The Christmas Schooner at Theatre At The Center

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...With book by John Reeger and music and lyrics by Julie Shannon, this is the same “Schooner” that weighed anchor at the Bailiwick Arts Center in Chicago for more than a decade. It was a beloved attraction on Belmont Avenue, where “Schooner” receipts subsidized many other Bailiwick operations, before the venue finally went under. I saw this show almost every year of its existence, out of professional duties but also because it became a strikingly intense part of my personal Christmas."

SouthtownStar - Highly Recommended

"...The Christmas Schooner has no Santa Claus, no Christmas spirits, no Scrooge and no sugar plums. Instead, this inspirational musical has its own charm as the only holiday show set in Chicago and the Great Lakes area."

Chicago Stage Review - Somewhat Recommended

"...If you loved The Christmas Schooner at Bailiwick, if it was an annual part of your holiday season, then by all means go see these wonderful actors in what may be the finest possible production of this show. If you are a theatre tech junkie, it is worth the price of admission just to marvel at Scenic Designer Jack Magaw’s hydraulic schooner prow! If you are looking for a show to fill you with the spirit of the holiday season, however, The Christmas Schooner may not float your boat."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...The Christmas Schooner is my all-time favorite holiday show and this production adds depth and richness to an already moving classic. Family values, sharing traditions and perking the spirits by helping others are all worthy endeavors especially during the holidays. What better way to celebrate these values then to be moved by this beautiful ode to the basic goodness of man? Shannon’s music will haunt you and Reeger’s book demonstrates the selflessness of man. We all need to hear “The Blessing of the Branch” as it urges us to take the little branch and pass it along. Be sure to take The Christmas Schooner on and pass it along to you family and friends."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...Director Chuck Gessert has put together a top notch cast. You will laugh and cry as you watch Peter and his family become the pioneers that made this country the greatest in the world. Brandon Dahlquist truly gives meaning to every word that Reeger wrote in his interpretation of this man. Cory Goodrich is a powerful Alma and Peter's father is played by veteran Peter Kevoian. One man played this role up north for many years and many people might compare his Gustav to that of Jim Sherman. They are different actors and each added their own touch."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"...Almost this entire story is told through the everlasting music. Shannon’s songs tell the whole story, including witty conversations between family members and acted as if reacting to real dialogue. It is a complex diverse score that moves with the changing tide in the play and allows the astonishing voices on stage to fill the house with the emotion of their characters."