January in the midstate is usually a month void of theater, but his year we’re going to have at least four shows, plus what is for many folks the major music event of the year, the Macon Symphony Orchestra’s annual January Pops — set for Jan. 24 at the Macon City Auditorium.
The four plays this month come as a pleasant surprise. Because most theater groups stand down during the holidays, it is usually February before they’re ready to mount a production.
This year, however, we have the Youth Actors Company presenting Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” beginning next weekend. Directed by Theatre Macon artistic director Jim Crisp, this ambitious production runs Jan. 16-25. For those who’ve never seen the YAC in action,
I can report that I can’t recall this group even producing anything less than very nice work — and often their productions are downright spectacular.
Teens who are at loose ends this winter may want to audition for YAC’s next show, “Footloose.” Tryouts are slated for 2 p.m. Saturday at Theatre Macon.
The second show to tempt us this month is another classic. Dublin’s Bohemian Theatrical Society will present Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” Wednesday-Jan. 16.
Also this month, Jan. 22-23, the GrandKids series will be hosting “Beakman Live,” based on the popular TV show. “Rain: The Beatles Experience” will be at the Grand Opera House on Jan. 22-23.
Note also that the Douglass Theatre will be hosting the Metropolitan Opera’s HD broadcast of “La Rondine” at 1 p.m. Saturday, while the Macon Film Guild will be in action Sunday with the French murder mystery “Tell No One.”
MUSIC AHEAD
Leading off the musical lineup this month is the Macon Concert Association presenting Yugoslavian guitarist Petar Jankovic. Currently a member of the faculty at Indiana University, Jankovic will perform works by Heitor Villa-Lobos, Isaac Albeniz and others at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Wesleyan College’s Burden Parlor.
The following night, Georgia College & State University will host the Vega Quartet for a 7:30 p.m. concert in the arts and sciences auditorium. The event will be the culmination of a two-day residency.
The blockbuster event on the music calendar this month is the MSO’s January Pops Concert on Jan. 24 featuring Jay White doing a tribute to Neil Diamond. The best way to enjoy this affair is to purchase a table (301-5300), pack a picnic hamper and gather a group of friends. If you’re on a budget, the music is just as good from the balcony.
THEATER TRIUMPH
Sunday at 3 p.m., Northside High School will present an encore performance of “Once on This Island.” Five canned goods will get you in to see this winner of the State One-Act Play Competition. This show marks Northside’s 14th state title and its third in a row.
ART NEWS
Beginning Jan. 16, the Middle Georgia Art Association will attempt to brighten the winter months with “Sunflowers.” Next Friday’s opening reception runs from 6-8 p.m.
Note also that Saturday is the final day to catch the exhibition by Georgia artist Larry Walker at the Tubman African American Museum.
Wesleyan College’s Valeria McCullough Art Building will soon open an exhibition of work by ceramist Jorie Berman, with an opening reception slated for 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Larry Fennelly can be reached by e-mail at larryfennelly@maconstate.edu
