5 Questions with AJ Halsey

One of the greatest joys of being a theater fan in the Capital Region is the ridiculous amount of opportunities and venues to see and be wowed by the young talent in the area, from the Park stage with hundreds in the audience to long drives to the historic Glove Theatre and everything in between. AJ Halsey has taken full advantage of what Capital Region theater has to offer and is very busy preparing to open in Playhouse Stage’s “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” at Cohoes Music Hall this Thursday, 4/13. I was lucky to get him for 5 Questions.

PW: Correct me if I’m wrong, but you’re a senior at Columbia High School, and I’ve become aware of your talents by appearances in “Honk,” “Daddy Long Legs,” and “The Wedding Singer”… how many shows have you done? at what venues?

AJ: I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of 60+ shows in various different venues, including The Cohoes Music Hall, Washington Park, Columbia High School, the Albany Barn and Electric City Barn, The Glove, and once in Lincoln Center in New York City!

PW: Who do you play in “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical,” and what does he do?

AJ: I play the role of Percy Jackson, an unsuspecting half-blood tasked with a heroic quest to go across the country and stop a war between the gods.

PW: What do you love about Playhouse Stage and this opportunity in particular?

AJ: I love the professional atmosphere that Playhouse Stage provides. It is always such a pleasure to work with the creative team. They are always pushing me and inspiring me to be better and better. One thing that really drew me to this show was the challenge that it provides; it’s an experience far different from anything I’ve ever been a part of and as a long-time fan of the Percy Jackson series, it brings me such joy to bring this character and this story to life in a new way for so many people. 

PW:  What is a play that changed your life?

AJ: Every show I’ve been apart of has been meaningful to me in some way, but if I had to pinpoint one specific performance that was life changing then I would have to say being Robbie Hart in the Wedding Singer last summer. It was a process that I have countless fond and cherished memories from, and a show that brought me closer with so many of my cast mates. It was also a show that really reignited my love for performing and reminded me of how fun the arts can be.

PW: What are your future plans?

AJ: For my future I plan on going to college for Music Production. I recently released my debut album of original songs I wrote, recorded, and produced all on my own and I hope to make a career out of that.

“The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” at Cohoes Music Hall, 4/13-4/23. Thursday through Saturday at 8 pm, Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets: www.playhousestagecompany.org