Luca Padovan Performing 'Good Kid' from The Lightning Thief I 2017 Junior Theater Festival West

Broadway star Luca Padovan (School of Rock, Newsies) sings "Good Kid" from The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical with Music & Lyrics from Rob Rokicki and Book by Joe Tracz at the 2017 iTheatrics Junior Theater Festival West in Sacramento, California.

[@DaisyEarl]

When you realize that percy was this small when the books started. I feel like we forget just how young these kids were when they fought for their lifes

[@indiacr6865]

Daisy Vieira Even younger- Luca is 14

[@jaccyo6063]

IKR

[@sophiaokay3458]

Daisy Vieira ohs gods

[@oliver1276]

Daisy Vieira Yeah The musical makes it out that he was 16 when in reality they were risking death at 12 and where about 5’0FT-5’5FT

[@gracejennings9034]

JustSomeEWTrash 001 they didn’t have the budget to get kids into the show,the movie could’ve

[@theaterkid23]

“I swear I never stole anything” Buddy, I think I speak for the majority of us when I say that you stole our hearts.

[@jamieripp3939]

Yeah

[@doreman0365]

The “she’s taken away” before that was when he got me with him taking it up making him sound more vulnerable and I just want to protect him😭

[@michelebartlett3921]

Seriously!

[@keyblademasterclark]

@@doreman0365 we must protect him at all costs!

[@PeRCyakaSeAWeEdBrAiN]

I never tried to hurt anyone..

[@elphabamimi4]

Oh god 2:35 is why having an actor of an accurate age is important for Percy. Luca is fantastic!

[@isa6546]

You mean gods?

[@anna_jackson6400]

Blue Wolf 😂 😂 😂

[@wisteriaallgood7254]

Omg, yes. I was trying really hard not to cry before that, but that broke me

[@elliemarks4499]

See... this is how you should cast a show based on books about a twelve-year-old. With extremely talented (vocally and emotionally) children like Luca. He is so amazing in this recording and I honestly like this version better than the original.

[@aWritingSparrow]

You also have to realize the show had a very limited budget, with the actors playing multiple parts. Children are only allowed to work a certain amount of hours a week, increasing the amount of actors you need to hire considering 99% of the cast would be around 12. If this show ever makes it to broadway I'm sure they would hire kids for the parts, but personally I think the day I got expelled would be much more interesting if it was older percy narrating what happened, like it is in the show. Just my thoughts though

[@art1st1cly]

The problem was the Musical was on a budget tho. If they're on a budget then I'm sure they'll cast an actual 12-year-old for the role

[@Isa-qz9mb]

@@art1st1cly Hiring kids is even more expensive. Not only do you have to pay them, but you'd also have to hire a child guardian, ect. That's why most shows about children are usually casted with adults.

[@brittn2410]

I think the biggest issue with that is that the limelight really tends to make things difficult for children. I agree Luca is amazing but I don’t think a child’s every day should be filled with the responsibility of doing shows and school. One responsibility is more than enough for most kids.

[@tweetybaby1100]

That smile at the end- he knows he killed it. I was kinda pissed when the movie came out as they had aged up the characters a little; it's great to see this doing it justice

[@anngable6232]

"A little" psh they went from babies to damn near grown. I hated that

[@juliusroman8616]

Dude, Clarisse has had the life every other demigod has had. And they just said she wasn’t pretty, which is an opinion.

[@kaitlynbertoch6415]

The movies are utter crap. They left out all the story that gets you emotionally invested in the characters. The movie just fell so flat.

[@rcktrll]

i ThOuGhT i ReCoGnIzEd ThE tInY eLiZa! He's so good honestly.

[@StarDust-th6fm]

Anya Brattain He also played Les in Newsies

[@nanahere2460]

Samee

[@stormforeveryspring]

OH MY GOD I SEE IT NOW!!!!!

[@zoe1701]

YAY FINALLY

[@joeydoesstuff2142]

From miscast?

[@mariposa8430]

I love Chris, and I love how he portrays Percy, but hearing a child sing this? It just breaks my heart and makes you really realize how young Percy is in the books.

[@KitsunenoHibi]

This kid is a talent and a half!! And the best part? When he sang this, he was Percy's age! So it basically WAS like Percy was singing!

