The Christmas Schooner

The Christmas Schooner, the much-beloved musical will set sail into its 12th – and final - annual presentation at Chicago’s Bailiwick Repertory, 1229 W Belmont Avenue, in the Mainstage Theater starting November 17.  This humorous, poignant musical was inspired by the historical story of the German and Swiss immigrants who sailed on ships like the Rouse Simmons, “The Christmas Tree Ship”, which crossed Lake Michigan to Chicago to deliver fir Christmas trees for many years before it sank it an icy storm on November 22, 1912.

The Christmas Schooner also tells the love story of Peter and Alma Stossel, whose pioneering spirit is full of the energy and dreams of America in the early 19th century.  With the help of Peter's young son Karl and his father from the Old Country, Gus, Peter braves the icy waters of Lake Michigan to bring Christmas trees to families in Chicago after the Great Chicago Fire.  The Christmas Schooner is warm, funny and adventurous – and full of great dancing, exciting sailing sequences, and glorious music above all.

The show is based on the book by John Reeger, features music and lyrics by Julie Shannon. David Zak returns to direct the final production, and Scott Williams returns as musical director, and Brenda Didier choreographs.

Laura Sturm returns to play Alma Stossel for the 4th time, and Jim Sherman will be portraying grandfather Gus for the 4th consecutive year. Steve Marzolf steps into the role of Peter Stossel. While John Burns plays his Karl at age 9, and Zach Zube plays Karl at age 15.  Amanda Hayes plays Mary Claire Daugherty, and Anne Sheridan Smith is featured as Cousin Martha. Others in the cast include Kevin Grubb, Nancy Kolton, John Leen, Geoffrey Plitt, Harmony France, Sadie Wynne and Brent T. Barnes.

Since its premiere in the Studio Theater 12 years ago, Christmas Schooner has featured many noted performers. Candace Decker and David Peryam originated the roles of Alma and Peter Stossel, with Roscoe Fraser as the original Gus.  Tom Higgins won a Jeff Recommendation for Schooner, a role Jim Sherman subsequently has made his own. Amy Arbizzani holds the record for the most appearances in Schooner, as she was Cousin Martha for three seasons before playing Alma for another two years. Phil Gigante played Peter for two seasons before shifting over to direct two more. Karl Hamilton anchored four years of productions with his performance as Peter Stossel.  Kevin Grubb is the only ensemble member to do three seasons on the water, but many other cast members did two.  The child actors in the first production, including Anthony Cotton, have graduated from college. And Nina Roy, who last year played Mary Clare Daugherty, followed her brother Ben who played young Karl in the middle of the 12 year run.

On the technical side, David Zak directed eight of the twelve years, with Phil Gigante tackling two seasons, and Julia Lowe Walker and Shifra Werch each helming one. Brenda Didier has choreographed eight times, and Jared B. Moore has lit the show four times. Richard and Jaqueline Penrod and Eric Appleton have designed sets, and musical directors have included Patrick Holland, Jeremy Ramey, and Cyndi Stevens.  

The Christmas Schooner has previews on Friday, November 17th, and Saturday November 18th at 7:30pm. and opening night is Sunday November 19th at 7:30. The show runs until December 31st. To see exact times go to the Show Detail Page. 

The Christmas Schooner will also be performed by the Bailiwick cast at the German Cultural Center, 4740 North Western, on Saturday and Sunday December 9 and 10 at 7:30.  Call 773 561 9181 for details.

Tickets are available at 773-883-1090 or www.bailiwick.org.  Or through Ticketmaster, 312 559-1212.