The Christmas Schooner (Musical)

Cast

Alma

Maria Barwegen

Rudy

Mike Cabsinger

Young Karl

Emma Froeschle

Gustav

Ken Hawkley

Martha

Jennifer T. Grubb

Oskar

Michael McDonnell

Peter

Paul Milord Jr.

Teen Karl

Julian Solis

Steve

Bob Szczepanski

Mary Claire

Kenne’ Wright

Storytellers:

MaryEllen Fawk

Layla Okransinski

Cruz Pierce

Ben White

Dayna Lee

Eric Walton

Synopsis

Take a ride on The Christmas Schooner! 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 musical features a powerfully moving story and an exquisite score of both original music and traditional holiday favorites.

Based on the historic Great Lakes voyages of Christmas tree ships during the late 1800s and early 1900s, The Christmas Schooner tells the true story of a Michigan shipping captain who braves the deadly winter weather to bring Christmas trees to homesick German-American families in turn-of-the-century 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.

A timely and stirring tale of love and loss, The Christmas Schooner reminds us of tradition, family and responsibility. This delightful holiday musical requires strong male talent and a sensibility for classically inspired material.