I’ve never been so moved by The Nutcracker as I was at the opening matinee performance of Milwaukee Ballet’s new production. I’ve never before joined the standing ovation with tears streaming down my cheeks; not at any of near-20 times I’ve seen Michael Pink’s earlier version; not last year, when this new rendition subtitled Drosselmeyer’s Imaginarium premiered on the Marcus Center mainstage. Some episode or passage always pulled me from the spell, turned me intellectual, and left me waiting for some coming highlight. This year, every moment was a highlight.
John Schneider is the CEO of The Argus-Press, a local news outlet based in Blacksburg, Virginia. With a focus on local news and events, John's articles cover a range of topics including sports, community achievements, education, and cultural events. His work has also been featured in various other publications and media outlets.