Each year Christmas arrives and leaves so quickly. Just as I’m getting in the groove, it’s over. This year, even though it was my first in Milwaukee, was no different. Sadly, it is over already. It was good though.
It began and ended with two of Milwaukee’s long running Christmas traditions, Manheim Steamroller and The Nutcracker. Both events were worth getting spiffed up for, both were worth heading downtown for and both events made Christmas away from Canada a little easier.
On December 23rd, Jim, Jim’s dad and Jim’s dad’s girlfriend and I headed to The Milwaukee Theatre for the Manheim Steamroller concert. Interestingly, the Milwaukee Theatre used to house a boxing ring and Jim’s granddad boxed there in 1916. (cool!) Anyway on the 23rd there was no boxing to be had rather a synthesized collection of contemporary and traditional Christmas music.
Manheim Steamroller is in its 25th year of Christmas concerts. Their music is boppy and easy to listen to. Unfortunately, their floor show and graphics don’t appear to have changed in 25 years which is a little distracting. It takes away from the music and makes the show a little cheesy. But as Christmas traditions go, it’s a great way to kick off the holiday. Sue and Bob thoroughly enjoyed it, making it completely worthwhile.
Boxing Day (Dec. 26th), Jim and I ended our weekend at the ballet, (I know, Packer Sunday, what a good man he is!). We attended The Nutcracker at the Marcus Theatre. I have seen this ballet before, in Winnipeg, with my mum and my niece. It didn’t disappoint then and it didn’t disappoint now. It was magical.
The sets and the scene changes were captivating. Right before our eyes we went from a Christmas party in the parlor down underneath the Christmas tree, to fight eye to eye against the Rat King. We traveled to faraway places and watched beautiful people dance beautiful dances. The antics of the clowns and the three little reluctant chickens(?) entertained us and made us laugh. Of course, the music of The Nutcracker is Christmas itself.
We even got home with enough time to see the Packers beat the Giants.
Merry Christmas, Milwaukee.
