Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...There's a new sound system at L. Walter Stearns' Mercury this year, and real Christmas trees on the Molly (last time, I felt like I was in the holiday aisle at Walgreens). Most importantly, various fine Chicago actors (Cory Goodrich, James Wilson Sherman, Thomas M. Shea) have taken a kind of ownership of this show, smoothing over its rougher patches, finding ways to make it more true, real and kind."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...Take this show and love it, Chicago, romanticized German Lutherans and all. This happens to be an especially good year to do so, too, since L. Walter Stearns's production is pretty much flawless--grounded by several talented veterans of past editions, energized by what looks an awful lot like deep conviction. "
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"...The music and lyrics in this show are beautiful and no doubt a big part of its popularity but the Mercury’s current production is anchored by Hamilton, who brings a wonderful reality and nobility to his role. He shines brightest when he sings a song to his sleeping son, telling him that while he doesn’t feel he’s the great man his son thinks he is, it feels so good that he wants to try. (Pardon me a moment readers, there’s something in my eyes.)"
Time Out Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...It’s far from groundbreaking theater, but the Schooner, like the ships that inspired it, is tried and true. If you’re looking for a festive alternative to the same old stuffy Scrooge and Tiny Tim with a Chicago twist, it’s well worth your Christmastime."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Schooner demonstrates the spirit of togetherness, help and sacrifice that fuels the hearty Midwestern ethic then and today. The Mercury Theater’s production is a polished, tightly presented version of the Chicago traditional Holiday show. it works so well in the intimate jewel-box of a theatre on Southport Avenue. Make this show an annual treat for the whole family. The 2013 production is tighter and with more heart than usual demonstrating how much respect the cast has in the material. If you only go to one holiday show, make it The Christmas Schooner."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...One of my favorite holiday stories is that of ”The Christmas Schooner”, the musical that takes on its life each year at The Mercury Theater ( after years of moving about, it seems to now have the perfect home) and each year allows more people to learn of the wonder of the first Christmas Tree Ship that brought tradition and Christmas to Chicago ( late 1800′s/early 1900′s), from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is a warm and moving story with a book by John Reeger ( one of Chicago’s finest actors) and music and lyrics by Julie Shannon. This is a Chicago story, written by Chicagoans and based on a wonderful tradition that will bring a tear to your eye, even after seeing it year after year."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...Memories are made as old traditions endure and new traditions evolve. L. Walter Stearns and Eugene Dizon clearly understand this with their glorious production that feels new, fresh and more exciting this year. An endearing holiday family tradition continuing for many theatergoers and a new Christmas custom for others to anticipate for years to come, this year’s voyage is overflowing with sincerity and love."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...I’d only seen “The Christmas Schooner” once back in its Bailiwick days and it didn’t make a large impression on me. But the Mercury production earns my respect and appreciation for its superior level of performance, its fine physical production, and Stearns’s ability to pull together a show that could easily slip into low comedy, corny sentiment, and finally, the maudlin. Instead, it all works, so if you are Scrooged and Nutcrackered out this season, “The Christmas Schooner” is a most pleasurable entertainment alternative."