Marquee

  • Nikki Vincent
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My Grand Family
My Grand Family 372 499 Nikki Vincent

I always tell people that I have grown up at The Grand — and that’s not a lie. I really feel like I have.

Nikki dressed up as a Mercer student clerk

I remember coming to the GrandKids series as an elementary school kid, being excited that I was out of school for the day and being thrilled that I got to enjoy things that “big people” get to enjoy. I remember the feathers on the Native American dancers’ clothing and the drumming that I felt down in my toes as I watched them dance on Mulberry. I remember fondly the smell of the chalk that I got to use on the Grand’s sidewalk as part of an arts event. I’m sure my mother remembers it as well, since I wore more of the chalk dust than the sidewalk did.

As a Mercer student, I was given the opportunity to work in the Box Office as a student ticket clerk, which thrilled me beyond belief. I thought that it was going to just be a fun job to hold my senior year.

Little did I know that returning to the place I remember fondly from my childhood to “just sell tickets” would lead to me discovering my passion, my career, my second family.

One of the greatest joys I have had in working at The Grand is that I have been able to go on a journey with many of you as The Grand has evolved and developed. We have experienced many changes together, the good (hello bathrooms!) and the ugly (…I know that some of you still miss the center aisle.) Through the years I have been blessed to have grown to know many of you on a personal level. Through The Grand, I’ve become part of your lives and you’ve become part of mine.

With The Grand Family at a reception

Nothing thrills me more to see Sloan and Sam Oliver at church on Sunday morning, and get a big hug and an invitation to sit with them. Or seeing Susan Hake out and about in Macon, hearing her opinion of the most recent event and taking notes on what The Grand should consider in the future. Or taking selfies with Elaine Evans in the lobby before she goes to her seat for the night. There are many more of you out there. If I tried to name you all, they may not let me post here again.

I say all of this to tell you that I consider each and every person that walks through this door an extension of my Grand Family. You are the reason I come to work every day and strive to make your experience nothing short of phenomenal. I genuinely enjoy the connection and bonds we share and hope that my Grand Family will continue to expand.

With the shadow cast of The Rocky Horror Picture Show after a successful performance

I currently serve as The Grand’s Director of Rentals and Patron Services.

Whew. That title sure is a mouthful.

Essentially, I am here for you. If you have a ticketing concern, email me. Have an issue you want to report, come find me in the lobby at a show. Need to discuss your season tickets? Let’s set up a meeting to walk through The Grand together. Want to chat about a fun experience you have, call me. I’m your girl.

Like I said, I consider you family. Family leans on one another. Feel free to lean on me. I can be reached at 478-301-5461 and vincent_vn@mercer.edu

-Nikki Vincent is the Director of Rentals and Patron Services for The Grand Opera House

  • Joe Patti
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Seeing What You Love With The People You Love In The Place You Love
Seeing What You Love With The People You Love In The Place You Love 2048 1365 Joe Patti

We love it when people ask us to present performances of different shows and musical groups. That tells us that when people want to see stuff they love, they are thinking about The Grand Opera House as the place they want to see it.

We do keep a list of suggestions, but there are many reasons why we may not be able to present the show. Sometimes it is just that the performers aren’t planning on touring or coming near Macon. So it might not happen this year, but the stars could align in the future.

It may be the show requires a bigger stage than we have. It may be that the show would be better in a smaller venue or a place you can get up and dance.

Some shows people suggest ask such a large performance fee, no one would be able to afford the ticket.

When we contract a show, we are doing a lot more than just thinking about whether the show will make money. The Grand Opera House, like so many other non-profit organizations around Macon, is always thinking about whether we are doing a good job serving the community.

National surveys tell us that the top reason people don’t participate creative arts organizations, whether it be theaters, museums, galleries, concerts, dance performances, libraries, classes, etc., is that they don’t see themselves or their stories being depicted.

Also near the top of the list of reasons is not having anyone to go with you. People value sharing new experiences with family and friends. We love it when people tell us they attended The Grand or saw a particular show when they were young now they are introducing a child, grandchild or friend to The Grand or the show they loved.

But with everyone’s busy schedule, it can be tough finding a buddy to see stuff with. Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, people will have the opportunity to make new friends with whom they can share new experiences –not just at The Grand, but other area organizations. Keep an eye open for details (Hint: It also involves going to fun places, chatting, and snacking.)

There have been multiple times in The Grand Opera House’s 115 year existence that the community has rallied around it to keep the doors open. We feel like we owe something back so we think very seriously and have long conversations about how we can make better decisions in order to helping people like you see themselves and their stories.

So you will see us at On The Table sessions, meetings for Macon’s Cultural Masterplan and neighborhood community meetings.

No need to wait until a meeting is called to tell us what you are thinking. You can chat with us whenever you see us, whether we are in the lobby or out shopping at the supermarket or in a restaurant eating lunch.

