114 maconmagazine.com
GIFT GUIDE
Nutcracker
edition
BY RACHELLE WILSON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIAH GANDY
ince 1985, Nutcracker
of Middle Georgia has
entertained Maconites
young and old. The local
interpretation of Tchaikovsky's ballet,
inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann's 1816 tale,
has become a holiday tradition for
many in our community.
As with any beloved experience, a
token that keeps a bit of the memory
alive is often welcome. The nutcracker
gift shop, though evident to patrons
only a few weeks of the year, is a
year-round pursuit for some to snag
their favorite holiday decor. Gift shop
items, most famously the elaborate
nutcrackers, are squirreled away
throughout all seasons by caretakers
devoted to erring on the side of surplus
rather than shortage. All handcrafted
by the renowned Kurt S. Adler, the
nutcrackers are as diverse as those who
enjoy their magical nature. Some are
tall while others are stout; some are
soldiers and others are bakers; some
are the classic red while others boast a
lovely pink; and each is a work of art in
its own right.
Taking place at the Grand Opera
House Dec. 8 - 11, Nutcracker of Middle
Georgia ballet returns once more to
enchant us. How special that recently
deceased Nutcracker of Middle Georgia
founder Jean Evans Weaver's dream
lives on through the twirls of children,
the crawl of militant mice, and the leaps
of sugarplums.
Even if the only snow we get this
year is that of little ballerinas twirling
about the stage, we can count our
winter season sufficiently adorned if
it includes a trip to this annual ballet.
So, find a little time this winter season
to visit the Nutcracker shop and bring
home a magical toy of your own!
S
