'Nutcracker' tradition grows stronger with time

"The Nutcracker" ballet at the Grand Opera House is the hallmark of Middle Georgia's holiday season, and this year marks its 30th anniversary in production.

The story of a little girl's dream of a prince and a sugar plum fairy was dance instructor Jean Weave'rs dream to continue in Middle Georgia when another instructor, Gladys Lanky, announced she was retiring her production.

But Weaver says it wouldn't have been possible without the help of her friend Bobby Berg, a stage designer from Macon who had moved to New York City.

"I had been wanting to do (a "Nutcracker" ballet), but the first thing I did was call Bobby," said Weaver, who is also the director of Dance Arts Studio. "He and I together got it done, because I did not want it to be something that wasn't better than what Gladys was doing."

The first production in December 1985 was held in Porter Auditorium on the Wesleyan College campus.

"We started with no money, no sets, no costumes," said founding board member and managing director Marianna Gebara. "We literally put in $10 each, each board member, to get incorporated."

During the years, Weaver said Berg designed each piece of scenery and had most of them made in scenic houses in New York City.

"That scenery is not like anything else that comes into the Grand Opera House, ever," Weaver said.

Weaver and Berg collaborated long distance for more than 20 years.

"(Berg) and I would stay home on the telephone and sometimes we'd be listening to "The Nutcracker" music at the same time" Weaver said. "He'd say this, and I'd say that. We were always in agreement."

The snow scene backdrop, a massive silk piece that displays a frosted forest through which the audience can see the Sugar Plum Fairy's castle, was painted on one side in New York then transported to Macon for the forest to be added.

"(Berg) took a magic marker on a fishing pole, and he outlined all the trees and the limbs," Weaver recalled. "We had all the board members there, on their knees, painting in the back of the trees so that it'd be opaque."

Board President Cindy Adams, also a founding member, operates the sound and calls cues for all the scenery action. She said the crew of about 25 volunteers and professionals behind the scenes are skilled and work together like an orchestra.

"That's what I';m most proud of -- the fact that we have a group of volunteers that can put on a production at this time of year for the benefit of the community," Adams said. "No two productions are ever alike."

Today, Nutcracker of Middle Georgia owns all its props, drops and costumes. And since 1991, they have offered annual free performances to 1,000 Title I school children from Bibb, Houston and Monroe counties.

"Part of our mission was to expose children, who would maybe not have that opportunity to see a show, to see us," Gebara said. "We want to expose (third and fourth graders) to the arts world and enrich their lives. They are young and impressionable and maybe it will create a lifetime of wanting to be involved in the audience or actually on stage one day."

"The Nutcracker" has hosted more than 100,000 local dancers ages 8 to 80 including now professional ballerina Courtney Dressner; Miss America Betty Cantrell, who was a toy soldier; and Emmy award winner Natalia Livingston, who was a snowflake. Six professional dancers will join the volunteers this year.

Stratford Academy ninth grade student McKay Powers, 14, plays Clara.

"It's really been my dream ever since I first saw "The Nutcracker," said Powers, who has performed in "The Nutcracker" since age 9 when she played a cavalry horse.

"It's the perfect ballet for children," Powers said. "It's a great family tradition."

It's a tradition that the founders and dancers hope will continue for many more years.

"Christmas isn't Christmas without"The Nutcracker," Powers said.

"The Nutcracker"

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9-12; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 12-13

Where: Grand Opera House, 651 Mulberry St.

Cost: $10 students, $18-$25 adults

Information: www.midganutcracker.com; 478-301-5470

This story was originally published December 3, 2015 at 1:15 PM with the headline "'Nutcracker' tradition grows stronger with time ."