THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER | Fact Sheet

Performance rights: Music Theatre International www.mtishows.com (212) 541-4684

The Christmas Schooner has received 120 productions since 1993 and is the longest running holiday musical in Chicago history. Its Chicago debut at Bailiwick Rep won the After Dark Award for “outstanding new work,” and over the years the show has been nominated for numerous Joseph Jefferson Awards, including best musical and best actor. The Christmas Schooner debuted to critical acclaim in England in 2003. The 2011 Equity production at Mercury Theater Chicago was named one of the top 25 shows of the entire year--out of hundreds of productions—based on a tally of reviews by Chicago-area critics, compiled byTheatreInChicago.com.

“Schooner offers magic that’s unforgettable”—Times-Picayune, New Orleans

Synopsis, Cast, Instrumentation Based on the historic Great Lakes voyages of Christmas tree ships during the late 1800s and early 1900s, The Christmas Schooner tells the fictional story of the first shipping captain who braved the deadly winter weather to bring Christmas trees to homesick German American families in Chicago. His voyages become a yearly tradition despite his wife’s misgivings — until a fateful voyage makes her realize the true importance of his mission. It is a story of the American pioneer spirit, of our rich maritime history, and a celebration of family and tradition.

Cast requirements: 7 men, 4 women, 2 children Orchestration: by Tony nominee Larry Blank A piano-only accompaniment is also available.

Mercury Theater Chicago 2011

Cast album, other materials

& Author contact: Louisa May Alleycat Music (847) 832-1105 Email: LMAMusic@aol.com

Critical Response & Other Comments ¾ “The happy start of a grand family tradition… sparked with humor and graced with tender sentiment… a melodic score and stirring tale… This Chicago holiday classic [is] a proverbial Off-Loop theatre success story.” (Chicago Tribune) ¾ “A new Christmas classic may be in the making… The music is gorgeous, the story-line fits—it’s going to become an annual thing.” (Morning Journal, Sheffield Village, Ohio) ¾ “This heartwarming musical… reminds us… that life is precious and fragile as a glass ornament. Shannon’s music is clear, strong, …delicate… haunting [and] exuberant; it brings us on a journey as varied as the waters of Lake Michigan. (Backstage Magazine)

“The happy start of a grand family tradition.” —Chicago Tribune “This is theatre at its best…a mixture of tragedy and joy which can be enjoyed by young and old alike.” —BBC-GoingOut in Bristol, England ¾ “A holiday heartwarmer. Reeger and Shannon wrap the story in an authentic warmth, not the sugary sentimentality so common in holiday dramas.…a charming and mature tale… with lots of humor and pathos could become a holiday classic.” (Austin-American Statesman, Texas) ¾ “A marvelous musical…a perfect blend of story and song. Shannon’s songs are beautiful, moving and melodious… There’s also a good deal of humor. Absolutely recommended.” (Roy Leonard, WGN TV & Radio)

Mercury Theater Chicago 2011

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THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER | Fact Sheet

Published on Mar 28, 2012

Music Theatre International

"The Christmas Schooner" tells the story of one immigrant family. It celebrates their pioneering spirit, their ebullient joy in living every day to the fullest, their courage, their commitment to family, faith, and the belief that "our blessings aren't ours to keep, they're meant to be passed along." The score of "Schooner" has been praised by critics as "richly melodic," "haunting," "charming," "folk-like" and "exquisite." The show has received 120 productions across the U.S. and in England with the accompaniment of only the piano. Recently, Tony nominated orchestrator Larry Blank has created a lovely orchestration for the score. For more information about "The Christmas Schooner" visit http://www.mtishows.com/show_detail.asp?showid=000185.