This time of year, it’s all about two things: lists and radar.
Make those lists, check them twice, click here to see how Santa handles wind and snow and ice. It’s a familiar drill, and it’s made a whole lot more enjoyable with a seasonal trip to Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Director L. Walter Stearns and hisMercury Theater are forcing another “to do” on musical theater-lovers’ Christmas lists while fully entrenching this enchanting venue into patrons’ new year radar with its exquisite production of “The Christmas Schooner.”
Led by the booming voices of Karl Hamilton as sailboat Capt. Peter Stossel and James Wilson Sherman as his German sailor father, Gustav, “Schooner” (book by John Reeger, music and lyrics by Julie Shannon) is the quintessentially Chicagoland reminder of tradition, family and responsibility. It centers on the beginnings of a practice to sail Lake Michigan in November, bringing the tannenbaum from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Chicago’s German immigrants in the 1880s. A full synopsis of the story can be found here.
The drama’s transformational character and third member of its lead triumvirate is Peter’s wife, Alma, played by angelic Cory Goodrich. The Jeff Award-winner seamlessly morphs Alma from doting wife and mother to understanding traditionalist. Through her conversion, with assistance from Gustav’s guidance on love and loss, Alma and “The Christmas Schooner” patrons come to understand that, “Our blessings aren’t ours to keep; they’re meant to pass along.”
A primary takeaway from this year’s Equity “Schooner” staging (Mercury’s third voyage following a long hosting tradition at the Bailiwick Repertory Theatre) is that the entire cast is made up of gorgeous vocalists. Tight harmonies and soaring solos showcase Shannon’s lovely score, leaving patrons to fully believe that, indeed, “the heartbeat of life is in our stories and our songs.”
Vocal quality is thoroughly enhanced through this intimate venue where patron and performer are separated by the narrowest of fourth walls. It’s another reminder that a smallish (292 seats) neighborhood theater like the Mercury is an invaluable gem and tremendous gift to area theater patrons.
And it’s a gift that must not be taken for granted.
Albeit on December 12 the kids were still in school and full holiday verve was still on the back burner, a Thursday night audience of 38 is an embarrassment to the community of greater Chicagoland’s musical theater patrons. This theater, the show and the exceptionally high level of assembled talent onstage and off all deserve better.
Since 2011’s partnership of former Porchlight luminaries Stearns and Musical Director Eugene Dizon, the Mercury has offered perhaps the most affordable professional musical ticket in the city. In 2013, “A Grand Night for Singing,” “Barnum,” and “The Color Purple,” were all critically acclaimed. The Mercury’s announced 2014 musical lineup, including “Into the Woods,” “Avenue Q” and “The Addams Family,” promises another quality season.
That said, patrons need to put the Mercury on their entertainment radar and support these shows. It’s the only way small houses can continue to attract top-shelf professional talent along with the benefactors who fund such ambitious productions.
They can start by refusing to allow “The Christmas Schooner” to sail so far beneath its capacity. Attend this impeccable show, absorb its teachings on life’s blessings and then, by all means, pass them on.
“The Christmas Schooner” runs through December 29 at The Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, with shows Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. There are additional performances December 23 at 7:30 p.m. and December 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $55. For group discounts, tickets and information, contact the Mercury Theater at 773-325-1700 or visit their website.
Barry Reszel is a Libertyville-based writer, at-home dad and executive director of the not-for-profit entertainment company Liberty Town Productions.
