This month, The Grand Opera House, a performing arts center of Mercer University, invites patrons to temporarily “escape” from the daily hustle and bustle with a lineup of festive holiday events that will get even the biggest Scrooge into the spirit of the season.
Since 1985, Macon’s own Nutcracker Ballet, presented by the Nutcracker of Middle Georgia, Inc., has delighted families throughout the community with a first-class production at The Grand Opera House that rivals those presented by the country’s premier city ballet companies. This year’s performances are scheduled for Wednesday-Saturday, Dec. 10-13, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13-14, at 2:30 p.m. This Central Georgia holiday tradition combines Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with magical scenery and breathtaking ballet. Tickets are $20 or $10 for children and students.
The following week, America’s most beloved musical, “Annie,” returns to The Grand Dec. 16-17, as part of its 30th anniversary national tour. The tale of little orphan Annie is back, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Set in New York City in December 1933 and boasting one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.” and the ever optimistic “Tomorrow,” this family-friendly show features a memorable cast of characters, including young children, a U.S. President and Santa Claus himself. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and tickets range $45-$49. Mercer faculty and staff receive $20 off a “Family 4-Pack” of tickets with offer code 4MERCER.*
Piano sensation Jim Brickman will present a special holiday concert Dec. 19, at The Grand as part of his 2008 Holiday Homecoming Tour. The warmth and intimacy of Jim Brickman’s holiday concerts has been compared to a gathering of friends and family, resonating with the true spirit of Christmas. For more than a decade, his holiday concerts have been musical homecomings for loyal fans of the dynamic composer, recording artist, radio personality and concert headliner. The concert begins at 8 p.m., and tickets are $47.50.
Closing out the holiday schedule will be the live taping of “The TBS Comedy Road Show,” on Monday, Dec. 22. (Related story, go>.)
Tickets for Grand Opera House events are available through Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 301-5470 or online TheGrandMacon.com. Tickets may be purchased in person at either of two box office locations: Grand Opera House Administrative Offices, 400 Poplar Street, Macon (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) or at The Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry Street, Macon (Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.). Tickets and information are also available online anytime at TheGrandMacon.com.
