By Isabel Ashley

Journal reporter

As Friday Harbor students return to school and settle into the new semester, the FHHS drama group gears up for their upcoming production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” on Jan. 18 – 21. The cast of 20 students have been rehearsing since October under the direction of Lindsey Saarie, Drama Coach for FHHS and FHMS. Although it is Saarie’s second year in the position, her background and expertise in theater has contributed greatly to the flourishing theater program.

Saarie was heavily involved in theater and choir growing up, taking advantage of youth theater programs in her area. She attended Boston Conservatory, studying musical theater and directing, and later returned to Seattle to pursue directing and acting. She received her teaching certification from Pacific Lutheran University and taught English and theater for several years in Tacoma before moving to the island after the COVID-19 pandemic, and was impressed by the community’s involvement in the school’s theater arts.

“This community is just so supportive; the teachers, administration, parents. The Community Theatre across the street is such a unique and original concept that I have never seen before. The community is just so involved and supportive,” said Saarie.

With this community support, Saarie’s visions for the show were realized. “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” is based on a popular fantasy novel series by Rick Riordan, following the story of its protagonist, a 12-year-old boy who learns that he is the son of a Greek god, and his journey to prove himself to his friends and family while finding himself along the way.

Saarie was intentional in choosing the show, wanting to address the different impacts the COVID-19 pandemic had on students and their social development.

“There was a lot of social anxiety happening that was bigger, or at least felt that way as an educator,” said Saarie. “The kids were in a very important moment developmentally, learning how to connect with each other, and they got cut off from being social. This show is very much about owning your own insecurities and putting yourself out there, finding your community and understanding how the constructs of friendship and family work,” said Saarie.

Throughout their rehearsals, Saarie used conversation cards to get the students talking and opening up to each other. The goal was not only to have the students work on skills such as starting conversations and asking questions to maintain those conversations, but to build trust and comradery between the students, allowing them to feel safe and comfortable around each other as they navigate the show.

“I loved watching their development as characters, from the first read and their nerves and hesitations to this all-out commitment,” said Saarie.

Besides the outstanding character work, Saarie mentioned other highlights to look forward to. Nathan Kessler-Jeffrey, Artistic Director for the San Juan Community Theatre, has stepped in as fight choreographer, and audiences can expect many fight scenes with swords and spears. Additionally, Penelope Haskew, Technical Director for the show, has helped bring the magical and mythological tale to life, achieving mountainous forests paired with elements of Greek museum exhibits.

The action-filled story is intertwined with Greek history and mythology, and features musical theater-style songs with rock-and-roll flare, making it a great way to introduce families not only to theater but some history as well. The first novel of the series has recently been adapted into a TV series on Disney Plus, releasing weekly episodes based on each chapter since mid-December, a timely opportunity to delve into the story further and enjoy another interpretation.

For most of the cast, this production is only one of many ongoing theater projects. Several of the cast members are involved in the Thespian Society and are preparing to attend a regional conference in Olympia the weekend before the opening of their show. As the students were memorizing their lines and choreography for “The Lightning Thief,” they were also memorizing monologues and independently producing their own short plays and scenes for the conference, all while attending school and completing coursework. Some students have also been busy with applying to and auditioning for colleges; one student is auditioning for the Pacific Northwest Ballet while another is auditioning for a film.

“This group of students has been so impressive. I can’t believe how much they’re able to do and I’m really honored that they choose to spend their time in the theater,” said Saarie.

“The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” will run Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 18 – 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the San Juan Community Theatre. Tickets can be purchased in-person or online at https://www.sjctheatre.org/.

Submitted Photo FHHS students Benji Evered (right) and Alison Power (center) performing a scene from “The Lightening Thief” during a tech rehearsal