By Sarah CR Clark

Willa Breen, Como Park resident and teenager, has landed a lead role in Stages Theatre Company’s production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.”

A junior at St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, Breen sees this play as a chance to explore what life as a working performer might be like. The play, based on the book of the same name by Rick Riordan, debuted on April 11 and continues through May 11.

“Doing this show will allow me to do the work I’ve been wanting to do since I discovered I liked musical theater. I’ve been preparing for this kind of work all of high school,” Breen said.

Specifically, a school production of “Hadestown” earlier this year helped Breen realize how deeply she loved performing in musicals.

“The amount of passion I put into that show really sparked something inside me that I’ve never felt before in musical theater.”

But that spark wasn’t wholly unfamiliar to Breen. She felt it the first time when she was on a set, doing work for a film. Breen has also appeared in two featured films (“14 Stories in a Bathroom” and “Brooklyn, Minnesota”) as well as some short films directed by students.

When a teacher at the Conservatory encouraged Breen and her friends to audition for “The Lightning Thief,” Breen heeded the challenge. Auditions took place in February and consisted of a song and dance call.

“We were able to pick our own song for the audition,” Breen recalled. She chose a portion of a song from the musical “Next to Normal.” “I picked that piece because it’s theme related to the role I wanted.”

And the role Breen wanted was Annabeth, the female lead and demigod daughter of Greek goddess Athena.

Despite being sick during auditions, Breen nailed it. She remembers feeling a wave of emotions on Feb. 6 when she got the call: “At first I was in disbelief. Then I was excited, thrilled, and also nervous—but in a good way.”

Embodying the complex character of Annabeth is no small job. Breen describes Annabeth as tough, confident and a little bit of a know-it-all. “I think she’s pretty sensitive while she also puts up a tough front,” she said.

Asked if she sees any similarities between herself and Annabeth, Breen said, “I’m very much like Annabeth. And that’s one of the reasons I wanted the role.”

The role of Annabeth is keeping Breen busy. Besides learning play lines, there’s also dance choreography, stage combat and vocals.

“Annabeth’s songs are some of the hardest songs I’ve sung in my life,” Breen admitted. “But with the help of the music director and the directors, they’ve made it a lot easier.”

The musical is recommended for ages 9 and older. Stages Theater Company’s website describes the show as “an epic journey” of teenage demigods and friends who set out “to find Zeus’s missing lightning bolt in order to prevent a war among the gods.”

Director Sandy Boren-Barrett said she believes the show, which is being staged at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, is particularly poignant today.

“One of the most compelling parts of this show is the journey of the young people, particularly Percy and Annabeth,” Boren-Barrett said. “Along the way they grapple with the effects of history and choices they had no part in making. Most of the adults the teens encounter have secrets and powers that have caused harm.

“Percy and Annabeth eventually have a choice to make, to continue the selfish path of their ancestors, or to choose good over evil.”

Speaking about Breen and her performance, Boren-Barret noted, “Willa’s willingness to explore the complexity of Annabeth and what makes her tick has been fun to watch.

“And she’s never afraid to ask questions. In my mind, that is what makes a good actor,” Boren-Barret said. “I look forward to where her journey leads her.”

Breen has an inkling of where her journey is headed.

“This is really what I want to do, to act in films or TV shows as well as on a stage for the rest of my life,” Breen said. “Whether it’s singing, acting or dancing, I love performing.” 

Sarah CR Clark lives in St. Anthony Park and is a regular freelance writer for the Bugle.

Photo: Willa Breen. Submitted photo.