Back when the Chippewa Valley (calmly and rationally) discussed the merits of building a new, large-scale arts center, one of the reasons offered in support of such a project was the ability to attract traveling productions. The Pablo Center’s inaugural season offered several shows that fulfilled that promise. A Charlie Brown Christmas Live contained both the family and holiday appeal necessary to make it a hit with local theatergoers, while Cirque Mechanics caused attendees jaws to drop with its modern circus daredevilry. In third place, Mabel Tainter’s The Nutcracker in Wonderland also delivered on the family/holiday formula to the delight of Menomonie patrons. – Eric Rasmussen