THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER Sets Sail at the Mercury Theater Nov. 27 - Dec. 29

Chicago,
IL- The much beloved
Chicago tradition of the presentation of THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER returns
to Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport, previewing November 27, opening
Wednesday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m., and running through December 29,
2013.  The whole family will enjoy this heart-warming musical story
of the first Christmas tree ship and the family who risked their lives to fill
Chicago with the Christmas spirit. Hailed as “A sacred part of a Chicago
Christmas!” by The Chicago Tribune, the production features a powerful,
moving story, an exquisite score of original music and traditional holiday
favorites, and a company of 25 actors and musicians.  The
production is helmed by the Jeff-award winning team of L. Walter Stearns
(Director), Eugene Dizon (Musical Director) and Brenda Didier
(Choreographer). 

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
23 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.

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER has entertained audiences in hundreds
of productions including a twelve year run at Chicago’s Bailiwick Repertory
Theatre. A timely and uplifting tale of love, THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER is
a poignant ode to the rich legacy of Chicago and a reminder of our
responsibility to celebrate the living while honoring our heritage.  In
2011, Mercury Theater Chicago revived THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER with a full
orchestra and an all-star cast, garnering a “Best Production” nomination for
the 2012 Jeff Awards. The production has been called  “A grand family
tradition!” by The Chicago Tribune and “An inheritance to be
treasured…Highly recommended!” by the Chicago Sun-Times. Time Out Chicago Kids
says that “A slice of Chicago history and an
emotion-packed, Christmas-themed tale of redemption give the Mercury Theater’s
production of THE CHRISTMAS
SCHOONER all the
trappings of a family holiday tradition in the making!”

THE
CHRISTMAS SCHOONER is
written by 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 James Wilson Sherman as “Gustav Stossel.”
Rounding out the crew on this year’s schooner voyage are Kelly Anne Clark,
Brennan Dougherty, Jaclyn Dougherty, Elizabeth Haley, Sage Harper, Christian
Libonati, Leah Morrow, Michael Pacas, Eric Parker, Thom Shea, Travis Taylor and
Sean Thomas.

The scenic design is by
Jacqueline and Richard Penrod, with costume design by Carol Blanchard and lighting
design by Jason Epperson.

Mercury
Theater Chicago is an intimate jewel-box in the heart of a sophisticated
neighborhood of restaurants and shopping just steps from Wrigley Field. 
It adjoins two restaurants; Cullen’s Bar and Grill and Deleece, who offer
dining and libations before and after the show.

Performances
are from November 27 to December 29, 2013.  The schedule is: Wednesdays at
7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2
p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2pm.  There are additional performances on
November 29 at 2pm, December 23 at 7:30 p.m. and December 24 at 2 p.m. 
Tickets range from $20 to $55. For group discounts, tickets and information
contact the Mercury Theater at 773-325-1700 or www.mercurytheaterchicago.com.