The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia at the Grand Opera House is a Christmastime tradition for many people in Macon and Middle Georgia.

Out of everyone who tries out for a role, it consists of hundreds of children, adults, even professional dancers from Cuba, New York, Hollywood, and West Palm Beach. The lead role of Clara has been given to a Stratford senior Carly Blackwood. 

Carly has been dancing in The Nutcracker for nine years. Her favorite role, besides Clara, of course, was her third year doing Little Girl because of how close she became with the other Little Girls, and through their friendships, she found another family. 

She was surprised to be Clara this year. If she had another year left of Nutcracker, she would want to dance as Spanish because the music is so upbeat, fun, and seems “fun to dance to” in the show. 

Aside from Carly, there are other upper-school girls who are currently in the show. Junior Sophia Tang is Snow, Flowers, and Spanish. Two sophomores are also participating: Annie Baxley is Snow, and Ginna Ross is a little girl. 

The opening night for the Nutcracker is Friday, December 10th at 7:30. The next showtimes are the next day, Saturday the 11th, at 2:30 and 7:30. The last day is Sunday, the 12th, at 2:30.