As summer draws to a close, Riversong Players is preparing for an exciting fall season, with young performers hard at work bringing The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical to the stage while rehearsals are also underway for Finding Neverland.
Over the past several weeks, participants in the Riversong Players Youth Summer Intensive have immersed themselves in the world of Percy Jackson, developing their acting, singing, movement and performance skills while working together to create a fully staged production of the popular musical.
Based on Rick Riordan’s bestselling novel, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical follows Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers he is the son of a Greek god and embarks on an unforgettable quest alongside his friends Annabeth and Grover. Packed with humour, heart, adventure and an energetic rock score, the musical explores themes of identity, belonging, friendship, resilience, and discovering that the qualities that make us different can also become our greatest strengths.
Public performances will take place from September 18–20 at the Almonte Old Town Hall, and tickets are available now through Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434 ).
Meanwhile, rehearsals have officially begun for Finding Neverland, Riversong’s holiday production. Following an enthusiastic response to auditions earlier this summer, a cast of more than 40 performers has begun bringing the magical story to life. Inspired by the creation of Peter Pan, the musical celebrates imagination, hope, family, and the power of storytelling, and will be presented in December at the Almonte Old Town Hall.
“Watching these productions come to life is one of the most rewarding parts of community theatre,” says Artistic Director Beth Robertson. “Our performers aren’t just learning lines and songs — they’re building confidence, developing friendships, discovering their creativity, and learning what it means to work together toward a common goal. It’s a privilege to witness that growth.”
In addition to its theatrical productions, Riversong Players is developing new community arts programming for the fall, including collaborative initiatives with the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. These projects will provide new opportunities for creativity, storytelling, and community engagement for participants of all ages.
For tickets to The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, information about upcoming productions, or ways to get involved with Riversong Players, visit riversongplayers.com or follow @riversongplayers on Facebook and Instagram.