Aurora Theatre’s newest original musical will be King of Pangea, a groundbreaking addition to the Atlanta arts scene. Opening at Aurora Theatre January 23, 2025, this moving new work promises an unforgettable journey of heartbreak, healing, and hope.
At the heart of King of Pangea is Aurora Theatre’s unwavering commitment to nurturing and showcasing original works. This regional premiere musical, written by Martin Storrow of California (book, music, and lyrics), is a personal and imaginative exploration of grief, inspired by Storrow’s experience with the loss of his mother. Initially conceived as a fantastical story set on an imaginary island, the musical evolved into a heartfelt narrative that blends realism with whimsy, creating a deeply resonant and unique theatrical experience.
“King of Pangea offers audiences a fresh, exhilarating experience,” said Storrow. “By weaving together elements of fantasy and personal history, I hope to share a story that touches everyone, whether they’re seasoned musical theatre fans or newcomers to the genre.”
After a sudden loss shatters his world, 21-year-old Christopher Crow embarks on a journey back to Pangea, the imaginary island of his childhood, in search of answers to help him heal. In this fantastical realm, Christopher encounters transformed versions of his family members, who embody the vibrant characters he and his mother once created together. Through this deeply personal and imaginative lens, King of Pangea examines what it means to become the ruler of one’s own heart.
Aurora Theatre’s Co-Founder and Artistic Producing Director, Ann-Carol Pence, has been instrumental in bringing King of Pangea to life. With a career spanning acclaimed productions like Cinderella, Mary Poppins, Les Misérables, and In the Heights, Pence spent months in Oklahoma collaborating with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma to refine this bold new work. Her dedication and vision have guided the creative team to push boundaries and craft a truly unforgettable theatrical experience. She says: “Producing new musicals has long been a cornerstone of Aurora Theatre’s values system. As we step into the new year, King of Pangea is a show we know will connect with our audiences.”
Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director Ann-Carol Pence will oversee the music direction. Rounding out the principal cast is: Logan Corleym Riley McCool, Wendy Melkonian, Celia Crow, and Barry Stoltze.
Judge dismisses case on constitutionality of Mulberry
On January 7, a Fulton County Superior Court issued an order dismissing the case of Gwinnett County vs. the State of Georgia challenging the constitutionality of the City of Mulberry.
The Fulton County State Court agreed with the Georgia Attorney General’s office that Gwinnett County did not meet the legal requirements necessary to challenge the constitutionality of the Mulberry charter, and the court granted the State’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit in its entirety.
Mulberry Mayor Mike Coker says: “We in Mulberry are thankful that we can now put these lawsuits behind us and begin working with Gwinnett County. We look forward to further discussing the transition of services with the county and doing what is necessary to build a strong relationship between Mulberry and Gwinnett.”
Belal is Gwinnett Tech instructor of the year
Gwinnett Technical College recently named Mohamed Belal, humanities program director, its Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year recipient for 2025. Belal, who became a teacher to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, expressed his passion for education and student success.
Belal, in center. Photo provided.
“I love the moment when a concept ‘clicks’ for a student, their confidence grows, and they realize what they’re capable of achieving. My inspiration comes from seeing my students succeed, whether earning certifications, starting careers, or simply gaining the confidence to tackle challenges. Watching them transform their lives through education and achieve their career dreams is deeply rewarding,” said Belal.
Belal emphasized the honor and responsibility of representing Gwinnett Tech, highlighting the institution and the Technical College System of Georgia’s commitment to excellence in technical education. “Earning this recognition confirms my dedication to our students and the community. It also reminds me of the collective effort of my colleagues who strive to make a difference every day,” he stated. “I hope my students leave with more than technical skills; I want them to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, resilience, and a continuous learning mindset. I strive to teach them how to adapt, problem-solve, and excel professionally and personally. Additionally, I incorporate various soft skills into my lesson plans, which are essential for every career.”
Belal holds a Master of Arts in Music Education from Helwan University in Cairo, Egypt, and resides in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction has been prestigious in the Technical College System of Georgia since 1991. The award is designed to honor technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields.
New budget for Gwinnett approved at $2.67 billion
Gwinnett Commissioners have approved a $2.67 billion budget to fund County operations and projects for the year 2025. The approved budget consists of a $2.11 billion operating budget and a $555 million capital improvements budget, which includes funds from the County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program.
The adopted budget allows Gwinnett County Government to address local needs such as public safety, community health and high-quality infrastructure while balancing increasing costs of labor, materials and services facing the County and residents alike.
The budget also includes the approval of organizational changes, including the creation of the Parks and Recreation Department, which was previously part of the Department of Community Services. Chris Minor will head that newly-named department.
Initiatives in the budget include:
- The addition of six employees, vehicles and equipment to support the Police Department through the Community Service Aides pilot program to strengthen community engagement and respond to non-emergency requests for service.
- New software for the E911 call center to help improve resource allocation
- State-of-the-art disinfection systems at Lanier and Shoal Creek Filter Plants to improve employee safety and reduce operational costs
- Additional staffing to address growing transportation infrastructure needs and help improve traffic flow throughout the county
- A focus on maintenance and repairs for Parks and Recreation through additional ground crews, vehicles and equipment to enhance residents’ experience at county parks.
The adopted 2025 budget resolution and supporting documents are available online atGwinnettCounty.com.
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