2 traditional and popular Christmas performances are scheduled in Macon

Two classic Macon Christmas events are onstage this weekend: Nutcracker of Middle Georgia’s 38th production of the famed Tchaikovsky ballet, and the sixth year of the Otis Redding Foundation’s “O’Tis the Season.”

“The Nutcracker” runs through Sunday at The Grand Opera House and “O’Tis the Season” is at 7 p.m. Saturday at The Capitol Theatre.

Nutcracker of Middle Georgia’s 2023 presentation puts a cast of 121 on stage made up of half a dozen professional lead dancers and students from studios across Middle Georgia. There’s also a smattering of local adults like Christopher Abbott who’s played the role of Uncle Drosselmeyer for years now.

I talked to Alice Sheridan, Nutcracker of Middle Georgia’s artistic director, after a preshowing of the ballet to 900-plus third graders.

“It’s something we do every year to bring ballet to young people and it was great, the kids loved it,” she said.

Sheridan said as part of its community engagement, Nutcracker of Middle Georgia does more than just bring the youngsters in for a free show.

“We don’t want to just expose them to ballet, we want to teach them something and give them an idea of what it takes to do this,” she said. “Before they come, we send their schools a PowerPoint and materials to help them understand the story because there are no words in the ballet, it’s not like seeing a play. It prepares them by talking about dance and theatre etiquette and other useful things,” she said.

“When they come, we keep the curtains open while we’re getting ready and they get to see dancers preparing and getting in place. We have a time when our kids come out and talk to them about what they do and their love for dance. They even get to see some of the technical things like how we make the snow fall. It’s quite an experience.”

And it’s quite an experience for the young dancers, too. And the older ones.

“The chance to appear on stage at The Grand in such a beautifully staged production is something they look forward to,” Sheridan said. “It’s a highlight of the year and something they and their families are committed to since we have to put it together in only 18 days of rehearsals working only on weekends. The cast works very hard and is so enthusiastic. It shows in the quality of their performances.”

Sheridan said many guest professionals have expressed how much they enjoy being part of the production as well.

You’ll see and applaud the cast if you go but you won’t see most of the 70 or so volunteers working behind the scenes or in the lobby gift shop where there is a large selection of Nutcracker-related items.

Those looking closely during this year’s performance might notice some new costumes and set features.

“We freshen up some of the wardrobe and pay attention to our sets each year,” Sheridan said. “We have more than 150 handmade costumes and this year we have some new cavalry costumes and soldier jackets. We also have a new snow drop for the magical snow scene and new fog machines, just to name a few other things.”

Though there’s a long and lovingly held tradition behind the show, Sheridan said she, the Nutcracker board and others involved always work to make the production better year after year.

“Change — change for the better — is good,” she said. “And every year we’re so thankful for the community support there is for all the kids.”

For show times, ticketing information and more on Nutcracker of Middle Georgia, go to www.midganutcracker.com or www.thegrandmacon.com.

‘O’Tis the Season’

The idea for an “O’Tis the Season” musical evening during the holidays came from kids involved in Otis Redding Foundation programs. The Foundation creates music and arts lessons, programs and performance opportunities to motivate and empower students to fulfill their dreams in many walks of life.

Justin Andrews, Foundation director of special projects and outreach, said the response to the idea was, “OK, let’s give it a try.”

That was six years ago and the event has been a hit ever since. Again this year, the show will feature performances by Foundation students, its DREAM Team singers and performers and its World-Famous Rap Room group.

In addition, five-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and television personality CeeLo Green will perform.

“We’re honored to have CeeLo as our special guest,” said Karla Redding-Andrews, Foundation vice president, executive director and daughter of Otis Redding.

“CeeLo adores my father and we adore CeeLo’s creativity and all he’s achieved. Having him as our final act could not highlight our holiday season any better.”

As well as showcasing young people, their volunteer musical coaches and outstanding national performers, “O’Tis the Season” has become a primary fundraiser for the Foundation’s programs and the under-construction Otis Redding Center for the Arts. When finished in the coming year, the center will greatly increase the Foundation’s ability to serve young people and the community.

New to “O’Tis the Season” this year is a toy drive to benefit children involved with River Edge Behavioral Health. The Foundation is asking ticket holders attending the concert to bring new, unwrapped toys for boys or girls aged 5-18 which River Edge will distribute. Those who donate will get 10 percent off T-shirts, hats and other Otis Redding and Foundation merchandise at the show.

River Edge provides treatment and support for children, youth, families and adults who experience mental illness, addiction, co-occurring disorders or intellectual or developmental disabilities.

“We’ve already collected quite a few toys at our offices on Cotton Avenue and are hoping many, many more will be donated at the concert,” Redding-Andrews said. “We want to make sure children have something nice at Christmas and, again, donations should be new and not wrapped for Christmas.”

Redding-Andrews said the toy drive fits perfectly with the Foundation’s mission to continue Otis Redding’s work to help young people and see them grow and reach for their dreams.

This year, Saturday’s “O-Tis the Season” is just one day shy of the 56th anniversary of Redding’s death in an airplane crash along with four members of his band while on tour near Madison, Wis.

Nicknamed the “King of Soul,” Redding grew up in Macon from the age of two and began his rise to stardom here. He would have been 82 this year.

The Otis Redding Foundation was founded by Redding’s wife, Zelma Redding, to continue and expand many of the efforts he had begun.

For ticketing and more information about the work of The Otis Redding Foundation, the Otis Redding Center for the Arts or how to be involved, go to www.otisreddingfoundation.org.

Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com.