The Cast of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” {JPT Drama}
The J.P. Taravella High School drama department has earned a significant honor.
The department’s production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” has been selected to perform at the 2026 Florida Thespian State Festival, March 18-21, in Tampa, and is among only ten productions chosen. This is the first time in 11 years, and the fifth in school history, that a Taravella show has received this recognition, according to Lori Sessions, the director.
The drama program will present a special encore performance of the musical comedy on March 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Taravella,10600 Riverside Drive, Coral Springs. Tickets for the encore performance are $25 and available through GoFan.
The opportunity to perform at the Florida Thespian State Festival involves financial commitment. The cost to remount and transport the production to Tampa is estimated at $16,000, bringing total festival participation costs to nearly $29,000.
Students have been fundraising to help offset these expenses.
“These students worked hard on this production, and it paid off. I’m thrilled for them to experience this honor,” said Sessions.
She invites the community to attend the show and support the students.
“Participation in the Festival offers students a rare educational opportunity to perform in a professional venue, collaborate alongside experienced theatre technicians, and represent their school and community on a statewide stage,” she said.
Alyvia Rigg, who is playing Marcus Lycus and is president of the drama club, has loved being in the show.
“It has been so heartwarming to see the positive impact putting on Forum has created, through hard work, communication, and love for what we do. Our club has created a bond like I haven’t seen in my four years here. Even before we were selected to mainstage, I think that the community we formed is what pushed our show over the edge, and what makes it such a fun, enjoyable production.”
Sophia Greene, who plays Philia and serves as the dance captain, enjoyed leading the musical.
“Doing Forum was an amazing experience. I learned to communicate more with my peers, and I was able to help them with dances,” she said.
Austin Blakely, who plays Pseudolus, said Forum has taught him so much about expression and enjoying the art I create onstage.
Rehearsals can create solid friendships. Marco Medina, who plays Hysterium, loved working with the cast.
“It felt like we had grown so much over the course of the show. “I found myself wishing the process lasted a little longer, though, and I am happy to do it again at States.”
Being invited to the festival is an honor, said Samuel Caycedo, who plays Hero and is the props designer.
“We are all so proud of this show, and we hope our audience enjoys it just as much as we do,” said
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