Bear with us while we explain the concept for this series of articles: we take two seemingly unrelated Milwaukee icons, then pit them against each other in 10 categories. In each category, we assign them points, one through 10, then add them up and name the winner.
No, it's not scientific, but yes, it's fun. In the past, we compared the Pabst Theater vs. Pabst Beer, the Marcus Amphitheater vs. the Big Bang, even the Marquette Interchange vs. Bayshore.
For this edition we get festive by comparing the Milwaukee Ballet's "The Nutcracker," which runs through Dec. 28, to Buddy Squirrel nut, snack and gourmet popcorn shop.
And ... fight!
Affordability:
"The Nutcracker," 7
Tickets for this timeless holiday tale range from $16 to $66 and this year, the Milwaukee Ballet offers a new, flexible family subscription package that includes tickets to "The Nutcracker" and your choice of two additional shows for the fam: "Fancy Free," "Genesis" or "Live and Kicking."
Buddy Squirrel, 5
Unless you're buying peanuts in the shell, specialty nuts can get pricey. Deluxe Mixed Nuts will set you back $19.99 for a 1-lb. tin. But, compared to other specialty nut and candy stores, Buddy is your pocketbook's pal.
Value to the city:
"The Nutcracker," 5
A high-profile piece executed beautifully is a great way to highlight Milwaukee arts.
Buddy Squirrel, 5
It's always advantageous for a city to maintain thriving, locally-owned businesses.
Popularity:
"The Nutcracker," 9
The ballet is pretty popular here in Milwaukee, attracting approximately 30,000 visitors annually.
Buddy Squirrel, 6
Milwaukeeans love a good bowl of mixed nuts; they're prefect with a beer at the bar and a great game-time snack, but whether everyone's buying from Buddy is hard to say. But with 12 retail locations, it's safe to say it's attracting its fair share of customers.
National name recognition:
"The Nutcracker," 10
If you've never heard of The Nutcracker, you've been living under a rock.
Buddy Squirrel, 2
Buddy Squirrel isn't a household name across the country, but the company does do a fair amount of mail-orders to the Midwestern states around the holidays.
Design:
"The Nutcracker," 9
In 1998, the Joan, Jack and Victor Stein Foundation provided Milwaukee Ballet with a $1 million gift to create an all-new version of "The Nutcracker."
Buddy Squirrel, 10
The design is quite brilliant, actually. They sell products that almost everyone universally loves -- save the nut allergy group -- will the help of an adorable little illustrated squirrel.
Uniqueness:
"The Nutcracker," 4
As one of the most famous ballets of all time, it's difficult to veer from the course without taking away from Tchaikovsky's original vision. But then again, more than 130 local children take their turn playing characters such as soldiers, angels and mice throughout the 16-day run, dancing alongside the pros.
Buddy Squirrel, 8
Buddy Squirrel is Wisconsin's largest retail nut, healthy snack mix and popcorn operation, which also makes cheese, caramel and other gourmet popcorns.
Economic value:
"The Nutcracker," 9
Given that it is one of the most beloved holiday ballets, the 16-day run brings in a decent chunk of cash at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts during a season that usually sees an economic / tourists decline in Milwaukee.
Buddy Squirrel, 5
Who doesn't love nuts and candy? It's an easy and sure-to-be appreciated holiday gift option -- there's value for ya.
Convenience factor:
"The Nutcracker," 4
The more than two-week run should give you plenty of time to find an open night in your schedule to attend. Then again, driving in a Wisconsin winter can sometimes be less than pleasant, and then there's always the joy of Downtown parking.
Buddy Squirrel, 10
Buddy Squirrel / Quality Candy has 12 locations; 10 of which are in the Milwaukee area and two that are in Madison. On top of that, they're all located within shopping malls or strip malls, including Bayshore, Mayfair, Brookfield, Southridge and the Grand Avenue. If you can't find one, you probably don't get out much.
History:
"The Nutcracker," 7
Milwaukee Ballet has performed a full-length version of "The Nutcracker" since 1977.
Buddy Squirrel, 10
The Squirrel wins this match. Quality Candy, which bought Buddy Squirrel in the '60s, originally opened in 1916 on Mitchell Street, making it a near-century-old Cream City success story.
Quality of product:
"The Nutcracker," 9
The costumes, the imagery, the sugar plum fairies -- it's always a majestic display.
Buddy Squirrel, 10
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who thinks Buddy's nuts aren't top notch.
Total:
"The Nutcracker," 73
Buddy Squirrel, 71
Winner: "The Nutcracker"
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”