[@mimigabugabu6858]

Yeye

[@timmarzullo5069]

He probably could still play it now

[@jakezyjx]

Exactly!! This is way better than the original one that was sung by a 30 year old

[@trainosaurousrex4472]

Someone said he was 14 here

[@MajesticalHonky]

@@trainosaurousrex4472 13

[@e.dacanay8564]

Yes! It seems like they always make Percy too old, remember he’s supposed to be twelve. Good job kid!

[@like.clarkwork]

Ella Dacanay any production makes them either 5 or 100 years older than he actually is

[@moonswanotaku6148]

Well the musical has a tight budget, I mean most of the actors need to play dual roles and kids are only allowed to work a few hours a week so they would have to hire at least 3 kids to play Percy another 3 to play Annabeth and 3 to play Grover so I don’t think they can afford it. The movie however has no excuse.

[@SpaceAce13]

Listen. This kid? This Luca Padovan kid? Brilliant. Can he play Percy?

[@cotton3399]

Nah... IMO I don’t imagine him looking or sounding like Luca. Just my opinion

[@RideVthMe]

@@cotton3399 I actually think that Percy would look a lot like Luca, except for his sea-green eyes. I also think that they should make another movie, but this time read the books and make the characters younger and Annabeth blonde

[@kateschneider8789]

Sumanto Ghose and now we actually get a chance at a redo for a pjo adaptation

[@RideVthMe]

@@kateschneider8789 I heard about that yesterday and can't wait!

[@RideVthMe]

@Camila Esquivel Not Netflix. Disney+

[@mayas.3455]

The fact that Percy was closer to this age than like a twenty-something year old (not that I don’t like Chris). Really puts in perspective how bad the crap he went through before coming to camp really was. Luca is insanely talented too, OMGs!

[@juliagrace4032]

this is so bittersweet bc this would have been closer to how old percy was when this happened and he's...he's singing this. I'm not crying....you are

[@jules4742]

I am obsessed with this performance, the song fits his voice like a glove.

[@willa7743]

i feel like we forget how young Percy was when he went through all that trauma but it’s honestly heartbreaking hearing an actual twelve year old sing about losing the only person who’s ever really cared about him a child just like him was fighting monsters and almost dying THAT HITS HARD MY DUDES

[@literallyjustlilly3337]

We need a 12 year old playing this role. This version touched me waaaaaay more than it did with the young adult singing in the cast recording (though he is also very talented). Luca shows that kids have the talent to play this role too. Part of the story of PJO that i fell in love with so many years ago when I wast younger was that it’s a bunch of kids being forced to grow up and take care of themselves. The show is simply not portraying the same element as the original story with an older kid. Just an opinion.

[@sshaw32096]

I think the issue with that is at this age the kids' voices are changing so it could be hard for them to be at the same place or hit the same notes from the beginning to the end of their run in the role.

[@cookiediangelo8511]

For the play, they only had 7 on staff, and working with kids? Movies? Yes-using young adults is an unforgivable crime Play? Understandable

[@lana4238]

literallyjustlilly I VOLUNTEER AS ANNABETH

[@pandaking9000]

I disagree, I do think we lose a little bit of the shock of just how young they were. But I think the heart of it all is still there. Especially in the writing

[@cookiediangelo8511]

@@pandaking9000 what do u mean?

[@ayiana13]

Lyrics! Six schools in six years Been kicked out of every place Everything I ever do is wrong Never find where I belong Everybody on my case The same old story The same old song Don’t act up Don’t act out Be strong I keep my head down I keep my chin up But it ends up all the same With “Pack your bags, Percy you’re always to blame” I never try to do anything I never mean to hurt anyone I swear, I swear that I’m a good kid A good kid A good son But no one ever will take my side All I ever do is take the fall I swear, I swear that I’m a good kid Yes, I’m good for nothing at all Gabe was a world class jerk Dad was never there The only family that really mattered, well she vanished into the air And now I finally find a haven Someplace safe, where I can stay Till it’s “Pack your bags, Percy, now go, go away” I never try to do anything I never mean to hurt anyone I swear, I swear that I’m a good kid Yeah Percy, that’s a good one But no one ever will take my side All I ever do is take the fall I swear, I swear that I’m a good kid Yes, I’m good for nothing at all All the schools in six years Every battle, every day No one ever tells me that they’re proud No one asks me “Percy, how’d you like to come around and stay?” All you get are bad grades And a bum rap And a bad rep And a good smack And no friends And no home And no mom She’s taken away I swear I never stole anything I never mean to hurt anyone I swear, I swear that I’m a good kid A good kid, who’s had a bad run All I need is one last chance To prove I’m good enough for someone I’m good enough for someone (x3)

