Once an annual holiday-show tradition at the former Bailiwick Repertory Theatre, The Christmas Schooner has now found a happy home at Mercury Theater Chicago in a production directed by Jeff Award winner L. Walter Stearns with a company of 25 actors and musicians. So if you aren’t familiar with John Reeger and Julie Shannon’s critically acclaimed musical based upon the 1912 shipwreck of the Rouse Simmons (also known as “The Christmas Tree Ship”), then now is your chance to rectify the situation. The Christmas Schooner previews now through Sunday, Dec. 1, with an official opening night at 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 4, at Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Ave. The production runs through Sunday, Dec. 29, with regular performances at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays (no show Dec. 25), 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays (no show Nov. 28), 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Extra shows 2 p.m. Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23 and 2 p.m. Dec. 24. Tickets are $20-$55; call 773-325-1700 or visit www.mercurytheaterchicago.com. Photo courtesy of Mercury Theater Chicago
Spotlight: The Christmas Schooner
