The Christmas Schooner Sails Again!

Laura McClain, Jim Sherman, and John Leen star in Bailiwick's

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER.

Directed by Mary Beidler Gearen

 

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.

 

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 Dec 7, 14, 21, and 28 and Jan 4 at 2:30 ($35 adults, $25 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)

 

Laura McClain stars as Alma Stossel, with John Leen as Peter, and Jim Sherman returns to anchor the show as grandfather Gus. McClain recently appeared in A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE at Bailiwick, and Leen has been seen in many Bailiwick shows including JERRY SPRINGER - THE OPERA, and he played first mate Steve in CHRISTMAS SCHOONER in 2006. Jim Sherman has been a regular player at Bailiwick and Porchlight Music Theater, and has played Gus for the last 5 years at Bailiwick.

Children in the cast include Jack Mulopulos plays young Karl Stossel, Mitchell Rose plays Karl at 16, and Emma Chanen plays Mary Claire Daugherty. Tom Shea and Kevin Bishop return to the SCHOONER sailing crew, along with Kent Joseph and Mark LeBeau. Women in the ensemble include Kellie Cundiff as Martha, with Samantha Dubina, Catherine Battocletti and Kathleen Campbell Gibson completing the cast.

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!"

Mary Beidler Gearen, who appeared in many Bailiwick shows in the 1990's, returns to direct this final production at Bailiwick's home at 1229 West Belmont. Gearen directed and developed Alexandra Billings' "Before I Disappear" in Chicago, Boston, NYC Off-Broadway, LA (two ADA award nominations,) and in Three Oaks, Michigan. She directed and conducted a concert version of SCHOONER in Door County, and co-produced 2 runs at St. Paul's History Theatre. She has enjoyed 30 years acting, directing and producing, is a proud member AEA, and recipient of 2 After Dark Awards for performance.

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER features a book by John Reeger, with music and lyrics by Julie Shannon. Brenda Didier choreographs and musical director is Jeremy Ramer.

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

Tickets are available at 773-883-1090 or www.bailiwick.org.

 

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