Grand Opera House (Macon, Georgia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Grand Opera House
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 651 Mulberry St., Macon, Georgia United States |
|---|---|
| Built | 1884 |
| Architect | Alexander Blair; W.R. Gunn |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000196 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 1970 |
The Grand Opera House, also known as The Grand, is a famous opera house in Macon, Georgia, United States. It was first called the Academy of Music. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Today, it serves as the main performing arts center for Mercer University.
Contents
A Look Back at the Grand Opera House
How the Grand Opera House Began
The Grand Opera House was built in 1884. Back then, it was called the Academy of Music. It had the biggest stage in the southeastern United States. The theater could seat 2,418 people. This was almost one-fifth of Macon's entire population at that time!
In 1905, the building got a big makeover. A new seven-story front was added. After this renovation, it reopened as the Grand Opera House.
Famous Moments and Performers
The Grand Opera House has seen many exciting events. In 1908, a play called Ben-Hur was performed there. It even featured real horses and chariots on stage! During World War I, the famous actor Charlie Chaplin visited. He led the John Philip Sousa band to help raise money.
Many other famous people have performed at The Grand. These include Sarah Bernhardt, Will Rogers, and Bob Hope. Music legends like the Allman Brothers Band and Ray Charles have also graced its stage. In October 1973, The Allman Brothers Band, Wet Willie, and The Marshall Tucker Band appeared there. This was for a TV show called "Saturday Night In Macon."
The Magic of Houdini
The famous magician Harry Houdini also performed at The Grand. He left behind a cool secret. The stage has several trap doors. One of these doors still works today! It is sometimes used in shows, like the yearly The Nutcracker ballet. People in Macon say these trap doors were put in just for Houdini.
In 1936, live shows like vaudeville became less popular. So, The Grand changed into a movie theater. It even hosted Macon's only Hollywood premiere. This was for the 1945 movie God is My Co-Pilot.
Saving and Reviving the Grand
From Parking Lot to Historic Landmark
By the 1960s, The Grand stopped showing movies. There were even plans to tear it down and build a parking lot. But a group called the Macon Arts Council stepped in. They formed in 1967 to save and restore The Grand.
The group held a special event to raise money. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performed at this event. Their efforts worked! In 1970, the property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This helped protect it.
One of the people who helped save The Grand was architect Ellamae Ellis League. She also oversaw the restoration work. The Grand reopened as a live theater in 1969. The second balcony, sometimes called the "peanut gallery," was then used for lighting equipment. This changed the seating to 1,030 people. More fundraising and upgrades continued over the years, including another big renovation in 1985.
The Grand Today with Mercer University
In 1995, Mercer University took over managing The Grand. They have invested a lot in updating the building. Now, it has modern equipment and is a key place for community events.
Today, The Grand hosts many different shows. You can see Broadway touring companies, concerts, and community theatre productions. The popular Nutcracker holiday show is still performed there every year. It continues to be a vibrant center for arts and entertainment in Macon.
