Take your seat for an epic adventure with Percy Jackson and the demigods of Camp Half-Blood as they battle monsters, dodge gods, and try to save the world in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, Paramount School of the Arts’ third annual Paramount Performance Camp production.
This fun and action-packed musical, performed on the historic Paramount stage by more than 50 talented students from the Paramount School of the Arts, brings the world of Greek mythology to life with music, laughs, and lots of surprises. Don’t miss this electrifying journey of friendship, courage, and finding out who you really are.
More than 50 talented Fox Valley youth actors plus seven technical theater students will present The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, Paramount School of the Arts’ third annual Paramount Performance Camp production, June 27 and 28 at Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora. Credit: Thomas J. King Photography
Performances are Friday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 28 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora. Tickets are $15. To purchase, visit paramountaurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or stop by the Paramount Theatre box office Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until show time on show days. Run time is 75 minutes, no intermission.
Director Bailey O'Neil (left) with her cast at the first rehearsal for The Lightning Thief. Credit: Thomas J. King Photography
Right now, more than 50 talented Fox Valley youth performers and seven technical theater students are honing their stage skills during three weeks of intensive rehearsals, five days a week, with Paramount’s professional artists and staff. Paramount’s own Bailey O’Neil, director, Nataki Rennie, choreographer, and Carolyn Brady, music director, supported by Paramount’s professional design and technical staff, are rehearsing the company for an audience pleaser of a show, filled with high-energy song and dance numbers, performed in full costume on a professional set on Paramount’s iconic stage.
Cast members include Alice Bath (Percy), Aaliyah Brossett (Annabeth), Nick Mensik (Grover), Kaylee Masciola (Luke), Matthew Bianchi (Mr. D), Jack Bicker (Brunner/Chiron, Kronos), Alyssa Nemenoff (Sally), Sophia Mikoola (Clarisse), Ash Jacobs (Poseidon), Miranda Alvis (Ares), Quinn Ruxton (Mrs. Dodds), Olivia Testa (Oracle), Molly Hughes (Hades), Aria Brossett (Thalia), Jack Doden (Gabe Ugliano), Katelyn Jacobsen (Aunty Em), Eleanor Burlingame (Charon), Raney Michel (Bianca di Angelo), Logan Zemba (Nico di Angelo/ Cyclops), Anna Devany (Bus Driver), JoseMiguel Andrade (Uber Driver), Liam Devany (Young Grover), Audrey Leonard (Young Annabeth), Kerrigan LaBrasseur (Young Luke), Estella Dorough (Nancy Bobofit) and Emerson Carter (Chimera & Owner).
Additional demigods are played by Lily Crosby, Josie Guzman, Ashlynn Pulfer and Ivy Punsalan. The ensemble also includes Elise Bentley, Riley Carter, Sophia Chastain, Julia Dawson, Katie Ferris, Dania Gonzalez, Grayce Hunt, Audrey Kunstler, Abby Lunardini, Hadley Madden, Norah McCambridge, Charlotte Retzer, Paris Santiago, Jessica Schejbel, Molly Schroeder, Harper Sherretz, Summer Stewart, Audrey Sung, Everly Thomas and Kate Widmer.
“It’s such an honor to offer this unique opportunity to young local artists to collaborate on a production with Paramount professionals for four weeks, then have the chance to shine on THE Paramount stage,” Jessica M. Duplessis, Director of Education and Community Engagement, Paramount Theatre and Paramount School of the Arts. “Not only are they improving their performance techniques, they’re developing life skills that will serve them no matter what they do when they grow up, like confidence, problem-solving and teamwork.”
Paramount School of the Arts, 20 S. Stolp Ave., right around the corner from Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora.
Since opening in 2019, the Paramount School of the Arts has offered a deep roster of classes and camps for all ages - ages 4 to adults - in theater, music, dance and production art. Limited spots are still available for more than a dozen week-long summer camp experiences for kids, running now through the end of summer.
Fall class offerings and registration will open Friday, June 20. Auditions for the school’s audition-based programs will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 15 and 16. Audition information can be found at paramountaurora.com/school.
Paramount School of the Arts is located at 20 S. Stolp Ave., right around the corner from Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora. To enroll or for information on class, camp and scholarship opportunities, visit paramountaurora.com/school, email school@paramountarts.com or call (630) 896-6810.
Also coming to Paramount’s stages this summer
The Second City 65th Anniversary Show
June 17-28: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.
Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
Tickets: $43 (already on sale)
The Second City is celebrating 65 years, and they’re bringing they’re legendary laughfest to downtown Aurora for a two-week summer run. This hilarious revue showcases some of Second City’s audience’s favorite songs, sketches, and characters written by some of the famed company’s illustrious alumni. With material handpicked from Second City’s iconic comedy archive brought to life by an all-star ensemble, audiences will see why The Second City remains the world’s most influential name in comedy for 65 years and counting.
guaranteed!
MJ LIVE: Michael Jackson Tribute Concert
Saturday, July 12 at 8 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd, Aurora
Tickets: $37-$57
The #1 Michael Jackson tribute in the world! Relive the energy, excitement, spectacle and pure joy of the legendary superstar. Featuring spot-on renditions of Jackson’s biggest hits including “Bad,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Dangerous,” “Smooth Criminal” and many more, you’ll think it’s really Michael Jackson live on the stage. Featuring unmatched energy from Jallas Franca as MJ the legend, the MJ LIVE band, mega talented MJ LIVE dancers, plus amazing sound and lighting effects.
Rick Murphy, lead singer, Hollywood Nights. Credit Bob Watts
Hollywood Nights: The Bob Seger Experience
Saturday, July 19 at 8 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
Tickets: $26
Bob Seger fans rejoice! Hollywood Nights is back in Aurora this summer by popular demand. Nothing says summer in America like pure American rock-and-roll Seger classics like “Night Moves,” “Turn the Page,” “Travelin’ Man” and “Old Time Rock & Roll,” Not only do you get an explosive concert that looks like Bob Seger, you get one that sounds just like the man himself, with a 10-piece band to back up those lyrics that everyone can sing along to.
Let’s Sing Taylor: An Unofficial Live Tribute Show
July 26, 8 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd.
Tickets: $26-$46
The ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift. Let’s Sing Taylor shows you incredible things, including the most faithful and lively covers of Queen Taylor’s expansive and sacred catalog. Taking the country by storm, this tribute brings the communal experience of celebrating Taylor’s music in a live setting to Swifties near and far. So, let the games begin. Calling all Swifties to sing your hearts out and sport your Taylor inspired attire. You can show up at our party any time.
*Let’s Sing Taylor is fan-sponsored and not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorized, or sponsored by TAS Rights Management, Taylor Swift, or their affiliated entities.
The Happy Together Tour features The Turtles (center) and Jay and the Americans (right)
Happy Together Tour
Saturday, August 9 at 8 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
Tickets: $59.50
This spectacular concert brings together the biggest and best music of the sixties and seventies. See original members of The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues and The Cowsills – all on stage for one unforgettable show. And yes, these are all bands with original members doing their hit songs. The Happy Together Tour sells out every year, and this latest extravaganza will do the same. Don’t miss it.
Frank Caliendo
Saturday, October 25 at 8 p.m.
Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora
Tickets: $55-$65
Master impressionist and comedian Frank Caliendo takes the Paramount stage for one night only. Known for his spot-on impressions of celebrities, athletes and politicians, Caliendo delivers high-energy, rapid-fire comedy that keeps audiences roaring with laughter. A favorite on Mad TV, FOX NFL Sunday, and countless late-night shows, Caliendo’s talent and timing are second to none. It's time for non-stop laughs. Don’t wait - grab your tickets now and see why Frank Caliendo is a true comedy powerhouse
About Paramount Theatre
Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., is the center for performing arts in Aurora, the second largest city in Illinois. The beautiful, 1,843-seat theater, graced with a strong 1930s Art Deco influence and original Venetian décor, nationally known for its high-quality productions, superb acoustics and historic grandeur, has been downtown Aurora’s anchor attraction since 1931. Since launching its own Broadway Series in 2011, Paramount has amassed more than 37,000 subscribers, making it the largest subscription house in the U.S.
Paramount Theatre is one of five live performance venues overseen by the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA). ACCA also programs and manages the 165-seat Copley Theatre, home to Paramount’s BOLD Series, at 8 E. Galena in the North Island Center; Stolp Island Theatre at 5 E Downer Place, Suite G, with a critically acclaimed immersive production of Million Dollar Quartet; RiverEdge Park, downtown Aurora’s outdoor concert venue at 360 N. Broadway; and Paramount School of the Arts, all in downtown Aurora.
Paramount Theatre continues to expand its artistic and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Tim Rater, President and CEO, Aurora Civic Center Authority; Jim Corti, Artistic Director, Paramount Theatre; a dedicated Board of Trustees and a devoted staff of live theater and music professionals.
For the latest updates, visit ParamountAurora.com or follow @paramountaurora on Facebook and Instagram, and Paramount Theatre on LinkedIn.