| Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...For the first time at the Bailiwick, the “Schooner” is accompanied by a terrific small orchestra, instead of that rude and ungenerous upright piano. Thanks to the presence of the charming Chicago actress Laura McClain in the lead role, the show has the most solid vocal anchor in its history. And the unfussy director Mary Beidler Gearen newly surrounds the audience with the spirit of this extraordinarily moving show. Next year, there will be a new production of the “Schooner” at the Theatre at the Center in Munster, Ind. But in mind, at least, this show will always be inextricably linked with a warm and inclusive Chicago theater in Lakeview."
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Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...What could be cloying or cute is kept real by the show's details about vibrant post-fire Chicago, and the German-American Stossel family of upper Michigan--the "hardwater sailors" who braved the fall gales. Mary Beidler Gearen's staging stirs a strong cast to their personal bests. This show makes a fitting final production for Bailiwick Repertory Theatre in its Belmont Avenue home."
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NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...Ultimately, this becomes a family love story crisscrossing generations as well as a tale of duty and honor and maintaining sea traditions as well as Christmas traditions, passing on what we have been given and as “Opa” (Jim Sherman) observes, that “If we accept our blessings, we accept our pain as well.” Tying up such a message in a Christmas package filled with music makes it all the more palatable, but no less important."
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Windy City Times - Recommended
"...What distinguishes the 2008 production from its previous incarnations is not only that it marks Bailiwick's farewell to its space on Belmont Avenue ( recently purchased by Theater Wit ) , but that, for the first time, Julie Shannon's intricate score replaces the customary single piano with a five-piece orchestra, placed upstage center ( à la Black Ensemble's Jimmy Tillman ) and led by Jeremy Ramey. This, in turn, pushes the action farther downstage, rendering the words more audible than in recent memory."
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Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"...While most Christmas entertainment revolves around sugar plum fairies, a jolly old elf or a waif named Tiny Tim, this musical portrays part of our Midwestern history which, until recent years, had been unknown to most theatergoers. This simple holiday musical is not only educational, but it's perfect for the whole family."
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ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Everyone in the ensemble sang their hearts out and the numerous children in the audience were mesmerized with the show. I can’t think of a better way to introduce musical theatre to children than this show."
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