The Grand Opera House Celebrates 125th Birthday by Unveiling Luminescent New Marquee

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MACON – The Grand Opera House, a Performing Arts Center of Mercer University, marked its 125th birthday by unveiling its new state-of-the-art marquee today. The Grand has illuminated Macon and Central Georgia with the best in theater, music and special events and the marquee will brighten the theater’s exciting future.

“Mercer University is very pleased to have been involved with this project from the beginning,” said President William D. Underwood. “The University’s commitment to this project has been instrumental in ensuring its successful completion. We are pleased to make this contribution to the citizens of Bibb County and all of Central Georgia.”

“On the 125th anniversary of The Grand Opera House, we are celebrating this historic building, quite literally, in lights,” said Karen Lambert, executive director of The Grand Opera House. “The marquee is a distinctive and beautiful feature for the Grand, for Mulberry Street and for all of downtown Macon for many years to come and we are very excited to bring this to the community.”

The new marquee features a mile and half of neon lights wrapped around a gilded frame and three giant screens, made up of 4,400 energy-efficient LED lights. It promises to be a highlight of the historic landmark in the years ahead, Lambert said. The success of the marquee project will serve as an example of the importance of historical revitalization and community pride, she noted, as it benefits downtown Macon, its businesses and organizations.

As a member of Mercer’s staff, Lambert has worked on the project for several years with the Grand Opera House Board of Governors and a marquee committee to help raise funds for this project. Numerous individuals and organizations made gifts and pledges as part of this campaign.

About The Grand Opera House
The Grand Opera House, a performing arts center of Mercer University, is a historic 1,000-seat theatre located at 651 Mulberry St. in downtown Macon, Ga. The Grand brings the very best in live, professional performing arts and entertainment to Central Georgia. In addition to its popular Broadway Series of nationally-touring productions and its GrandKids Arts Education Series for elementary, middle and high school students, The Grand hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. It is also home to the Macon Symphony Orchestra, the Central Georgia Opera Guild and The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia. For a complete schedule of upcoming performances, contact Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 301-5470 or visit www.TheGrandMacon.com.
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