[@yelloneyyumanka.8943]

Ayiana Walters Thank youuuu ✨

[@isra.mp3]

Your Welcome Dood

[@damnnndamien6085]

Omg yessss i was looking for dis

[@luluventi5261]

Thank you

[@edanlaron5552]

I did not realize how devastating the lyrics are until I read them now.

[@connornotmurphy3030]

his parents must be so proud

[@mystix1979]

They better be

[@cybeeele4819]

hullo juan

[@eliseshill9546]

The hardest thing for me about the musical is that the writing reflects the young mindset of the characters from the book, but the actors are like 20. So when I listen to the original cast recording of a grown-ish man singing about how his mommy is gone like he's twelve, it feels whinny, cheesy; almost like a PBS kids show where the adults act like they think and feel like kids. But when I see a twelve year old boy sing in twelve year old words about how the only parent he's ever had (and basically the only person he could call home) was taken from him, I actually tear up. DANG KID

[@igotthisphoneright]

Great to see the xylophone getting the exposure it deserves...

[@bluebellrose2293]

... that’s a Glockenspiel. It’s like a Xylophone but it has metal bars instead of wooden ones.

[@disturbinglyawkwardpenguin1691]

Turns out the glockenspiel didn't get the exposure it deserves lol

[@penelopeandpriscillaaregay1712]

@@bluebellrose2293 my music teacher once threw a glockenspiel out the window

[@addi9817]

@@penelopeandpriscillaaregay1712 idk why but your comment made me laugh so hard😂

[@chavacaplan5201]

go xylophone!!

[@lillyxoxo6497]

The two who disliked the video were Ares and Hera

[@libsterization]

Lilly the Girl Are you sure it wasn’t Kronos or Clarrise?

[@chloep9321]

Well 4 dislikes now so they all did it

[@lillyxoxo6497]

So Chronos and some monsters

[@speltspirit]

The 14 who disliked were Gaea, Kronos, Kelli, Auntie Em, the Giants, the Titans, and other monsters that Percy killed (read: OWNED AND ABSOLUTELY WRECKED).

[@silverhawking]

They should cast this kid in the role. It's so much more real and meaningful to hear it from an actual kid, and he's amazing.

[@douglasgabrielle6623]

YES! The only other video of this has the camera operator screaming and obscuring the performance. I appreciate that she loved the performance, but it's really nice to be able to hear the whole thing!

[@cecefernandes5657]

I think I'd love the musical more if it was actually performed by a bunch of kids like this. This proves it's possible so I just wonna see it done because this hits, a young kid pleading with the world to forgive him even when he's trying his best and terrified because his Mum was taken, well it hits harder than it coming from a grown man.

[@scaredtosharemynameonthein1578]

That’s true but at the same time, having a 12 year old perform 8 shows a week in front of millions every night with little to no free time seems a little cruel

[@valentinewiggin7782]

@@scaredtosharemynameonthein1578 A middle or even high school production would work well. You can also stagger actors for roles like what they did for Matilda.

[@KlutzyNinjaKitty]

I’d approve only if it was a one-time recording. The life of a child actor isn’t a good one, and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.

[@brialvarez2014]

I told my friend how amazing this was and when she watched it she said it wasn't good. We are no longer friends. It was freaking awesome ❤

[@hello-zn8fd]

Bri Alvarez judging from your profile I'm positive your a HP/PJ crossover fan...I'm one too!😁😁 By the way,the song truly is freaking awesome!!!😍😍

[@jeaddhist]

@@hello-zn8fd I'm also a HP/PJO fan and that won't change no matter how much I hate JK Rowling.

[@hello-zn8fd]

@@jeaddhist you read my mind,man!! Nice to meet you😊😊

[@winthropstatue]

watching this is my daily ritual, and it's especially because of those last three "i'm good enough for someone" runs. always makes me ache for percy and feel nostalgic for the books.

