Staff / Nathan Self
Davis Academy students Abby Goldberg, 12, daughter of Faith and Jeff Goldberg, of Sandy Springs, left, and Jordan Shoulberg, 12, daughter of Mindy and David Shoulberg, of Sandy Springs, go over lines for the upcoming play, ‘The Little Mermaid.’
Davis Academy students Abby Goldberg, 12, daughter of Faith and Jeff Goldberg, of Sandy Springs, left, and Jordan Shoulberg, 12, daughter of Mindy and David Shoulberg, of Sandy Springs, go over lines for the upcoming play, ‘The Little Mermaid.’
Jordan Shoulberg and Abby Goldberg, both 12, have been best friends since birth and share the same passion for theatre.
Goldberg started her professional career at the ripe young age of 7, playing Molly in the Theatre of the Stars’ production of “Annie” at the Fox Theatre in Midtown.
Shoulberg first appeared as Gretel in The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta’s production of “The Sound of Music” when she was 8.
The two have since appeared in shows at the Alliance Theatre, commercials and even a film. Jordan appeared in “The Three Stooges,” which was filmed in Atlanta.
This will be Shoulberg’s second time performing in a production of “The Little Mermaid;” however, the first time, she played the role of Scuttle.
The school’s annual production features 160 students from the school, ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade, according to Kendrick Phillips, the school’s director of visual and performing arts.
“We have a no-cut policy,” she said.
About 30 students will be working backstage and another 40 to 75 Davis alumni come back each year to mentor the actors.
While most everyone knows the story of the Disney classic, Phillips said this year, the school was educating the performers about what it means to “lose one’s voice.”
“We want to talk about it at a deeper level,” she said. “What can you learn from this cautionary tale and take into your community? We really want to create a thinker’s theatre.”
Phillips said the students were supportive of each other and that there was no competitive tension between this year’s Ariels.
“We really have to be good role models for the younger kids,” said Shoulberg.
“It’s very fun,” said Goldberg.
The students create a professional environment, but the set and choreography are also done by industry professionals, according to Phillips.
“We really want to bring a little bit of Broadway to Sandy Springs,” she said.
If you go:
What: “The Little Mermaid Jr.”
Where: 7901 Roberts Drive, Sandy Springs
When: March 17, 1 and 7 p.m.; March 18, 6 p.m.
Tickets: www.seatyourself.biz/davisacademy
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