“It’s okay to be different. Recognize your value and pursue being yourself in life.”
This is the message a Richmond teen is hoping to share with people as an actress in the new Percy Jackson musical that is taking place in Vancouver from May 18 to 28.
Claire Torrance is one of nine actors in CTORA Theatre’s latest musical titled The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. The production is based on the first book in Rick Riordan's fantasy series with the same name.
Torrance plays Silena Beauregard, a character known as a “nurturing and kind-hearted” girl in the fictional Camp Half-Blood that served as training camp for modern Greek demigods.
“The musical does a really good job at highlighting there are many people who have it hard at school or just in life and them trying to embrace their differences,” said Torrance, adding that it is those “differences that can make you stronger.”
“The show really shares this message that … some people go through a lot and don’t always have it easy. There’s this reminder to be respectful to others.”
The 18-year-old teen told the Richmond News that community plays a huge role on and off the stage.
“It’s people lifting each other up and making sure that we give generosity and recognition to others.”
While Torrance has been singing since she was seven years old, it wasn’t until 2022 that she began pursuing it seriously.
Her dream is to pursue further education in performing arts abroad.
Mark Carter, director of the musical, said The Lightning Thief is considered one of CTORA’s bigger shows as it contains a lot of “high tech” equipment and props including 60 moving lights and moving puppets in the production.
“I hope people are firstly entertained, but also understanding the important themes and situations that are portrayed through the musical,” he said.
“It’s a heart-warming and charming story.”
The Lightning Thief will be playing at the JCC Norman and Annette Rothstein Theatre. For more information and tickets, click here.