[@avadeuel5539]

*i literally watch this everyday-*

[@tritri5911]

Same 💀

[@soriyahhintergardt3941]

This is how old Percy should be. I feel so passionate about the books cause I started reading them when I was 13-14. I got to grow up with these characters. Luca did amazing!

[@jeremy7208]

hOLY SHIT I NEVER KNEW I NEEDED THIS

[@steampunkwilson7435]

Emma Jefferson Me neither, but he also did DEH and I will watch very shortly! For the past ten minutes I have been obsessing over him!!!

[@sarahstefaniak8685]

i hands down prefer this version to the original, ive had it on repeat all day long

[@bryleacloud2316]

I prefer this than the original

[@leeunioa]

Same it's much more realistic since he's a child

[@badmariamedia]

I almost cried. Agree with the person who commented we're not used to seeing good child actors.

[@Klejner]

If this kid is twelve, then this would be what Percy would look like!

[@ryanfaure3120]

Except he's 15 😂

[@Jacob_Roberts]

You have impressive elocution and stage presence, Luca.

[@flusel4949]

Okay, this brought tears to my eyes. Even though I thought the original version to be quite good, this is something completely different. It contained so much more emotions. And it wasn't just because he's younger and the same age as Percy in the book but because of his amazing singing and supreme acting! I Luca made me not just like but actually love the song. His performance was really outstanding!

[@fr_oggygf]

My new celebrity obsession👌 BUT SERIOUSLY THIS KID IS FRICKIN AMAZING LIKE ACTUALLY I WANT THIS AS MY THEME SONG! CAN WE PLEASE GET A VERSION OF THIS ON ITUNES???

[@ShinyRedStar-dn2yf]

The way hearing a kid sing this made me cry. All that emotion. Oh my god. You are a good kid, Luca. I hope you don’t relate to this, you’re amazing

[@Cherry-np7xm]

I have heard the voice of an angle... THIS KID THIS KID KILLED IT

[@TheCanderemy]

His singing blew- blew me away!

[@Hannahfoster.g]

This is my comfort video

[@sweetnsaltie_8774]

1st listen: Hmm pretty good and oh! It's little eliza! 2nd listen: MY CHILD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHH YASSS SLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@belladelfosse1718]

That was sung so well I literally have a teary eyes

[@soip6710]

I don't read Percy Jackson and I've not seen the musical, but i like this song and i like this kid's voice

[@megdaegg]

This made me cry like literally I love this kid so much.

[@annabelsykes3916]

This is the best anyone has ever sung this song!

[@littlesushiroll3266]

This kid is soooo cute omgosh!! It makes you remember how young percy was in the first book, and how much he dealt with at a young age. This kid is amazing at the character, and though Chris McCarrell is an AMAZING actor and singer as well (Better than any movie adaptation actor I've seen), I love this kid soo much, so sweet!

[@ritachopra8186]

The lyrics is amazing and the singer's out of the universe. His voice is amazing!😄😄😍😘😘

[@Dinonuggies214]

Gave me chills. What a talented kid, holy crap

[@wasabi2093]

THE DRAMATIC VIDEO SHOTS OF THE MELODICA

[@classicalheroes8910]

its sad thinking this is how old percy was when tlt happened..

[@autumnspring5116]

Omg percy in the lightening theif and Percy in HOO Omg that just brings me to tears its litterally my childhood it still is but still I'm 14 and I still love it 😭😭😭😭😭😢😢😢😢❤❤❤❤

[@afayem3]

THIS IS ME IN LOVE

[@stephaniehall6659]

Seeing Percy played by someone in his true to book age range is completely chilling. But this kid is incredible, he’s so talented!

[@Eymologymentality]

Dayum. This kid can hit notes.

[@kateschneider8789]

His voice is so PURE OH MY GOD I like this version better than the original because with a young kid, it’s more of a gut punch

[@annanorton1163]

We need to protect this kid at all costs

[@josef1557]

I just searched his name because I just finished " You " and loved his acting and talent but holy shit I didn't know that He can sings too. Hope his career continues in the best possible way.

[@alattefinn]

i met luca once after a performance of newsies and he has grown as an artist SO much since then. i’m so proud of him.

[@helgaosk7132]

Luca is soo talented!! This is so beautifully sung!

