Two actors had an unlikely connection in a summer performance at the Lionheart Theatre in Norcross: Greater Atlanta Christian School. This summer, a local theatre company performed “The Enchanted Bookshop,” a heartwarming story about the power of literature and imagination. From Dorothy to Robin Hood to Tom Sawyer, this play focuses on a fictional story of our favorite childhood characters coming to life. In the play, these characters are faced with helping save their bookstore or protecting their own existence. Eighteen actors of all ages (9-50+) worked together to create a family-friendly story that touched the hearts of all who attended.
 

GAC Alumni Grant Carden ‘06 and current GAC sophomore Morganne Shoop both starred in this production. They spent the summer acting alongside each other, unaware they were both part of the GAC community. Carden played the pickpocket, Fagan from Oliver Twist, and Shoop played Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz. Throughout the summer, Carden and Shoop attended the same rehearsals and even acted in scenes together. Just as opening night arrived, Shoop misplaced her GAC sweatshirt. As she asked her castmates if they had seen it, Carden made the connection that they both attended/attend GAC. They immediately connected on all things GAC and the Spartan Community. Graduating over 20 years after Carden, Shoop has the opportunity to see a GAC alumni being an active member of his community, telling a very powerful story to all who attended the show. To top it all off, Sean Casey, director of “The Enchanted Bookshop” is the father of our middle school theatre director, Mr. Sam Casey. 

On campus, we always talk about how unique the GAC Community is. This story is a real-life example of why we are inspired by it. The connection that all of our students and families have is not fleeting but long-lasting. It brings people together. Once a Spartan, Always a Spartan!