Hard work pays off as CV drama debuts 'Percy Jackson Musical'

After putting in months of continuous effort, the CVCHS drama and technology departments are putting the final touches on their winter production’s debut.

A familiar face at CVCHS for the last 30 years, Director Elizabeth Emigh and her enthusiastic drama students will perform the show, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at CVCHS three times over the course of three days, with 7 p.m. shows on Feb. 20 and 21 and a Sunday matinee performance at 3 p.m. on Feb. 22. 

Based on the best-selling book series, the musical details the extraordinary life of  Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers that he is a demigod – son of Poseidon, god of the sea. The story takes the audience along the adventures to find Zeus’s stolen lightning bolt, and along the way, Percy and his companions face a series of quests and trials, growing and thriving together in the process. 

Finn Hoschouer, a junior, plays the main character of Percy Jackson in the play and notes the immense amount of time and effort put into the production, as well as the gratification for watching the show come to life. 

 “To me, the most enjoyable part of this production, and this goes for any production, is watching everything come together,” said Hoschouer. “When all of the work we’ve put into this show finally starts to pay off, and you can see the pieces start to line up.”

Addison Chung (far left), Liana Osorio, Brandon Palaganas, Lily Gold and Finn Hoschouer are among those rehearsing for "The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical." (Photo courtesy of Clayton Valley Drama)

This positive vibe is evident through Emigh’s teachings. Over the course of the last 30 years, Emigh has directed almost 100 productions at Clayton Valley, contributing to the success and longevity of the program. 

As members of the production dedicate countless hours to the play each week, Emigh notes that one of the most unique aspects of the play this year is the stage combat and the special effects, which add to the overall enjoyment and appeal of the show. 

“We hired a professional stage combat expert, who helped train us safely and choreographed all (of the) fight blocking,” said Emigh. “(CVCHS director of school services) Sunny Shergill helps us design the set and lighting as well.”

As the preparation and finalization of the play progressed, many of the actors had time to look back on their original calls to acting, finding passion and dedication through the process. 

“I’ve always been a fan of the arts, from going to see shows in the city as a kid, to getting to perform my own shows,” said Hoschouer. “I love getting to entertain people, and have them appreciate the entertainment in turn. I believe the main reason I started acting was that I found it as a way to express myself and my talents.”

With this dedication and inherent joy of the acting process, CVCHS is sure to find huge success in their upcoming production. The passion of the cast and crew translates offstage through to the audience, creating an energy that shouldn’t be missed, carrying on the talented legacy of the CVCHS drama and technology departments.