Displaying items by tag: The Christmas Schooner

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce the cast and creative team for The Christmas Schooner, November 24, 2026 - January 3, 2027. The Christmas Schooner is presented with book by John Reeger and music and lyrics by Julie Shannon. The Metropolis production is directed by Patrick Tierney, music directed by Kailey Rockwell and choreographed by Jenna Schoppe. Previews are Tuesday, Nov. 24, Wednesday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m. (no preview on Thursday, Nov. 26), Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. with additional performances Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The performance on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. will be closed-captioned, and the performance on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. will be ASL-interpreted. There will be no performances on Thursday, Dec. 24, Friday, Dec. 25, Thursday, Dec. 31 or Friday, Jan 1. Tickets are now on sale from $25 to $49 at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the box office at 847.577.2121.

It is Christmastime in Manistique, Michigan, in the late 1880s, and a German-American family is preparing their home for the holidays. They receive a fateful letter from a cousin in Chicago, who writes with longing about her desire for a Christmas tree to rekindle the beauty and magic of their childhood holiday traditions. As it turns out, there are more than enough trees to go around in Manistique, and one man is brave enough to captain the journey through the treacherous Lake Michigan waves. His voyages become a yearly tradition, despite his wife's misgivings – until a fateful voyage makes her realize the true importance of his mission. The Christmas Schooner is a heartfelt tale of compassion, bravery and the commitment to make the world a better place, based on the real-life stories of the sailors who brought magic to Chicago families all those years ago.

The cast of The Christmas Schooner includes Arlo Beckwith (Karl Stossel, age 9);

Bennet Angsurat (Karl Stossel, age 9); Daniel Houle (Gustav Stossel); Jared Hoover (Peter Stossel); Jenece Upton (Alma Stossel); Cameron McCabe (Karl Stossel, age 15/Young Man); Xander Mendez (Karl Stossel, age 15/Young Man); Korey White (Rudy/Man #1); Ian Rigg (Oskar/Man #2); David Blakeman (Steve/Man #3); Matt Frye (Hans/Officer Wells/Man #4); Laura Quiñones (Enid/Woman #1); Amelia Tam (Martha/Kate/Woman #2); Janelle Sanabria (Olive/Rose/Woman #3); Molly Hamada (Mary Claire Daugherty/Young Girl); Layla Grace Robinson (Mary Claire Daugherty/Young Girl); Annie Beaubien (Swing); Kameron Rojas-Schueneman (Swing) and Xander Ramirez (Swing).

The Christmas Schooner's creative team includes Patrick Tierney (director); Kailey Rockwell (music director); Jenna Schoppe (choreographer); Katie Pohlheber (stage manager); Emma Lipson (assistant stage manager); Caroline Mueller (SM/ASM swing); Angela Weber Miller (scenic designer); Dan Frank (lighting designer); Sarah Ramos (sound designer); Ryan Suarez (assistant sound designer); Rachel Sypniewski (costume designer); Kelli Lawrence (props designer); Amber Wuttke (intimacy coordinator); Trevor Turner (technical director); Renae Richmond (wig & hair designer); Brett Baleksi (scenic artist); Taylor Repak (youth supervisor); Eddy Finch (youth supervisor swing); Maya Reter (sound engineer); Elie Bufford (sound engineer swing); and Venus Petter (wardrobe supervisor).

ABOUT PATRICK TIERNEY, DIRECTOR

Patrick Tierney is a longtime Chicago theatre artist, born and raised on the city's southwest side. Previous directing credits include: Little Women (Roosevelt University), Oliver! A Staged Concert (Metropolis), Gypsy (Beverly Theatre Guild), The Sound of Music and Hello, Dolly! (Beverly Arts Center), The Music Man (Children's Theatre of Winnetka) and Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish (Ghostlight Theatre). As an actor and proud member of Actors Equity, he has worked with the Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Theatre at the Center, Marriott Lincolnshire, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Metropolis and Chicago Kids Company, where he is currently directing several shows in their 26/27 season.

ABOUT KAILEY ROCKWELL, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Kailey Rockwell earned a bachelor of music from Columbia College Chicago and now works all over the Chicagoland area music directing, performing, arranging and teaching. Notable companies include: Paramount Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Music Theater Works, Goodman Theatre, Mercury Theater Chicago, North Carolina Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre and American Theatre Company. Rockwell is a proud member of AFM and MAESTRA.

