Lightning strikes as Alex lands role in musical premiere
Jewish Telegraph, November 2024
ALEX Waxman will make her professional acting debut in the UK premiere of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.
The production will be staged at The Other Palace in London, from November 22 to February 2.
With a book by Joe Tracz, and music and lyrics by Rob Rokicki, the musical is based on the novels of Rick Riordan.
When New York City teenager Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek god Poseidon, he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined.
With newly discovered powers he is unable to control, an unwanted destiny and mythical monsters on his trail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero.
Alex, the daughter of David and Carrie Waxman, of Broughton Park, Salford, auditioned for the production about six months ago — and has had to keep quiet about landing the role until it was officially announced this week.
The former Manchester King David High School pupil studied drama at Pendleton School of Theatre before taking a professional dance and musical theatre BA (Hons) at the prestigious Urdang in London.
The 25-year-old is a member of the ensemble in The Lightning Thief, as well as being cover for the characters of Annabeth (Jessica Lee) and Clarisse (Samantha Mbolekwa).
Since graduating from Urdang, Alex has been teaching at various Stagecoach performing arts schools in the south.
Alex was a regular performer with Jewish theatre groups in Manchester, while she was also heavily involved with productions at King David, where she was encouraged by drama teachers Maxine Cohen and Arden Sills.
“She always wanted to go into musical theatre from a young age,” dad David said. ”She is so passionate about it.”
Her sister Poppy, 22, played Anne Frank in the CBBC Newsround documentary Anne Frank — A Life in Hiding five years ago. The film is now regularly shown in schools around the country.
Poppy has a first class degree in contemporary performance and theatre making.
Tinyurl.com/AlexWTOP
