The Christmas Schooner

This humorous, poignant musical was inspired by the historical story of the German and Swiss immigrants who sailed on ships like the Rouse Simmons, “The Christmas Tree Ship”, which crossed Lake Michigan to Chicago to deliver fir Christmas trees for many years before it sank it an icy storm on November 22, 1912.

The Christmas Schooner also tells the love story of Peter and Alma Stossel, whose pioneering spirit is full of the energy and dreams of America in the early 19th century. With the help of Peter’s young son Karl and his father from the Old Country, Gus, Peter braves the icy waters of Lake Michigan to bring Christmas trees to families in Chicago after the Great Chicago Fire.

The Christmas Schooner features a book by John Reeger, music and lyrics by Julie Shannon, direction by David Zak, musical direction by Cyndi Stevens, choreography by Brenda Didier, set design by Eric Appleton, and lighting design by Jarod Moore.
Additional Performances
Sat. 7:30 on November 27, December 11, December 18, and January 1
Sun. 7:30 performance on December 19 and 26
Thurs. 7:30 performances on December 23 and 30
Sat. December 31 both a 2:30 and 7:30 performance