 

We send surveys out after each of our events so it would be great if you could take a few moments to answer them.

However, if you and your friends want to be more involved and make sure you are being heard, we recently created a Circle of Friends, a group that meets periodically to chat about the future at The Grand.

We would love to have you participate. If you are good at chatting and eating snacks, sign up here.

-Joe Patti is the Executive Director of The Grand Opera House.

  • Julia Morrison
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Don’t miss a single note. Subscribe to Broadway in Macon
Don’t miss a single note. Subscribe to Broadway in Macon 3840 2160 Julia Morrison

There’s always been something special about the American-born art form of the Broadway musical.

It takes place at a moment where your emotions swell to the point that words just won’t do. It’s the coordination of dozens of performers with moving set pieces, sparkling costumes, and the timing of a live orchestra. A Broadway story is just grander than daily life… or as an expression I’ve often heard, “Drama is not about doing the dishes!”

So why not see it in the grandest place in Macon?

As spring comes upon us, Broadway will visit Macon once again. This year, each musical brings the audience back in time to mid-20th century, wrestling with what it means to be an American in times of upheaval. Yet each story has its own distinct personality, from the breathless romance of An American in Paris, to the high-octane big band brass and dance of Bandstand, to the soulful empowerment of The Color Purple.

Bandstand comes from three-time Tony® winner and Hamilton choreographer, Andy Blankenbuehler.

And there’s one way to get a front row seat and experience every moment. Becoming a subscriber is about more than just savings – it’s about never missing a beat from the first overture to the final bow. You also become part of the engine that powers The Grand to continue telling these stories.

It’s a community that doesn’t stop when the lights come up. Subscribers get special perks and events, like subscriber-only receptions, season preview party, and advanced access to tickets before they go on sale to the general public. The Rocky Horror Picture Show, for example, which sold out in 2019, went to subscribers first for 2020 tickets. There’s opportunities to get the best seats for other performances, too, even for some shows that aren’t presented by The Grand.

The Color Purple was based on Alice Walker’s experiences growing up in Middle Georgia

Subscribers get superior service, from sitting in their preferred seats for every show to being recognized by our staff and volunteers. Some folks have become friends with their seatmates for years at a time.

And yes, subscriptions offer the steepest discount on Broadway in Macon. Subscriptions start at less than $50 per Broadway ticket, a major savings over buying for each individual performance.

With so many reasons to subscribe, why take the chance on missing a daring stage feat, a singer bringing down the house, or a story that stirs the soul?

Subscribe to Broadway now – or contact us with any questions, thoughts, or concerns.

An American in Paris features Gershwin classics like “I Got Rhythm”

  • Julia Morrison
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And to think that you saw it on Mulberry Street – Our new marquee
And to think that you saw it on Mulberry Street – Our new marquee 236 354 Julia Morrison

Welcome to 2020! At The Grand, we ended the decade with a show of lights, just as Macon got ready to light up downtown for the Christmas Lights Festival. After a year of our marquee sitting dark, we were able to install a new marquee that was bigger and better than ever. This is thanks to a group of generous community donors, businesses, and nonprofits that helped to make it happen.

The history of the marquee is really interesting. Over time, several different marquees have been installed, and sometimes there has been none at all. However, without the marquee, the “grand” presence of the theater inside gets lost in the frontage of the building. Look at this photo above without the — it’s hard to tell what’s inside.

A passersby may not be able to envision the beautiful performance space that awaits without a marquee. But the actual aesthetic of the marquee has changed over the years. The lively and colorful nature of the marquee has caught the attention of passersby as a major attraction in downtown Macon. Here’s a few of our marquees over time:

Eventually, technology evolved enough to have the vibrant screen we have today, which is capable of motion and video:

At night, the marquee is a beacon to The Grand

 

The most recent marquee iteration before it shut down

The marquee we just installed is different from others in several ways. One of these is that it has cloud-based software, meaning it can be updated anytime, anywhere through the Internet. Our old system had to be updated through a single stationary computer in The Grand’s offices. This marquee can show different content across the three panels, running simultaneous video and animations. Most importantly for the longevity of The Grand, the new marquee has a long parts and labor warranty, which means that if something goes dark, the staff won’t have to scramble. Installing it took a few days and included a fascinating look behind the marquee panel…

Wires and trusses abound

Truth be told, we were only able to make this happen because of incredible donors that managed to raise a six-figure sum for the project. These passionate community members and businesses have ensured that the lights will continue to shine on Mulberry Street and bring attention and awareness to our work in the theatre inside. To honor our donors, we’ve been featuring their names on the marquee. Check it out:

We love hearing stories and seeing photos from our patrons enjoying their night out. Now that we have the marquee back up, The Grand Opera House would love to see your photos taken in front of the show signs. We’re offering a prize once a month and featuring submissions from patrons on our blog in our “Send Us Your Selfies” campaign if you tag @thegrandmacon on Instagram or Twitter or Grand Opera House on Facebook. Hope to hear from you!

