For a fun, historical and Chicago-centric musical, consider checking out The Christmas Schooner at the Mercury Theater.
The musical tells the story of Peter Stossel and his family who brought the German tradition of the Christmas tree to Chicago. After receiving a letter from his cousin about missing the Tanenbaum, Peter decides to brave the treacherous winter storms on Lake Michigan to bring Christmas trees to the German immigrants in Chicago from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
“It’s a story that anyone can relate to. It’s about love, devotion, family, promise and the power of the holiday spirit,” says actress, Brianna Borger who plays Alma Stossel, the mother of the family.
This is a musical that celebrates all forms of love – romanic, fraternal, familial and even the love between strangers. The show’s intense Christmas spirit makes it ideal to see with a group of loved ones. If you see it alone, you may cry (as this reviewer did).
Ultimately, the show celebrates the endurance of the Christmas spirit and how to find it in our relationships with others.
“The true joy of Christmas is found, not in our riches but in our service to others,” says the character Peter Stossel, played by Peyton Owen.
The show incorporates religious scenes including a Jesus-related story and the recitation of a psalm. The show runs through Dec. 27 at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave. Tickets: $25-$69. (Photos: Time Stops Photography/Courtesy)