History Theatre Presents THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER, Opens 11/29

This holiday season History Theatre will bring back the heart-warming musical about a German-American shipping captain and his crew who braved the icy waters of Lake Michigan to bring Tannenbäume (Christmas trees) to the immigrant families of Chicago. Heartfelt storytelling -with wonderful music and dance - captures the true spirit of the holidays, celebrating the joy of giving and the importance of sharing traditions between generations and between neighbors.

The Christmas Schooner
Opens: Saturday, November 20, 2010
Through: Sunday, December 19, 2010
Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays @ 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays @ 2:00 p.m.
(AD/ASL performance on 12/5/10)

At the History Theatre, 30 East Tenth Street, St. Paul, MN
Directions and parking information

TICKETS: Adults: $28-$32; Seniors (60+ years): $25-$30; Students (with valid college i.d.): $15
Children (up to 18 years): $10
Discount rates are available for groups of 12 or more.

To purchase tickets, call the History Theatre Box Office at 651.292.4323 or go to www.historytheatre.com/tickets.
About the Play:

The Christmas Schooner is based on the true story of the Christmas Tree Ships that sailed on Lake Michigan to bring evergreens to the people of Chicago. The ships and their story are represented in the play by Captain Peter Stossel, a schooner captain living in the logging town of Manistique on the north shore of Lake Michigan. Stossel and his family, neighbors, and crewmen celebrate the Christmas traditions that they knew from their homelands - decorating the tree, stories, songs, and foods - along with some of the growing pains associated with adjusting to life in a new country. In the winter of 1881 Captain Stossel receives a letter from his cousin living in Chicago, in which she laments the fact that her children do not know the joy of celebrating Christmas with the Tannenbäume. The letter plants the seed of an idea and the next year Stossel and his crew cut down a ship full of trees and head south across the hard, cold waters of the Great Lake to bring some Christmas cheer to the immigrant families of Chicago. The overwhelming success of their venture far outweighs the risks and launches a tradition that lasts for many years. When tragedy strikes, the Stossel family finds strength in their shared purpose and continues the tradition that brings happiness to so many people. Beautiful songs and joyful dances performed by the 15-person ensemble make this retelling a warm, family entertainment for the holiday season.

History Theatre last produced The Christmas Schooner in 2002 and in the eight years since, it has been requested time and again by many patrons who enjoy the beautiful choral quality of the music and the dance, and who feel connected both to the story of the immigrants who carried their traditions to their new homes in America and to the message of sharing - especially during the holiday season. "In a world of 'me first' mentalities, this story of an immigrant family is one of love and sharing; a generosity of spirit that drives people to use the skills and resources at their disposal to reach out to those who are less fortunate," says History Theatre artistic director Ron Peluso. "That is why The Christmas Schooner is so popular; it reflects the best of what our nation and community can be, at the holidays and throughout the year. Sometimes we just need a reminder."

The Christmas Schooner was written by John Reeger, with music and lyrics by Julie Shannon. It is co-directed by Ron Peluso and Jan Puffer, with choreography by Jan Puffer, music direction by Andrew Fleser, scenic design by Erik E. Paulson, costume design by Kathy Kohl, lighting design by Pamela Kildahl, properties design by Gunther Gullickson, and stage managed by Janet L. Hall. Featuring William Gilness as Captain Peter Stossell, Patty Nieman as Alma Stossel, and Fred Wagner as Grandpa Stossel, along with Ethan Davenport, Anna Evans, Megan Fischer, Joshua Hinck, Ryan Hoffa, Dan Hopman, Megan Kelly Hubbell, Eric Knutson, Jennifer Maren, Carl Schoenborn, Zack Spicer, and Karen Weber.

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