Cumming City Center
www.SplashFestivals.com
S e p t e m b e r 7 , 2 0 2 3 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 7 , N o . 3 6
‘So much better’
The Gathering project names new executive
Castmembers reflect after closing weekend of ‘Legally Blonde’
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The Gathering at South Forsyth announced Frank Ferrara as its new senior project executive beginning Sept. 1. Ferrara will oversee development and operations for the planned development on Union Hill Road and Ronald Reagan Boulevard. He previously served as chief financial officer and senior associate athletic director for Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Athletics. In his previous role, Ferrara managed the university’s Novus Innovation Corridor, a 330-acre mixed-use development. He also administered the Arizona State University ice hockey program.
By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Performers Parker Ossmann and Bridget Upchurch reflected Aug. 25 on a successful “Legally Blonde the Musical” run at the Forsyth County Arts and Learning Center. Ossmann, 25, and Upchurch, 18, said they had theater experience before the production. Ossmann, a carpenter for a theater in Atlanta, has been involved in community and professional productions for five years, and Upchurch has been involved in theater since childhood. “I've been doing [theater] since I was about five years old,” Upchurch said. “I was in a ballet class, and then my teacher said I have too much energy for ballet, and I should try theater. So, I started doing that, that's when I lived in North Carolina. I moved down here. I saw a production of ‘Legally Blonde,’ and then I thought, ‘Wow, I want to do that.’” Upchurch has lived in Forsyth County for 13 years and recently graduated from Forsyth Central High School. She said she previously performed a junior version of “Legally Blonde” in a competition, but never the full production. “This is the first time I've been a title character, the first time I've ever bowed last,” Upchurch said. “But it's been really crazy, but in a wonderful way. I
See FERRARA, Page 7 PHOTOS BY SHELBY ISRAEL/APPEN MEDIA
Recent Forsyth Central High School graduate Bridget Upchurch rehearses as Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde the Musical” Aug. 25 at the Forsyth County Arts and Learning Center. The show, which ran two weekends in August, sold 3,412 tickets. wouldn't trade this experience for the world.” In the Forsyth County Arts and Learning, or FoCAL, Center production, Upchurch played the lead role of Elle Woods, and Ossmann was cast as Emmett. The pair secured their roles in May and rehearsed weekly throughout the summer until the production’s opening night Aug. 17.
See PERFORM, Page 6
“This is the first time I’ve been a title character, the first time I’ve ever bowed last. But it’s been really crazy, but in a wonderful way. I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world.” BRIDGET UPCHURCH Forsyth Central High School graduate
ROOF TROUBLE? Ceiling Spots • Rotting • Blistering • Buckling Spots Call For A FREE Roof Analysis – 770.744.5700
Top Rated Appen Rated BBB Angie’s List
99
Schools receive $109,000 from duck dive raffle ► PAGE 3
$500 OFF* New Roof Purchase
Cannot combine with any other offer or discount. Valid GA only. Present coupon AFTER getting quote.
*Offer expires 10 days after publication
Roof Repair and Replacement