J.P. Taravella Highlights 1920’s Music In Upcoming Musical

Published April 24th, 2008

By Sabrina Goodwin
Staff Intern

J.P. Taravella High School suits up for the presentation of an upcoming musical and for inciting some Ohs and Ahs from the audience.

Taravella’s Drama Department teacher Lori Sessions decided on The Melody Lingers On: The Songs Of Irving Berlin.

Irving Berlin, a famous composer from 1911 lasting throughout the 1950’s, composed a wide array of music such as: White Christmas, God Bless America and There’s No Business Like Show Business.

“I wanted to expose my students to the legend of Berlin. Of my 14 years teaching, I have never shown the same performance twice. I try to provide a variety of different shows with different styles of music so that each play is a learning experience,” said Sessions.

The local teacher said she enjoys directing the production of the inspired show, and feels that the production will have a big appeal to the community, especially senior citizens. Sessions was recognized as J.P. Taravella’s Teacher of the Year for 2004 and Broward County Arts Teacher of the Year for 2005. She has a Masters in Education and is a theatre major, having performed professionally with musical theatre before. Currently, her high school drama department has three shows up for the States Festival including: Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast and On The Town.

The cast has been rehearsing since late January and will practice up to 30 hours during the week of the show.

Students featured in this play include lead male star Eddie Almeida, (Irving Berlin), lead female star Raye Lederman (Berlin’s wife), and musical director Christen Lee Rosenfeld.

Fellow character Zach Durand said, “For anyone pursuing theatre, it’s great to have a classical background. I’ve been enlightened and greatly influenced by the experience of this show and am so appreciative to be a part of it.”

Cast-member Robert Baez also felt the experience was a positive one.

“I’m glad to have this opportunity because it has opened my eyes to a whole new style of music. I’ve learned so much throughout the production,” Baez said.

Other students of Sessions’ have moved on to work in the upcoming movie “Sydney White”, indie film “Still Green”, Roundabout Theatre Company in New York, Flatrock Playhouse in North Carolina, Actor’s Playhouse in Coral Gables, the national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and Cirque Du Soleil.

The play, The Melody Lingers On: The Songs Of Irving Berlin, will hit the stage Thursday, April 24 and Saturday, April 26 at 7 p.m. at the J.P. Taravella High School auditorium at 10600 Riverside Drive in Coral Springs. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Call 754-322-2300, ext. 5772.