'The Christmas Schooner' Returns Nov. 19th.

Chicago's Favorite Original Holiday Musical Returns By Popular Demand!

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER by John Reeger and Julie Shannon

Is Directed by Mary C. Beidler And Returns With New Orchestrations.

Please Be Our Guest On Opening Night, Sunday, November 19^th at 7:30 p.m.

 

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER, the much-beloved musical returns by popular demand to the Bailiwick Mainstage with new orchestrations and designs. 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.

Preview Performances Are:

            Friday, November 28^th at 7:30 ($25 adults, $20 Seniors over 60 and Students under 16). 

            Saturday November 29 at 2:30 and 7:30. ($25 adults, $20 Seniors/Students).

 

Opening Night

            Sunday, November 30 at 7:00 ($35 includes reception, $25 for Seniors/Students)

 

Regular Performances Are:

            Thursdays Dec 4, 11, and 18 10:30 am  ($25 adults, $20 Seniors/Students)    

            Thursdays Dec 4, 11, and 18 at 7:30 p.m. ($25 adults, $20 Seniors/Students)

            Fridays Dec 5, 12, 19, 26 and Jan 2 at 7:30 ($30 adults, $25 for seniors/students)

Saturdays Dec 6, 13, 20, 27 and January 3 at 2:30 ($35 adults, $25 for seniors/students)

            Saturdays Dec 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 7:30. ($35 adults, $25 for seniors/students)

            Sundays December 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 2:30 ($35 adults, $25 for seniors/students)

            Sundays December 21 at 7:30 ($35 adults, $25 for seniors/students)

            Wednesday December 31 at 2:30 ($35 adults, $25 for seniors/students)

            Thursday January 1 at 2:30. ($35 adults, $25 for seniors/students)

           

The Chicago Sun-Times raved, "A rare holiday treasure. A delightful blend of humorous and tragic songs. A touching slice of life that is an inheritance to be treasured." WGN described "A perfect blend of story and song. Absolutely recommended." WBBM Radio said "A holiday hit and for good reason. A lovely family holiday theater outing!"

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER, based on the book by John Reeger, features music and lyrics by Julie Shannon. Mary C. Beidler, who appeared in many Bailiwick shows in the 1990's, returns to direct the final production, and Brenda Didier choreographs.  Honored and thrilled to be back working again in Chicago, Mary developed and directed Alexandra Billings' BEFORE I DISAPPEAR in Chicago, Boston, NYC Off-Broadway, Los Angeles (two ADA award nominations,) and in Three Oaks, Michigan. She directed and conducted a concert version of THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER in Door County, Wisconsin in 2007, and co-produced 2 runs of THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER at St. Paul's History Theatre.  She has enjoyed 30 years acting, directing and producing.  She is a proud member AEA, and recipient of two After Dark Awards for performance. 

New this year is a five piece band, with new orchestrations by Broadway veteran John Blank.

Tickets are available at 773-883-1090 or www.bailiwick.org.  For groups of ten or more call Group Tix at 1-877-447-7849.

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