[@f4d4]

He can't be older than 13 but he has more vocal power than half of the most popular singers Edit:apparently he's 15 but still

[@fan-sy9fs]

he's actually 15 lmao

[@f4d4]

@@fan-sy9fs wtf he seems so young, he looks younger than my 12 years old friends

[@KiraLeah02]

Wait, that means he’s barely younger than me, and I thought I looked young! 🙀

[@JLBSICS]

I cannot believe how talented this kid is.

[@maemara]

I love this version so much, I'm mad at myself for discovering it so late.

[@pipermarshmallow1120]

i got chills the whole time,,, this is highkey better than the original

[@MarcelinoSoliz]

He is amazing and should be Percy when this comes to Broadway. It needs to be kids at the right age.

[@olivine6]

im genuinely in tears

[@artanimeandothershtuff965]

To everyone in the comments who's saying that the cast should be composed of twelve year-olds, and that the original cast was bad because they were "too old", please stop. Yes, Luca was absolutely amazing, and it was really cool to have someone that young embody Percy. But having an entire cast of people with the range, acting ability, and who fit the character who are twelve year-olds is just not going to happen. It's a full time job. If the musical were adapted to film, it might make a bit more sense to have people who are the same age as the characters playing them. But it's a musical, and theater works a bit differently. So please just be happy with what there is. P.S. Sorry if I came off as abrasive, I'm sorta terrible at that lol.

[@EMSMedic79]

OMG GOOD TALENT IN SINGING

[@malloryA22]

What an adorable and talented cinnamon roll! ♡

[@shelbyj351]

his parents must be so proud like omg i'm crying rn that is TALENT.

[@johnlaurensintheplacetobe180]

This is now my idol

[@What-jj9di]

knowing percy was this age and just seeing him portrayed as someone who is actually 12 made me sob, it really hit home

[@TastelessTacoTV]

this lil nugget omigod

[@JamesGan1]

Totally blows my mind. Every bit is perfect.

[@cassandrajimenez3037]

So beautiful and such emotion. This kid is going places

[@bers9669]

that smile at the end, made my day!

[@Pinkstarclan]

damn he's good. he's acting too, that's impressive

[@bridget_pg]

You’re so inspiring

[@maxinesteuer1959]

I love how everyone in the comments is agreeing that yeah, the original actors are great, but seeing an actual child performing this makes it hit harder. Like, yeah Percy is a CHILD. Twelve seemed old enough when you read the books at age ten, but then you realize how vulnerable he actually was.

[@StephanieJacobs604]

HOLY SHIT, that is an incredible vocalist.

[@belles253]

OMG this kid is SO talented!!!🤯

[@sarahallen2829]

This touched me so much. 😭

[@iconicplatypus7700]

This is a great song, and this kid does a pretty dam good job of singing it.

[@nikkihimes2760]

Oh my gosh!!! I love this!! And he is the right age to play Percy!!

[@MagicMark6792]

YAAAASSS

[@Chrischi3TutorialLPs]

Dam, this kid has some power in his voice.

[@wesleywilcox7463]

Luca your are so good!

[@shelbyresz0165]

i’m not gonna cry i’m not gonna cry GOD DAMN IT LUCA WHY MUST YOU MAKE ME CRY

[@laurenschaefer9517]

chills. every time.

[@llamaqueen2961]

He is so cute aww

[@yrk6137]

In this he is 14!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@-thisaccountisdead-3422]

His voice is beautiful

[@KitsunenoHibi]

He like... IS Percy!!

[@devanmoran]

Such a beautiful voice

[@Dbtaylor28]

He 100% shouldve been cast

[@marthaschou]

This gave me tears in my eyes...

[@LumosVeil]

What the fuck he’s 15 in this? He looks like he’s 12 goddamn he is amazing at singing. He’s gonna go places in the future.

[@mydude6309]

I am cannot be a year older than him, he is a smol bean

[@genevievecarinerobert3478]

Whoa! I got chills!

[@nikolaiwood1402]

)MG! THIS KID IS THE NEXT PERCY FOR SURE!!!!!! LUCA AMAZING!!!!!!!!

[@winterharp6549]

He is so small like our little Percy use to be.

[@lexicook6344]

im listening on repeat and no one can stop me

[@dunleavia9889]

He would be the PERFECT age now to play Percy on the new disney plus show