Arts & Literature

Paul Duke STEM Students Star in Amy Ray’s Newest Music Video

Published

2 years ago

April 6, 2023

Editor’s Note: We apologize for the error in naming. Sarah Jane Von Hagen is the correct name of the student. Our print edition has it spelled incorrectly.

Two Peachtree Corners teenagers have gotten their first taste of fame with an appearance in a music video. Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls recently debuted a new song, “Subway” alongside a corresponding music video that features Paul Duke STEM High School students Iris Rubin and Sarah Jane Von Hagen.

The video, which was shot in part here in Atlanta, features Von Hagen as a young Amy Ray on the cusp of self-discovery in New York City, with Rubin playing her girlfriend.

The shoot went from concept to execution rather quickly last fall. The father of Aleia, one of their classmates, was responsible for casting for Amy Ray’s music video. Aleia approached Von Hagen and Rubin, noting that Von Hagen bears a striking resemblance to a young Amy Ray, and asked if they wanted to act in the video.

Their response was an enthusiastic yes, and the two began researching and planning for the shoot right away.

“I remember I called Iris, we were both so excited,” said Von Hagen. “Iris was like ‘oh my goodness, you need to learn how to walk and act like her.’ I had never done anything like that before. That night I sat down in a living room with my mom, and we watched old Indigo Girls music videos and newer Amy Ray videos. We also went to Goodwill and thrifted some really grungy shirts. I already dress more masculine, but I leaned into it a lot more when I was playing Amy Ray.”

The two-day shoot in December involved one day of on-location filming in Little 5 Points which was the area that looked the most like New York City, plus one day filming in the studio in front of a green screen.

Iris Rubin and Sarah Jane Von Hagen recently shot at Town Center’; Hayes and Rubin with Amy Ray (center)
Photography by Isadora Pennington

A love of theatre

This experience was quite a departure from the norm for Von Hagen who had little previous experience with acting, while Rubin was able to lean on their lifelong love for theater and acting experience in the role of Ray’s love interest.

Paul Duke STEM High School, where Von Hagen is a senior and Rubin is a junior, has a burgeoning theater department that offered Von Hagen her first real foray into acting during last year’s inaugural Improv Olympics. Rubin, who is only 16, is the president of the Paul Duke Thespian Society and has held a number of roles including Lilith in “She Kills Monsters,” Karen in “The Children’s Hour,” student director for “Valentines,” and Alice in “The Addams Family.”

“Theater couldn’t escape me if it tried,” said Rubin, who has been acting since they were around 5 years old. “I love Paul Duke Theater. It’s everything. It’s where I spend all of my free time.”

The theater program is new, as is the school which opened back in 2018. For Rubin, theater is more than just a passion, it’s also home. They call themself the ‘theater mom’ and takes a maternal role with them.

“You really need compassion because people in theater tend to be Queer and neurodivergent,” Rubin continued. “You also need to be driven because our rehearsals are long. We have 11 hour days in the second week of rehearsals.”

One of the most unique elements to the Paul Duke STEM High School theater department is the way they are able to integrate STEM projects with theater productions. Under the leadership of theater teacher Alissa Zimmett, they work with the electronics, engineering and mechatronics classes to help develop creations like robotic monsters that enhance the theater performances.

“Combining STEM into theater has been so cool,” said Rubin. “The engineering and mechatronics departments have helped us so much.”

Given their deep and lifelong passion for theater, it’s no surprise that Rubin was ready to get involved and help Von Hagen in any way possible when it was time to prepare for the Amy Ray music video. The two used to date and are now good friends, which served to cement their on-screen chemistry in the music video.

Indigo connections

For Von Hagen and Rubin, the music of Amy Ray with the Indigo Girls was a backdrop to their youth, thanks to their mothers. In fact, Von Hagen’s mother Jill Von Hagen attended the same high school as the Indigo Girls, which was called Shamrock High School at the time and is now Druid Hills Middle School in Decatur. Though they were not in the same classes she did attend the school at the same time as Emily Sailers’ younger sister Carrie.

“I have loved their music ever since,” said Jill. She has always been drawn to their harmonies and melodies and has sought out concerts to attend since she was a teenager herself.

“For my daughter to get the opportunity to play a young Amy Ray in her new ‘Subway’ video was incredibly exciting for me. I was giddy throughout the whole process…from the initial planning meeting with the director, Scott Lansing, to helping Sarah Jane piece together her wardrobe, and finally, getting to observe the filming itself.”

It was a special treat when the girls and their mothers went to the Indigo Girls concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the end of December in 2022. They were able to go backstage and meet Amy Ray, who instantly recognized Von Hagen as the young woman who had played her in the music video. They got a photo together and shared a hug, which was a distinct highlight for all involved.

