July is an exciting month for Cottonwood Heights especially because the annual summer musical put on by the Arts Council will be running from July 11 until July 19. 

This year, the Arts Council and cast members will be transporting those seated in the Butler Middle School Auditorium (7530 S. 2700 East) to the world of Greek mythology with their production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” 

“This year’s show is going to be a high octane, comedic take on the beloved story complete with a five piece live rock band (two electric guitars, an electric bass, a full drum set, and keyboard) and a talent packed cast! We also have original projections and animations,” said Culture Coordinator Kate Hoflich.

The annual summer musical put on by the Arts Council is a long-standing tradition within Cottonwood Heights, tracing back over a decade to 2010 with five performances of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” 

Since then, the Arts Council has selected a new and unique musical to cast and perform each year. Some of the previous annual musical productions have included: “The Wizard of Oz” (2011), “Fiddler on the Roof “(2014), “Shrek: The Musical” (2015), “Annie” (2017), “The Little Mermaid” (2019), and Disney's “Beauty and the Beast” (2024). 

“The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” is adapted from the original novel “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan. Music and lyrics for this retelling are by Rob Rokicki with the musical book by Joe Tracz. The story originates in Greek mythology as the main character travels through to the Underworld and finds himself among the Olympians. 

Percy Jackson will be played by Garrett Stephenson; Poseidon will be played by Sam Fisher; and Sally Jackson will be played by Kat Teitjen. 

Annabeth will be played by Ellie England; Grover will be played by Logan Stacey; Luke will be played by Jaden Burnett; and Clarisse will be played by Kate Holt. 

Mr. Brunner will be played by Doug Hendrickson; Mr. D will be played by Daniel Pittam; Mrs. Dodds will be played by Austinn Jensen; Silena Beauregard will be played by Abrille Hambleton; and Katie Gardener will be played by Adria Kroff.

Members of the ensemble will include: Aleisha Carver, Allison Cloward, Annie Duggar, Tricia Gallagher, Rachel Stephenson, Shari Bether Weber, Christopher Steck, Rodger Downward and Josh Rogers. 

The chosen story of “The Lightning Thief” for the Cottonwood Heights’ annual musical will be directed by Lauri Baird, musically directed by Robert Bedont, choreographed by Karllen Johnson and graphically designed by Facio Long. 

Additional production team members will include: Brighton Sloan (assistant director), Rachel Peterson (assistant music director), Mak Riddle (stage manager), Carson Young (assistant stage manager), Facio Long (set designer), Joe Governale (lighting designer), Brooklyn Road (sound designer), Jennifer Jackson (costume designer), Makayla Riddle (prop master) and Else Slabber (makeup designer). 

Ticket pricing is set for $12 for general admission: $10 for seniors and children: free for children under 3 in laps. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, but online sales will include an additional service fee. 

Performances will take place in the Butler Middle School Auditorium (7530 S. 2700 East) during the dates below: 

• Friday, July 11, 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, July 12, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

• Monday, July 14, 7:30 p.m.

• Thursday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.

• Friday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, July 19 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. λ