Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1540272
October/November 2025 | maconmagazine.com 49 See even more memories online at maconmagazine.com! The Nutcracker mounts its 40th anniversary production on December 10-14. Get tickets at thegrandmacon.com or call 478-301-5470. the couch, in moments. With three helpers pulling at bobby pins, the crown finally popped free and I made it just in time. It's the kind of mishap you never forget—proof that even in the illusion of perfection, there's always a little backstage scramble holding it together!" Veronica Perkins, Dancer 2016 - 2025, Clara 2023 "Columbine was always magical to me, but dancing it was another world. The crawl-in was a ritual—jump a few times, and take one big breath before curling myself into the box. Inside was tight; I crouched on hands and feet, tutu brushing the sides, glitter coating my hands and pointe shoes. The Columbine cue comes quickly, but the pop is tricky—she must look like a doll being wound up, bent in half until my legs sometimes went numb! Even the exit was delicate, making sure my tutu didn't snag on the box's edges. Once, my eyepiece slipped over my eyes mid-dance. I had to trust muscle memory to get through. After that, I taped the mask in place for every show!" Ellen Smith, Dancer & Columbine Doll, 2021 "Watch Clara's pantomime closely. In a few gestures she recounts the whole story—an eyepatch for Drosselmeyer, cracking nuts for her gift, swaying in love for her doll, whiskers for the mice, big ears for the rats, even pulling the Rat King's tail before the Nutcracker's final lunge. Each Clara makes it her own, but the pantomime itself never changes. When Jean Weaver taught it, she narrated every step so her Clara would understand the meaning behind the movement. Even now, no matter how many times I watch it, I can still hear her voice and see her in the studio. That memory brings me to tears every time." Cindy Jarrard, Board Member 1998–Present; Audition Chair 2008–Present "I have had the honor of assisting both Jean Weaver and Alice Sheridan, and while some small details change over the years, there are some things that have remained the same for decades. I have an old purple binder of Ms. Weaver's with all of her handwritten—always in pencil!—notes on the choreography, scenery, and pictures of props and costumes. We call it the "Nutcracker Bible." We don't use it as much as we used to, but there is always a moment when we have moved into the Grand where we get to pull it out and keep the magic alive! You can literally hold the entire experience in your hands." Lindsay Crisp, Assistant Artistic Director, 2004 - Present "My children are always delighted by Mother Ginger— the jesters tumbling out from that enormous skirt never fail to get a laugh. One year, my then–four-year- old daughter was wide-eyed when the Arabian male dancer came out shirtless. She gasped, 'Mama! He's naked!'—sending our nearby audience section into gales of laughter." Bowen Reichert Shoemaker, Audience Member "People forget that The Nutcracker is also a love story! The entrance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier for their pas de deux brings tears to my eyes every time. The hush falls, the music swells, and then they appear—embodying tenderness, grace, and the sheer strength of romantic love. Tip: listen for the orchestra softening just before their entrance—the quiet makes their first steps feel even more magical." Cinnamon Swan, Audience Member "One of my very favorite things about Nutcracker is, believe it or not, working concessions at intermission. It's crazy! Slinging hot chocolate if it's cold, navigating sticky donuts and cash, praying the square reader works, and trying to get half the house through the line in 15 minutes! Patrons come in with huge smiles, giddy with excitement, talking about what they just experienced. Getting to observe and listen, from behind the counter, is special. Not many people see that view!" Ashley Griffin, Board Member, 2019 - Present "For me, it's all about the people backstage. The wardrobe crew stitches us into costume with a smile and a story, and they're the first to cheer when we step out for Arabian. Their warmth makes Macon feel like family. My favorite moment comes after the duet—delicately walking behind the scrim to find young dancers waiting, eyes wide, eager to tell us how great we were. That mix of hospitality and wonder is what makes this tradition unforgettable." Barrington Hinds, Guest Artist: Arabian, 2017 - Present This article celebrating 40 years of The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia is dedicated to the memory of Alexander Tyrone Merriweather, Assistant Technical Director, Piedmont Grand Opera House. Since 1998, Ty had been the keeper of every note about the production—from load-in to load-out and all the moments in between. He knew where every drop hung and every cue that made the show run seamlessly, from the overture to the final bow. When the curtain rises this holiday season, remember Ty and keep his spirit forever warmly welcomed at The Grand.