The Christmas Schooner

The Christmas Schooner, John Reeger and Julie Shannon's much-beloved musical will set sail for two special benefit concert presentations in the Bailiwick Repertory Mainstage, 1229 W Belmont Avenue on December 18 and 19, 2007 at 7:30 PM. 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 costumed concert will again feature Laura Sturm as Alma and Jim Sherman as grandfather Gus. Steve Marzolf returns as Peter Stossel. Scott Williams musical directs, and Matt Trucano is the director.

Since its premiere in the Studio Theater 13 years ago, The 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 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, Bailiwick Artistic Director David Zak directed eight of the twelve years, with Phil Gigante tackling two seasons, and Julie 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.

Tickets for this limited engagement are available through the Bailiwick Box Office at 773-883-1090 or online at www.bailiwick.org.  Ticket prices are $50 for reserved seating in the center section of the Bailiwick Mainstage and $25 for general admission on. Proceeds will benefit the American Brian Tumor Association, and Bailiwick's Capital Campaign Fund.