The Lightning Thief

Percy -

 
Derek Penner is absolutely thrilled to be making his Rose debut playing Percy! He is a Junior at Blair High School and enjoys being involved in Show Choir, Drama Club, Jazz Band, Tri-M, NHS, and FBLA. He also enjoys being on his church’s worship team, and recording his own music. This is Derek’s first musical outside of school productions. In the past Derek has played Sky in Mamma Mia and Will Bloom in Big Fish the Musical, both at Blair High School. He would like to thank his whole family for always supporting him and his involvement with theater and music. He’d also like to thank his current and past directors for continuing to push him to succeed in not only the arts, but all aspects of life.

Annabeth -

Maddie is beyond excited to help bring Camp Half-Blood to life! She was most recently seen on the Rose stage as Snow White in Descendents the Musical in 2021 but was also seen as Nora in The Doll Maker’s Gift, and Matilda in Matilda the Musical in 2019. Some of her previous theater credits include Actor 9/Janie in It’s a Wonderful Life and Shawanda in Elf the Musical at the Rose, as well as James Trotter in James and the Giant Peach (2018), Chip in Beauty and the Beast (2017), and various roles in A Christmas Carol (2015–2018) at the Omaha Community Playhouse. A junior at Marian High School, Maddie recently played the role of Madame in the school production of Beauty and the Beast. She is a member of the Drama Club, on the staff for Marian’s literary magazine, and a part of NHS. In her spare time, Maddie loves to read (a huge fan of the PJO books!), play her guitar, and spend time with her dog, Mori. She is so grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented group of artists.

Grover -

When Otto learned of his casting, he promptly called his father and proceeded to dance around the Panera Bread parking lot. His last Mainstage production at the Rose was with Anne Frank as Peter Van Daan in 2020, an experience he'll never forget. He has also been in shows at the Omaha Community Playhouse, Bellevue Little Theatre, and his high school. Otto is a Senior at Lewis Central, a Senior Intern at The Rose, and he plans to study Theatre, English, Sign Language, and French in college. He would like to become an actor and a professor.

Mr. D/Poseidon/Cyclopes/US Grover -

This is Angel’s second show at the Rose Theatre. He was last seen on stage as Mr. Mayor in the The Spongebob Musical at the Rose. He’s originally from Joplin, Missouri, but recently moved to Omaha for the technical apprenticeship for the 2021-2022 season. Angel has always loved to sing, so he decided to audition for his first musical in middle school. He has continued to perform since then, all through high school, and now at The Rose. He wants to thank his whole family for all they have done for him to be able to have this opportunity. He’s very excited to be living inside one of his favorite book series and bring the Characters of Mr. D and Poseidon to life.

Brunner/Hades/Fury/Kronos VO -

Prentiss Matthews III (He/Him/His) is a multi-hyphenated theatre artist. He is an actor, playwright, director, and teaching artist. Prentiss earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Valdosta State University in May of 2020 and since graduation, he has been on the go as an emerging artist. Prentiss has been a Teaching Artist at The Rose since May 2021. He has enjoyed the process of creating many works with the talented young folx in Omaha and is constantly amazed by the creativity young people have. This is Prentiss's first musical that he has done at The Rose and he's super excited to sing and dance onstage with so many other talented artists. You may have seen Prentiss in "It's a Wonderful Life" Fall of 2021. He played Ernie and a few other characters in that show. If you don’t see Prentiss on stage or in the classroom he’s most likely on the search to try new food spots in the area or in a Zumba class. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Sally/Clarisse/Uber Driver -

Natalie Hanson (she/her/hers) is a multidisciplinary theatre, music, and dance artist from Tacoma, Washington residing in Omaha. Natalie’s choreographic and original musical composition was last featured in a collaborative performance art piece entitled "Dollhouse" funded by Amplify Arts through their Generator Grant series. Natalie has been an actor with the Rose in various productions since 2017, and has thoroughly enjoyed furthering her career this past year as a teaching artist. Natalie has worked with Teatro Vista, Comedy Dance Chicago, and Matter Dance company in Chicago where she previously resided. Recently, Natalie's solo project Facade Queen was also nominated for "Outstanding Pop Artist" for the OEAA awards. She looks forward to continuing exploration through songwriting and creating music for children and movement in her future endeavors.

Mrs. Dodds/Thalia/Charon/US Percy -

Grace Brewster (She/Her) is a Midwest native from Decatur, IL. She recently received her BFA in Theater for Youth from Samford University and is delighted to be joining The Rose as a Teaching Artist Fellow and company actor. Some of her recent collegiate highlights include Peter and the Starcatcher (Ted) and Tinkerbell (Michael). In addition to acting, Grace has had the pleasure of directing Apollo: to the Moon and the stage adaptation of Lois Lowry’s The Giver. Through her various forms of artistry, Grace strives to encourage creativity and community through the power of storytelling. She would like to thank you for supporting the arts. Sol Deo Gloria!

Gabe/AuntyEm/Fury/US Mr. D/US Mrs. Dodds -

Hello! My name is Kilee Wilkinson, I use all pronouns, I am a junior at Bellevue west high school. This is my first production outside of school, and I am thrilled to do my best!

Luke/Minotaur/Ares -

Malik Fortner is originally from Michigan. He moved to Omaha in 2010 where he found his love for acting in a high school production of Gift of the Magi. He has been involved in professional theater and filmmaking since 2016. Some of the recent shows you may have seen him in are Penguin Problems, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, Choir boy, Son of Ares. Malik is very excited to have the chance to be a part of The Lightning Thief Musical and to see these characters come to life. Growing up the Percy Jackson series was always one of his favorites. When he is not prepping for a show Malik enjoys crafting cosplays, playing board games with his roommates, watching anime and playing video games. Always believe in the me that believes in you.

Oracle/BusDriver/Bianca/US Annabeth -

Tatiana is excited to be on The Rose's stage again, she loved playing Mami in Carmela full of wishes last January and is excited to play with different characters again this year. Tatiana studied acting at the University of Northern Iowa where she discovered her love for working with youth in theatrical spaces. Tatiana grew up in the CB/Omaha area and is thrilled to be representing her Latine community on stage. When she’s not on stage Tatiana works as a caregiver for the elderly and works closely with the CommUNITY Connections department here at The Rose to bring theater to the Omaha community! Tatiana is delighted to share this fun, daring, action-packed show with young audiences and hopes to continue sharing her love for story-telling for as long as she can.