BROWNWOOD – September 30, 2026 – Howard Payne University’s (HPU) Department of Theatre will present “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” in three performances during the university’s Homecoming, Oct. 2-4.
Showtimes are Friday, Oct. 2, and Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 4, at 2:30 p.m. in HPU’s Mims Auditorium. Audience members of all ages are invited to attend. Admission is $5 per person with tickets available at the door or online through the registration link available on the Homecoming webpage, www.hputx.edu/homecoming.
Adapted from the bestselling novel “The Lightning Thief” by Rick Riordan, the musical will feature a talented cast of HPU students.
“Since the initial audition announcement last spring, these students have been so excited to work on bringing this adventure to life,” said Dr. Nicholas Ewen, theatre department chair and associate professor of theatre, who also serves as artistic director and designer. “Having grown up enjoying the Percy Jackson books, movies and series, there’s kind of an extra bit of nostalgia that brings them together.”
Dr. Ewen said the theatre program even started the semester with its own “Camp Half-Blood” retreat, reminiscent of Percy Jackson’s experiences in the novel, with activities such as capture the flag, sword combat training, choreography and more.
“The epic fantasy and comedy aspects of this show make the experience unforgettable for our students, despite the fact that it has required an incredible amount of hard work, long hours and stress,” he said. “They’re amazing, and the play is going to be a blast for everyone. I just can’t wait for our community to come and share the journey. We’ve only got three performances, so I’m really hopeful that everyone will make time to come and see what we’ve got!”
Starring in the production are Dariany Cottle, Tyler Craft, Preston Edge, Eliana Fauley, Ana Faulk, Matthew Frazier, Aletheia Grant, Audrie Grimes, John Wyatt Hardy, Kelsi Harrison, Madison Jenkins, C. Michael Jones, Lily King, Taylor Leonard, Nathan Litton, Crista Mallory, Roman Mills, Rebekah Moreno, Kayla Pointer, Eliana Range, Aaron Smith, Rachel Smith, Nathan Weems, Samantha Whitaker and Jordan White.
Student crew members are Shadia Herrera, Lauren Phelps, Katherine Richards, Madison Youngblood and Colt Youngblood.
Dr. Christopher Rosborough, HPU associate professor of music and director of choral activities, serves as music director and conductor for the performances.
For more information about the performances, contact Dr. Ewen at newen@hputx.edu. More information about HPU’s Homecoming and a full schedule of events may be found at www.hputx.edu/homecoming.
ABOUT HOWARD PAYNE UNIVERSITY
Howard Payne University, founded in 1889, is a Christ-centered liberal arts university in Brownwood, Texas, dedicated to preparing students for lives of faith, leadership and service. With more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs across six schools, serving three locations, HPU combines academic excellence with meaningful personal connection in a close-knit campus community.
Guided by its five core values — centered on Christ, focused on community, called to service, committed to excellence and dedicated to stewardship — Howard Payne prepares students through rigorous academic programs, vibrant student life, competitive athletics and service opportunities that equip graduates to make an impact in their communities and professions.