‘Christmas Schooner’ docks in Palatine
“The Christmas Schooner” is ready to set sail again this holiday season at Cutting Hall, 250 E. Wood St., in Palatine. The much beloved musical inspired by historical events and produced by TesserAct Theatre Ensemble will run for two weekends beginning Friday, Nov. 18.
“The Christmas Schooner” tells the tale of the Stossels, a hardworking German family living in Manistique, Mich., in the late 1800s. After Peter Stossel receives a letter from his cousin in Chicago stating she misses the “tannenbaum,” he decides to brave the winter lake to deliver the trees. The story is loosely based on the lives of Hermann and August Schuenemann, who began a thriving business bringing Christmas trees to the people of Chicago in the late 1800s.
The show is being directed by Rick Browne of West Dundee. This is Browne’s second year at the helm of “Schooner.” Last year’s run was tragically cut short when fire struck Cutting Hall just days before the show was set to open. Since then, Browne has thought about how he can improve upon last year’s production.
“My passion for detail in the storyline will give the audience a newfound respect for the true events behind this play. I enjoy steering the cast through the emotions that this play offers. One can’t help being drawn into this true story of people who braved the stormy waters of Lake Michigan at the turn of the century. The tale reminds us all of the pioneering spirit that makes America great.”
TesserAct’s outstanding cast delivers an exciting musical story of courage, tradition, and family values. This holiday musical will leave audiences filled with the joy of Christmas that will last throughout the season.
Show dates: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18 and 25, Saturday, Nov. 19 and 26, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20 and 27.
Tickets are: $14 adults in advance, 16 at the door; $12 seniors, students and children in advance, $14 at the door; special discounts for groups of 10 or more. For ticket information visit: www.tesseractensemble.com or www.cuttinghall.org/tickets.htm, or call the Cutting Hall Box Office at (847) 202-5222.
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