“While listening to Amy’s music in high school, at the same age my daughter is now, I never would have thought that one day we would have this amazing experience together,” Jill said.

Back to real life

After the surreal series of events that led to this moment, life has more or less returned to normal for the teens. Rubin, who will be entering their senior year this fall, is back to focusing on her classes and the theater. After high school Rubin hopes to pursue psychology, particularly as it relates to incarcerated individuals.

Von Hagen will be attending Agnes Scott University this fall and is interested in working with children who have special needs, though she admits that the music video gave her a taste of acting that she found to be inspiring.

Von Hagen also highlighted the connection that she feels to Amy Ray based on being Queer.

“We all have this understanding of having to discover that part of yourself on your own,” said Von Hagen. “There’s not that much media about how Queer people fall in love, so getting to play that part was sort of full circle. It was really important to me. In this way, I get to be a character that younger Queer people get to look up to.”

“It was a wonderful opportunity,” said Von Hagen. “It just kind of fell in my lap. I was really lucky.”

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Isadora Pennington

Isadora is a writer, photographer, and designer living in Avondale Estates, GA. She has worked in print for the past decade and has been published in the Atlanta INtown, Oz Magazine, Atlanta Senior Life, and the Reporter Newspapers.

Around Atlanta

City Springs Theatre Company Presents the Hit Musical Jersey Boys

Published

5 months ago

July 3, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

The megahit musical Jersey Boys is making its regional premiere with the City Springs Theatre Company in a five-week run.

The megahit musical Jersey Boys makes its regional premiere in City Springs Theatre Company’s (CSTC) first-ever, five-week run at the Byers Theatre in Sandy Springs.

Directed by Atlanta’s-own Shane DeLancey, and choreographed by Meg Gillentine, Jersey Boys tells the rags-to-riches story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The show details their remarkable journey from the streets to the top of the charts, to their 1990 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Leading the cast of Jersey Boys is Haden Rider as Frankie Valli. Rider is a City Springs Theatre Company veteran, with recent roles in both Legally Blonde (Emmett) and Fiddler on the Roof (Perchik).

Presented by Resurgens Spine Center, Jersey Boys runs from July 12 through August 11, and shines a special spotlight on home-grown talent, as the show’s four leading men are all Atlanta-area residents.

With phenomenal music, memorable characters and great storytelling, Jersey Boys follows the fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history.

“City Springs Theatre Company is very proud to be the first in the southeast region to present Jersey Boys,” said CSTC Artistic Director and Tony Award-winner Shuler Hensley. “Our audiences have been asking for this particular show since we opened. The production is truly stacked with talent onstage and off, and we’re pulling out all the stops to bring audiences an experience that will rival any previous version of the show.”

Jersey Boys premiered at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2005, prior to its 13-year Broadway run, from 2005 to 2017. There have been productions of the show in Las Vegas, UK/Ireland, Toronto, Melbourne, Singapore, South Africa, the Netherlands, Japan, Dubai and China.

Jersey Boys features a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio, and lyrics by Bob Crewe.

Individual tickets to see Jersey Boys are on sale now ($42 – $108), with discounts for seniors, students, groups and active and retired military personnel.

CSTC’s Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Call 404-477-4365 or visit CitySpringsTheatre.com for more information.

This production contains adult language and is recommended for mature audiences.

Performance schedule:

Arts & Literature

Local Students Show Off Their Artistic Creations

Published

6 months ago

June 2, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Courtney Escorza, Colleen Nikopour, Laura Hwang, Jennifer Jackson, Norcross. Laura ELizabeth Martin, Payton Hirschmann, Paul Duke HS

From May 11 through May 18, the Norcross Gallery & Studios kicked off a fantastic exhibition, Reflections at Rectory, which showcased the works of 36 rising stars: AP and IB art students from our local high schools.

The opening reception celebrated their creativity and dedication. Gallery director Anne Hall presented a dozen awards generously sponsored by the community, a testament to the local support for these young artists.

One prestigious award, the Terri Enfield Memorial Award, holds special significance.

Established by Terri’s daughters, it recognizes not just artistic excellence, but also leadership, work ethic and the spirit of collaboration. Last year’s winner, Aidan Ventimiglia, even played a part in selecting this year’s recipient Jasmine Rodriguez.

Congratulations to all the student artists.

