angela Green, director of the Wallace State Theatre program.

Wallace State students Alex Bragwell of Albertville, at top, Elise Martin of Blountsville and James Knear of Arab practice a scene from “The Lightning Thief.” The trio will portray Percy, Annabeth and Grover, respectively, in the adaptation of Rick Riordan's popular young adult novel of the same name. The Wallace State Theatre program will present “The Lightning Thief” on March 8 and March 9 at 7 p.m. and March 10 at 2 p.m. All showings will be held at the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre inside the Garlan E. Gudger Student Center.

Alex Bragwell of Albertville is cast as Percy. Elise Martin of Blountsville will portray Annabeth and James Knear of Arab will play Grover.

Other cast members include: Jairus Williams of Decatur (Mr. Brunner, Chiron, James Brown); Sam Robinson of Oneonta (Luke, Kurt Cobain); Yvonne Wakaimba of Gardendale (Sally Jackson); Emma Sue Carnes of Hartselle (Clarisse); Makenzie Johnson of Cullman (Mrs. Dodds, ensemble); Marcos Zapien of Cullman (Gabe Ugliando, ensemble); Gauge Hubbard of Oneonta (Minotaur, Hades); Cannon Carmichael of Cullman (Poseidon); Paul Minda of Hanceville (Mr. D, Ares); Lillian Simmons of Petal, Miss., (Silena Beauregard, ensemble); Carley Cofield of Springville (Katie Gardner, ensemble); Courtney Bryant of Decatur (The Oracle, Thalia, ensemble); Emily Sharp of Bremen (stage manager, DJ Cerberus, squirrel, ensemble); Kaylie Ellis of Cullman (Medusa, ensemble); Emma Thomas of Cullman (bus passenger, Echidna, newscaster, ensemble); Garret Tilley of Graysville (farmer, ensemble); Josiah Johnson of Bremen (Mozart, Bianca’s brother, ensemble); Peyton Rouse of Dora (Charon, ensemble); Amanda McClendon of Cullman (train conductor, ensemble); Avery Drake of Cullman (bus passenger, Bianca, ensemble); Vella Richter of Cullman (Janis Joplin, ensemble).

“The Lightning Thief” will be staged on March 8 and March 9 at 7 p.m. and March 10 at 2 p.m. All showings will be held at the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre inside the Garlan E. Gudger Student Center on the Hanceville campus. Admission is a $10 donation for adults and $5 for students and children under 12.

Other upcoming performances from Wallace State Fine and Performing Arts programs include: 

• Spring Dance Showcase presented by the Allegro Dance, March 21 at 7 p.m.  at the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre  
• “That Seventies Show,” presented by the Wallace State Singers, April 11-13 at 7 p.m. at the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre  
• Big Band Dance by the Wallace State Jazz Band, April 19 at 7 p.m. at the Burrow Center for the Fine and Performing Arts  
• Spring Under the Stars by the Wallace State Fine and Performing Arts programs, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Burrow Center for the Fine and Performing Arts  

The Spring 2024 semester is currently underway at Wallace State, with Mini Term II classes beginning March 6. Priority registration for Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 will begin on April 1. Visit www.wallacestate.edu/register-now to apply and register for classes.