  • Joe Patti
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Love Letters Meet And Greet Pictures
Love Letters Meet And Greet Pictures 500 648 Joe Patti

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Love Letters meet and greet with Barbara Eden and Barry Bostwick. The staff traveling with the performers provided us with some of the pictures they took. If you are one of the people below and would like an original, please email us at TheGrand@mercer.edu with the number(s) of the images you want.

Thanks!

 

  • Joe Patti
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Help The Grand Replace Its Marquee
Help The Grand Replace Its Marquee 1079 462 Joe Patti

The Grand’s stately digital marquee was installed 10 years ago and has ceased to operate despite our best efforts to maintain it.

Taking pictures with the marquee in the background is something so many visitors do to remember their experience attending events at The Grand. It breaks our hearts that there is a blank band behind them rather than the name of the show they are so excited about seeing.

We hope to purchase a new marquee which will be of much better quality and comes with a seven-year parts and labor warranty.

All gifts for the marquee above $100 will be recognized on the marquee for a period of time and will be permanently listed on a special Marquee Fund plaque in the lobby.

We appreciate the support of those who have already donated to the project.

Give online via our secure website www.mercer.edu/GrandGiving, come in to The Grand, or contact us at 478-301-5470

 

  • Emily Stepp
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How big of an ABBA fan are you?
How big of an ABBA fan are you? 1080 800 Emily Stepp

Other fun ABBA facts!

ABBA Mania

In 1977, the band could have sold out London’s famous Royal Albert Hall a whopping 580 times. ABBA’s first concerts scheduled in the UK included two dates at the venue. 3,5 million ABBA-loving Brits applied via mail for the 12,000 available seats.

A bizarre conspiracy theory regarding the band’s male members has been making its rounds for decades. Back in the eighties, the world press discovered that Benny and Bjorn had never been photographed together alone. The fact sparked rumors that the ABBA men were, in fact, the same person. Forensic scientists would later put the strange theory to rest when they studied pictures of the pair, Benny parted his hair to the left while Bjorn had his parted to the right.

Anni-Frid Synni, commonly known to fans as Frida, actually went on to become royalty. In 1986, Frida began a high profile romance with Prince Heinrich Ruzzo Reuss von Plauen who was a prince of the former sovereign German House of Reuss. The former ABBA star became a royal after marrying the prince in 1992, earning the titles of Princess Reuss and Countess of Plauen.

ABBA Mania

During its extensive and wildly impressive musical history, ABBA has broken a string of world records. The band itself has sold between 400-500 million records worldwide, making them one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. The pop group was the very first group from a non-English-speaking country to have earned top spots in charts in all English-speaking countries including Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and The United States.

 

 

 

ABBA Mania

 

Get prepared for the fun! Listen to our ABBA Spotify playlist featuring your favorite hits and related artists.

Take the quiz again!

 

Learn more about ABBA Mania and our other upcoming concerts by clicking the events below:

 

May 2024
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  • Sarah Webster
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The Search for Neverland
The Search for Neverland 2048 1365 Sarah Webster

Win 2 Free Tickets to see Finding Neverland

The Search for Neverland begins

Friday, Feb. 1 and ends Friday, Feb. 8 at 3 p.m.

Everyone who completes ALL the tasks will be entered to win 2 FREE tickets to see Finding Neverland on Feb 12 & 13. (5 pairs total)

The Grand Opera House invites everyone who doesn’t want to grow up to join us on our Search for Neverland right here in Macon. Complete each of the tasks below around town and document your experience, posting to Facebook OR Instagram and using the hashtag #NeverlandMacon. (Make your posts public to ensure we see your photos!) Tag the Grand Opera House in your photos. Complete in any order. Look for the Search in the current issue of 11th Hour, on stands now!

Here are the tasks:

  1. Fairy dust is great, but there’s also Mercedes Benz of Macon to get us around. Go take a picture in the driver’s seat of a showroom car!

  2. Strike a Peter Pan pose and snap a pic in front of the Beverly Olson Children’s Hospital at Navicent Health. Navicent Health is our show sponsor!

  3. Visit a library and take a photo of yourself reading Peter Pan.

  4. Show us your best Captain Hook pirate impression in the boat sculpture at Bernd Park. (video)

  5. Take a video of yourself “flying” across the pedestrian bridge at Mercer University.

  6. Remember your childhood! Take a video of yourself going down the slide at Society Garden.

  7. Let’s see your musical skills. Take a video of yourself playing the piano on Poplar Street.

  8. Take a pic with the sculpture located at Cherry and Third Street. Copy her pose!

  9. Go to the Macon Arts Gallery and get a selfie with your favorite piece of art.

  10. Take a picture of your shadow stretching out over the fountain in Tattnall Square Park

 

For more information about Finding Neverland or our other upcoming Broadway shows check out the events below!

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