the Musical

Critical Evaluation:

EPIC: the Musical is, well, epic. Every song is beautifully crafted and there’s not a single one that doesn’t hit emotionally or musically. Jorge Rivera-Herrans somehow manages to retell The Odyssey in a way that feels fresh, intense, and personal, without ever losing the scope or weight of the original. One of the most impressive things about the project is how intentionally inclusive it is. Jorge goes out of his way to hire a diverse cast of singers and voice actors, which not only adds layers to the storytelling, but makes it feel more grounded and real. The musical choices are also just genius. The way he uses pop and electronic elements, especially for the gods, gives the divine characters a distinct, otherworldly energy that contrasts so well with the grounded humanity of Odysseus and his crew. The story changes he makes are purposeful and effective and they make sense emotionally and thematically, even for people who know the source material inside and out. Every character gets room to shine, and the reoccurring musical themes tie the whole thing together so seamlessly. It’s the kind of musical that feels alive, and that's primarily because it was created by someone who truly cares about what he’s creating and who he's sharing it with.

Speed Round Book Talk:

EPIC: the Musical is a retelling of The Odyssey told entirely through music. It follows Odysseus as he tries to make it home from war, facing gods, monsters, and the weight of his own choices. With sharp lyrics, powerful vocals, and a soundtrack that actually sticks, it’s one of those rare projects that feels both ancient and completely current.

Reason for Inclusion:

I chose to include EPIC: the Musical because teens are already talking about it. I've heard a lot of my students discussing it and it’s all over TikTok. Also, Jorge actively encourages his fandom to create, remix, and engage with the story in their own ways, so it's a great starting point for teens to grow creatively. It’s a creative entry point for teens who might not connect with traditional mythology. Lastly, since all the high schools in my area read The Odyssey in 9th grade, it’s a great way to make that required reading feel more relevant and exciting.