The Forman Ensemble Players took to the stage this winter with The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical in the Visual and Performing Arts Center’s Jake Cloobeck ’16 Theater.
“I hoped students would connect with the characters not only because they are teenagers with learning differences, but because they are simply teenagers trying to figure out who they are,” said Arts Teacher Tammy Grella, who directed the production.
“It is a show about a hero's journey,” she continued. “We spent several rehearsals talking about how we are all on our own hero's journey, regardless of our ages or where we are in our lives. We all have challenges that are standing in the way of us becoming our best and true selves.”
Cast List, in order of appearance:
Percy Jackson — Josh Koral ’27
Annabeth — MJ Gillies ’27
Grover — Jamie Earley ’28
Luke / Minotaur — Sam Vito ’26
Sally / Aunty Em / Echidna — Isla Sheehan ’28
Clarisse / Katie Gardner — Fenan Sloan Arondeau ’26
Ares / Silena Beauregard / Charon — Bee Bradford ’27
Brunner Aka Chiron — Alina Yosua ’28
Gabe / Kurt Cobain / Train Conductor / Farmer — Nolan Briggs ’26
Thalia / Mozart / Newscaster / Dj Cerberus — Levi Lovejoy ’26
Poseidon / Hades / Squirrel / Bianca / Elvis — Penny Kobak ’27
Mrs. Dodds — Dr. Stephanie Weaver, Associate Director of Studies
Mr. D — Ira Miles, Director of Enrollment Management
Oracle — Lilianna Ruis ’27
Reflecting on the experience, Tammy emphasized the courage it takes to perform.
“It's humbling to stand on a stage in front of your peers and sing and dance and recite memorized lines, all while attempting to portray a character and still try to connect part of yourself to that character in some way. There's a lot of emotion involved,” she said. “I am always struck by how brave they are for putting themselves out there, and I am always so proud of how amazingly they do it!”
Behind the scenes, a dedicated creative team joined Tammy in bringing the production to life. Samantha Novick ’18, Regional Director of Admission, served as Assistant Director; TJ Thompson, who teaches music at Taft, was the Musical Director; Lily Chen, Director of the Thinking and Writing Department, designed costumes; and Robert Richnavsky, a local actor, fight choreographer, and martial artist, choreographed the show. Cecily Cooper ’26 and Lilianna Ruis ’27 served as Stage Managers, with Tyler Miller ’27 on the backstage crew.
“It was a great performance and very engaging. I think the campfire scene was awesome!” said Jeanne Murray, School Counselor/Therapist.
The musical’s program also honored graduating seniors for their “endearing talents and unwavering commitment,” recognizing their lasting contributions to the Forman stage.
