The Christmas Schooner

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The Christmas Schooner
Music Julie Shannon
Lyrics Julie Shannon
Book John Reeger
Based upon True story
Productions 1996 Chicago
Awards Chicago After Dark Award

The Christmas Schooner is a musical written by John Reeger with music and lyrics by Julie Shannon.

Premiered at Bailiwick Repertory Theatre and received the 1996 Chicago After Dark Award for outstanding new work. A twelve year (as of 2006) continuing seasonal run has followed as well as a CD, and productions in the Midwest, Texas and California have also been successful. 2006 was the final season for the performance at the Bailiwick Repertory Theatre.[1]

Based on the true story of the Rouse Simmons, a Great Lakes schooner whose captain risks life and limb to transport fir trees from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to Chicago's German immigrants during the late 19th century. Notable songs from the musical include "We All Have Songs," "Pass it On," "What is it About the Water?," "Winterfest Polka," "Questions," and "Hardwater Sailors."

Contents

[edit] Performances

  • Bailiwick Repertory Theater

The professional World Premiere of “The Christmas Schooner” debuted at the Bailiwick Repertory Theatre in the Winter of 1995.

Directed by David Zak with the following actors in the main roles: David G. Peryam as Peter Stossel, Candace L. Johnson as Alma Stossel, Roscoe Frasier as Gus, Anthony Cotton as Karl (age 9), and Becca Daniels as Cousin Martha. Other actors featured throughout the annual run of Chrtistmas Schooner include: Amy Arbizzani (Martha, Alma), Tom Higgins (Gus), Ben Stoner (Steve), Brendan Martin (Young Karl), Hilary Feldman (Enid), Gretchen Goodrich (Cousin Martha), David Vish (Oskar), JB Ward (Olive), and Paul Mullen (Hans).

[edit] Awards

  • Winner of Chicago's 1996 "After Dark" Award for Outstanding New Work.
  • Winner of Chicago's 1996 "After Dark" Award for Outstanding Performance: Candace L. Johnson as Alma Stossel
  • Named a 1996 "Editor's Choice" by American Theatre Magazine.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL). November 27, 2006. Farewell voyage: `Christmas Schooner' ending its 12-year run in sentimental style.
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