Students in the second annual Reflections at the Rectory exhibit

Norcross High School:

Gustavo Benumea-Sanchez
Maycol Cruz Padilla
Dorie Liu
Harlet Martinez Castro
Paulina Santana
Gisela Rojas Medina
Clare Fass
Ava Netherton
Ubaldo Diaz
Katia Navas-Juarez
Mariah Ingram
Arisdelcy Juan
Max Kaiser
Dani Olaechea
Christina Bonacci
Diana Ortiz Ventura
Katie Yerbabuena-Padierna

Paul Duke High School:

Adamu Abdul-Latif
Salma Noor Alabdouni
Samrin Zaman
Camryn Vinson
Liz Damian
Cecelia Berenguer
Jasmine Rodriguez
Angelina Bae
Dahyana Perez
Jonah Swerdlow
Kyra Allicock
Anni Brown
Kaleb Fields
Destiny Jones
Gabriela Leal-Argueta
Madisyn Mathis
Ashley McDonough
Ahtziri Pinones
Alondra Valiente-Torres

Arts & Literature

Book, TV and Podcast Recommendations for this Summer

Published

6 months ago

June 2, 2024

Anna Delvillar

Beat the heat this Summer with a good book, show or podcast. This year, Peachtree Corners Magazine received over 30 recommendations from more than a dozen city residents. There is something for everyone on this list, so let’s dive in.

Machine Made: Tammany Hall and the Creation of Modern American Politics
by Terry Golway

This 400-page book offers readers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of one of the most influential political machines in American history. It provides valuable lessons and perspectives on the intersection of politics, power and society.

Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War
Stream on Netflix

This nine-part series offers viewers a thought-provoking exploration of one of the most consequential periods in modern history. It provides deep insights into the complexities of nuclear politics and the enduring legacy of the Cold War.

Fareed Zakaria GPS
Listen on CNN Audio

This podcast comprehensively examines foreign affairs. It enhances a listener’s global awareness, fosters critical thinking and sheds light on complex issues shaping our world today.

— Brian Johnson, City Manager for Peachtree Corners

Empowering Nurses Through Self-care: Unleashing Your Potential and Thriving in the Nursing Profession
by Audrey Boyce

Audrey Boyce offers a practical guide to help nurses find balance and fulfillment in their personal lives and professions. With a comprehensive overview of self-care strategies, this book is essential for nurses looking to recharge, reduce stress and increase job satisfaction.

The Go-Giver, Expanded Edition: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg and John David Mann

The Go-Giver tells the story of Joe, an ambitious young man striving for success. Through Joe’s journey, this book imparts powerful lessons about the significance of giving, collaboration and building meaningful relationships in achieving success.

Special Ops: Lioness
Stream on Paramount+

The protagonist, Joe, attempts to balance her personal and professional life as the tip of the CIA’s spear in the war on terror. The Lioness Program enlists Cruz to operate undercover alongside Joe among the power brokers of State terrorism.

Money and Wealth
Listen on Apple Podcasts

In Money and Wealth, John Hope Bryant provides valuable insights into financial literacy and wealth-building strategies. With a clear and accessible approach, Bryant aims to empower listeners with practical knowledge to achieve financial stability and success.

— Bobby Cobb, CEO of Cobb Global Outreach Inc.

1984
by George Orwell

The new audio drama of George Orwell’s 1984 on Audible is nothing short of phenomenal. With a full cast of film stars and sound effects in stereo, you’ll feel like you’re actually in Oceania, being watched by Big Brother.

— Jill Tew, local author of the forthcoming young adult dystopian novel The Dividing Sky

Enter Ghost
by Isabella Hammad

I recently read this and loved the writing. The author plays around with formatting between narrating the story and switching to the format of a play to show the dynamics between characters.

— Ruwa Romman, Georgia State Representative

Seeing Eye Girl
by Beverly Armento

Beverly Armento’s account of her life in Seeing Eye Girl is truly remarkable. I was captivated by her story of resilience, strength and, ultimately, forgiveness.

— Erin Griffin, Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence Co-President

Never Enough: When Achievement Pressure Becomes Toxic – And What We Can Do About It
by Jennifer B. Wallace

This book presents research on how to raise healthy, joyful achievers in a hyper-competitive world. The author was a guest speaker at Greater Atlanta Christian’s (GAC) Parent Partnership Series this year, and we heard about the importance of children knowing that their intrinsic self-worth is not contingent solely upon external achievements.

The Anxious Generation
by Jonathan Haidt

Discover the root causes behind the epidemic of today’s teen mental illness. With compelling data, Jonathan Haidt unveils the decline of play-based childhood and offers practical solutions for a healthier, more fulfilling upbringing. We have asked GAC faculty to add this to their personal summer reading list.

