Photo Flash: First Look at Mercury Theater's THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER returns to the Mercury Theater (3745 N. Southport, Chicago), now through December 30, 2012. 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 production features a powerful, moving story, an exquisite score of original music and traditional holiday favorites, and a company of 25 actors and musicians. This year's production commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the historic voyage of the Christmas Tree Ship. Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

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 23rd 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. Last year the Mercury revived the tradition with a full orchestra and an all-star cast, garnering a "Best Production" nomination for the 2012 Jeff Awards. A timely and uplifting tale of love and loss, THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER reminds us of tradition, and our responsibility to celebrate the living while honoring our heritage.

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER is written by Chicago favorites 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 Jeff Award winner Jim Sherman as "Gustav Stossel.". The production is once again helmed by the Jeff-award winning team of L. Walter Stearns (director), Eugene Dizon (musical director) and Brenda Didier (choreographer). The scenic design is by Jacqueline and Richard Penrod, with costume design by Carol Blanchard and lighting design by Jason Epperson.

The Mercury Theater 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. Early in 2012, the Mercury debuted new audience amenities, including new spacious restrooms and an open-air box office.

Performances are now through December 30, 2012. The schedule is: Wednesdays at 2pm and 7:30pm, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm and Sundays at 1pm. Tickets range from $29 to $59. Groups of 10 or more receive discounts of up to 50%. For tickets and information contact the Mercury Theater at 773-325-1700 or www.mercurytheaterchicago.com.

The Cast of THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER
Photo Credit: Jason Epperson

Cory Goodrich and Karl Hamilton
Photo Credit: Peter Coombs

Ron Keaton, Karl Hamilton, Jim Sherman and Tom Shea
Photo Credit: Peter Coombs

Ben Parkhill and Travis Taylor
Photo Credit: Jason Epperson

Eric Parker, Ron Keaton, Travis Taylor, Ryan Westwood, Tom Shea holding Mark Kosten
Photo Credit: Jason Epperson