Sailing again November-December 2013
THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER sails again at the Mercury! The whole family will enjoy this heart-warming story of the first Christmas tree ship and the family who risked their lives to fill Chicago with the Christmas spirit. This critically acclaimed production features a powerful, moving story, an exquisite score of original music and traditional holiday favorites, and a company of 25 actors and musicians. This year’s production commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the historic voyage of the Christmas Tree Ship.
Tickets on-sale soon!
- The 2011 Cast of The Christmas Schooner
The shipwreck of the Rouse Simmons, known as ‘The Christmas Tree Ship’, served as inspiration for THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER. Her captain and crew risked the notoriously violent winter lake to bring Christmas trees from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Chicago’s German immigrants. Each year, Captain Herman Schuenemann would sell trees right off of the ship at the Clark Street Docks, and was known to give free trees to the needy. On November 23rd 1912, the ship was swept up in a terrible storm. It was not until 59 years later that she was discovered, lying in 170 feet of water. Today the Rouse Simmons and her cargo of 5,500 well stacked trees remain preserved in the cold, fresh waters of Lake Michigan and her legend has grown to mythical proportions. The Blaine Nickelodeon – the silent film theater that now houses the Mercury – opened that very same year.
- Captain Herman Schuenemann and the Crew of the Christmas Tree Ship
THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER has entertained audiences in hundreds of productions including a twelve year run at Chicago’s Bailiwick Repertory Theatre. Last year the Mercury revived the tradition with a full orchestra and an all-star cast, garnering a “Best Production” nomination for the 2012 Jeff Awards. The Chicago Tribune calls this show “a grand family tradition” and “a sacred part of a Chicago Christmas”. The Chicago Sun-Times raved, “an inheritance to be treasured”, “pleases in every way”, “highly recommended”. A timely and uplifting tale of love and loss, THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER reminds us of tradition, and our responsibility to celebrate the living while honoring our heritage.
THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER is written by Chicago favorites John Reeger (book) and Julie Shannon (music and lyrics) and stars returning cast members Karl Hamilton as “Peter Stossel”, Jeff Award winner Cory Goodrich as “Alma Stossel,” and Jeff Award winner Jim Sherman as “Gustav Stossel.”. The production is once again helmed by the Jeff-award winning team of L. Walter Stearns (director), Eugene Dizon (musical director) and Brenda Didier (choreographer). The scenic design is by Jacqueline and Richard Penrod, with costume design by Carol Blanchard and lighting design by Jason Epperson.
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Hello,
My Partner and I are looking forward to seeing your performance on Sunday afternoon, December 30.
I would be happy to bring along a key chain that has a 1/4″ slice of a Christmas tree that was found on the Rouse Simmons when it was raised. Perhaps you and your cast would like to see it?
(When I saw the performance about 8-9 years ago, I brought this along and showed it to the Director. But because I’d not contacted him ahead of time and presented it completely unprepared, his response was rather disappointing. Consequently, I’m e-mailing ahead of time.)
I’m attaching a web site that I found that pictures one of the other key chains (and cuff links!) made from similar tree cuttings, along with other things that were found on the ship.
Best wishes,
Jerry Ehernberger
Jerry,
We’d love to see it! See you soon at the theater!
Hi Dan,
There are a few new cast members, but for the most part it’s the same great show!
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