— Dr. Scott Harsh, President of Greater Atlanta Christian School

Glad You’re Here
by Craig Cooper and Walker Hayes

Glad You’re Here tells the true, redemptive story of country music singer Walker Hayes and his unlikely friendship with pastor Craig Cooper. In alternating chapters, each individual shares their unique perspective on pivotal moments in their friendship, and the book reminded me to prioritize the patient and persistent cultivation of community.

— Ann Cousins, Communications Director and Wesleyan School

The Boredom Experiment
Listen on Apple Podcasts

The Boredom Experiment, hosted by Jeremy and Ashley Parsons, is a short, heartfelt podcast series that documents and explores the effect of removing digital distractions and social media from their family’s lives for a year.

Over eight episodes, they share their experiences and insights into how this experiment impacts their creativity, relationships and overall well-being. The Parson’s storytelling thoughtfully weaves together interviews, music and their musings in such a creative, personal way that makes it an absolute delight to listen to.

The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube

Digital Minimalism
by Cal Newport

Digital Minimalism advocates for a thoughtful and intentional approach to technology use. Newport argues that constant connectivity and digital distractions hinder productivity and well-being and encourages individuals to choose tools and habits that align with their values and long-term goals. In a digitally crowded world, this book was a needed reminder to be intentional with my time and strategic with how I use technology.

— Natalie Dettman, Creative Director at Wesleyan School

Sideline C.E.O.
by Marty Smith

While on this surface this book offers great wisdom from some of the most successful coaches of our time, it also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of many people we admire.

From learning about Greg Sankey figuring out how to lead the SEC through Covid as he sat on his front porch to Mack Brown processing through how to lead his football team through racial tensions at UNC, you realize that these men [and women] are normal human beings that face the same difficult choices as the rest of us.

Not to mention, Marty Smith captures the lives and insight of these coaches in a fun, compelling way!

Practicing the Way
by John Mark Comer

New Kid
by Jerry Craft

Where Do We Go from Here
by Martin Luther King Jr.

— Joseph Antonio, Middle School Principal at Wesleyan School

West with Giraffes
by Linda Rutledge

This is lightly based on a true story. It is the story of moving giraffes who survived a hurricane, were rescued in the Atlantic, and were carried cross-country to the San Diego Zoo. It is well-written, and the character development is fantastic.

Crossing the country with two giraffes during the Depression created excitement in all the small struggling areas. The joy of those who had never dreamed of seeing a giraffe in real life will bring joy to anyone reading this book.

Housewives of True Crime
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Youtube

Moms and Mysteries
Listen on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio and Spotify

Southern Fried Crime
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Youtube

Wiser than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Listen wherever you get your podcasts

— Nancy Minor, The Nancy Minor Team

The Women
by Kristen Hannah.

A great read about the Army nurses in Vietnam.

— Laurie Rogers, The Nancy Minor Team

In The Woods
by Tana French

This book is a real page-turner. The author is a gifted writer, so even though it is a crime thriller, it reads like a novel. There are six books in the series, and I have read all of them.

Casefiles
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

This is a true crime podcast that has been around for several years. The stories are detailed and very interesting and cases are examined from all over the world.

— Shameka Allen, MBA, MA, CEO of Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett

Over the Edge of the World
by Laurence Bergreen

Over the Edge of the World is a captivating account of Magellan’s expedition around the world. We all know Magellan’s name but few of us know the rich details behind the adventure and how it unfolded. I was inspired by the courage and bravery of those who took part in the great Age of Exploration.

Arrested Development
Stream on Netflix

This is easily one of our favorite shows. My wife, Meredith, and I have watched and re-watched it so many times and still find it so hilariously funny. The show blends clever writing with quirky characters and intricate, running gags. There’s always money in the Banana Stand!

Dr. Death
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Wondery

This gripping true-crime podcast explores the shocking story of a dangerous surgeon. It’s a must-listen for its compelling narrative, deep investigative journalism and critical insights into medical malpractice and systemic failures. The podcast has since been made into a limited streaming TV series.

— Scott Hilton, Georgia State Representative

Sleep Wrecked Kids
by Sharon Moore

This book explains how inadequate sleep affects children’s growth, development and learning. This is a great guide to creating better sleep routines.

Healthy Sleep Happy Kid
by Meghna Dassani

This quick, easy read offers valuable insights into how sleep impacts a child’s health. It provides practical tips for improving your child’s sleep environment and habits and is a go-to resource for parents aiming to enhance their child’s sleep and overall wellness.

I can’t overstate the importance of good sleep habits for the overall well-being of your child and the entire household. Quality sleep is the foundation for happy, healthy kids and stress-free parents, setting the stage for the best possible summer with your family.