The Christmas Schooner facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Christmas Schooner |
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| Music | Julie Shannon |
| Lyrics | Julie Shannon |
| Book | John Reeger |
| Basis | True story |
| Productions | 1996 Chicago |
| Awards | Chicago After Dark Award |
The Christmas Schooner is a heartwarming musical that tells an amazing true story. It was written by John Reeger, with music and lyrics by Julie Shannon.
This musical first opened at the Bailiwick Repertory Theatre in Chicago. It quickly won the 1996 Chicago After Dark Award for being a fantastic new show. The musical became very popular, running every holiday season for twelve years. It has also been performed in many other places, like Texas and California.
The story is based on the real-life adventures of the Rouse Simmons. This was a type of sailing ship called a schooner that sailed on the Great Lakes. In the late 1800s, its brave captain brought fir trees from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He sailed them all the way to Chicago for German families who had moved there.
Some of the well-known songs from the musical include "We All Have Songs," "Pass it On," and "What is it About the Water?".
Performances and History
The very first professional performance of "The Christmas Schooner" happened in the winter of 1995. It was at the Bailiwick Repertory Theatre in Chicago. David Zak directed the show. Some of the main actors included David G. Peryam as Peter Stossel and Candace L. Johnson as Alma Stossel.
In 2011, the musical was brought back to life at the Mercury Theater Chicago. L. Walter Stearns directed this new production. Critics loved it, with Chris Jones from the Chicago Tribune saying it was the "best sung" version he had ever seen. Mary Houlihan from the Chicago Sun-Times also praised it, saying it gave the musical "new life." This production was even nominated for a Jeff Award for best musical.
Musical Numbers
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Awards and Recognition
"The Christmas Schooner" has received several important awards and honors:
- It won Chicago's 1996 "After Dark" Award for being an "Outstanding New Work."
- Candace L. Johnson, who played Alma Stossel, also won a 1996 "After Dark" Award for her amazing performance.
- American Theatre Magazine named it an "Editor's Choice" in 1996.
- The musical was nominated for "Outstanding Production - Musical - Midsize" by the Jeff Awards in 2012.
