Nutcracker of Middle Ga. brings 40 years of holiday tradition to Macon

The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia celebrates its 40th anniversary this year with performances at the Piedmont Grand Opera House Dec. 10-14.

Founded in 1985, the nonprofit has performed for 39, missing only one year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Macon dance instructor Jean Evans Weaver envisioned an annual production of Tchaikovsky’s holiday-themed ballet that would rival the best city ballet companies in the country. 

The first production was presented at Wesleyan University with modest costumes and sets, but soon moved to The Grand, where costumes, sets and dancers dramatically improved year by year.

Talk to anyone involved with the organization — then or now — and you’ll hear the same goal repeated: to be a little better every year. 

Though the production has long been spectacular and has become a solid Macon Christmas tradition, the goal remains the same.

The early vision

“I tell you what,” Tony Long said without prompting. “This is going to be the best year ever.”

Long is a local businessman, arts lover and second-generation owner of A.T. Long and Son Paint Contractors. 

He’s an original Nutcracker of Middle Georgia board member and volunteer who still handles sets, production and other backstage issues. 

He said Weaver got him involved that first year because “it was so doggone hard to say no to Jean” and because she had a clear and determined vision for the show.

Weaver retired as artistic director in 2016 and died in 2022. 

Asked if he thought Weaver initially envisioned what the production was to become, Long didn’t hesitate: “Oh, I absolutely do.”

“Jean had danced professionally and seen big Nutcracker productions across the country,” he said. “She envisioned a Nutcracker equal to any of them. From day one, she pushed for the best quality in every area. She wouldn’t settle for anything less than the best possible productions and the best possible experience for our young dancers and the handful of professionals she brought in each year.”

That included set design. Enter Bobby Berg from Macon, who had made his way to New York and begun work as an art director for television, film, stage, opera and ballet. 

He first gained recognition as art director for the soap opera Another World, then went on to contribute to many award-winning projects. Though nationally known, Long said Berg’s heart remains in Macon and with the local Nutcracker production.

“He built a model back then and basically designed what you see on stage today,” Long said. “We didn’t get it all at once — we couldn’t afford it.”

The group rented much of the set, he said, and every year they saved money to buy another piece and make the production even better.

“It was Jean and Bobby who made things what they are,” Long said. “Jean was the dancer, the choreographer. She made sure that was top-notch. Bobby handled the stage design and made sure it was something to behold.”

A lasting tradition

Alice Sheridan danced professionally and built a career teaching locally. A protégé of Weaver, she worked with the organization for 25 years before becoming artistic director upon Weaver’s retirement nine years ago.

She has maintained the same commitment to quality and opportunity for young dancers — and to their parents and Macon audiences — as Weaver.

“The fortieth is deeply meaningful for all of us because it represents four decades of tradition, artistry and community coming together to create something truly special in Middle Georgia,” Sheridan said. “Very few regional productions have sustained this level of excellence for so long, and I’m incredibly proud to help carry forward a production that has touched so many lives.”

Sheridan cited highlights including the thousands of dancers who grew up performing with Nutcracker of Middle Georgia, the consistently sold-out shows at The Grand and the annual free performances for about 960 third graders from Title I schools.

Other points of pride include bringing world-class professional dancers to Macon each season, the production of a grant-funded 20-minute documentary and maintaining a professionally designed production entirely in Middle Georgia.

“For me personally, highlights are seeing the confidence and artistry dancers develop each year and watching former students return as parents or volunteers,” Sheridan said. “I’ve even had parents come back to perform in the party scene or battle scene alongside their children, which is incredibly special.”

Celebrating 40 years, it’s only natural to ask what has brought the organization such longevity. 

Sheridan credits two pillars: a true working board of directors, many of whom have served since the ‘80s, and artistic consistency with high standards.

Sheridan called Weaver “the heart of Nutcracker of Middle Georgia.” 

“Most dancers who passed through this production will tell you how she influenced them not just as dancers but as people,” she said. “She created this production and led it with grace, discipline and vision. It’s an honor to continue her legacy.”

Looking ahead

“We’re committed to keeping the production vibrant while preserving its traditions,” Sheridan said about the future. “Each year, we introduce new costumes or design elements thoughtfully created by our talented costume designer, Lauren Parris. We plan to continue expanding our community outreach, fostering stronger connections with dance schools and dancers throughout Middle Georgia and ensuring that new generations of families experience this cherished holiday tradition.”

She added that a growing scholarship program at the Jean Evans Weaver Center for Dance is expanding access to classical ballet training, especially to underserved communities.

Long noted that while interest in classical ballet seemed to falter several years ago, recent summer workshops at the Weaver Center drew an unexpected number of applicants from across Georgia. 

“The interest is surely there,” he said. “In fact, Alice started asking me how we could come up with a couple more studios to meet the need.”

A few fun facts

-At least six local dancers who performed the lead role of Clara are dancing professionally today.

-The production rehearses intensively over 18 days across nine weekends, bringing together dancers and artistic staff in a highly coordinated effort.

-Several board members have served for more than 30 years, making Nutcracker of Middle Georgia home to one of the most dedicated arts boards in the region.

-This year’s production features 120 cast members from 13 Middle Georgia dance schools, along with six professional guest artists and a large team of volunteers and board members who bring the production to life.

-Since its founding, more than 4,500 regional dancers have performed in the organization’sNutcracker, creating generations of alumni who remain connected to the production.

-Mother Ginger’s iconic costume weighs nearly 80 pounds, cleverly concealing nine jesters

-Each night, a volunteer crew of more than 50 works alongside the professional Grand Opera House crew to bring the show to life.

-A small but critical detail: the downstairs, under-stage door must remain closed before the start of the snow scene, as the slightest draft can affect how — or if — the beautiful silk drop falls, creating the snow illusion.

Learn more at midganutcracker.com.
Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com. Find him on Instagram at michael_w_pannell.