ABOUT JENNA SCHOPPE, CHOREOGRAPHER

Jenna Schoppe returns to Metropolis after choreographing 9 to 5. Her other Chicago-area choreography credits include The Drowsy Chaperone, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Godspell and Once Upon A Mattress (Theo Ubique), Nunsense, Call Me Madam and Do Re Mi (Porchlight Music Theatre), Spongebob the Musical (Kokandy Productions), Mamma Mia and Kinky Boots (Highland Park Players) and Yank! A World War Two Love Story (Pride Films and Plays). In 2025, Schoppe made her directorial debut with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Clinton Area Showboat in Clinton, IA. She is currently on staff at Roosevelt University as an adjunct professor of dance.

ABOUT METROPOLIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is a vibrant cultural hub that enriches the community through inspiring live performances, creative arts education and impactful partnerships. It fosters artistic excellence, cultivates multi-generational connections and offers inclusive experiences that engage and uplift all community members. Located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, Metropolis is not just a theatre, it is the cultural pulse of the area, surrounded by premier shopping, dining and nightlife. Metropolis offers a dynamic year-round season of professional theatre, comedy, concerts and cabaret performances along with engaging arts education for ages 3 to 85 years old. Serving more than 65,000 patrons annually from across Chicagoland and beyond, Metropolis plays a pivotal role in the community. It provides arts education programs that support thousands of aspiring young artists, as well as community engagement initiatives like the Third Act Players (musical theatre for thespians over 50), Crescendo Chorus (for singers over 55), Flourish in the Footlights (for young artists with disabilities) and Clearbrook on Cue (for artists with disabilities). Metropolis is proud to partner with local organizations such as Endeavor Health, Arlington Heights Senior Center and Clearbrook. Scholarships are available for students at the School of the Performing Arts to ensure access to the arts for all.

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce the cast and creative team for The Christmas Schooner, November 24, 2026 - January 3, 2027. The Christmas Schooner is presented with book by John Reeger and music and lyrics by Julie Shannon. The Metropolis production is directed by Patrick Tierney, music directed by Kailey Rockwell and choreographed by Jenna Schoppe. Previews are Tuesday, Nov. 24, Wednesday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m. (no preview on Thursday, Nov. 26) and Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. with additional performances Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The performance on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. will be closed-captioned, and the performance on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. will be ASL interpreted. There will be no performances on Thursday, Dec. 24, Friday, Dec. 25, Thursday, Dec. 31 or Friday, Jan 1. Tickets are now on sale from $25 to $49 at MetropolisArts.com or by calling the box office at 847.577.2121.

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights at 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce its 2026-27 season launching with Ride the Cyclone, September 16 - October 18; followed by a Chicago-rooted holiday classic The Christmas Schooner, November 24 - January 3, 2027; an in-concert production of Disney's The Little Mermaid, January 27 - February 14, 2027; Chicago Premiere, The Match Game, March 3 - 28, 2027 and concluding with Rodgers and Hammerstein's masterpiece from music theatre's golden age, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, September 16 - October 18, 2027.  Early bird discounted subscriptions are available now through June 5 at MetropolisArts.com/2627-season or by calling the box office at 847.577.2121, with single tickets available later this year. 

The 2026-27 season also includes a limited run of the beloved holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol, as part of the Metropolis Family Series Saturdays at 10 a.m. (December 5 - December 19) and a full-length production December 13 and 20 at 6:30 p.m. and December 24 at 2:00 p.m.

2026-27 Season Sponsors: The season show sponsor is Suburban Accents. The season Paint Sponsor is Marc Poulous Painting and Decorating. The season costume storage sponsor is Jennifer Burnidge, CLU, ChFC, RICP State Farm Agent.

All performances are held at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St. in Arlington Heights. The full Metropolis Performing Arts Centre's 2026-27 season includes, chronologically:

RIDE THE CYCLONE

September 16 - October 25, 2026

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell

Directed by Lillian Castillo

A darkly comical musical about six teens bargaining for a second chance at life in this profound exploration of life, death, and knowing who you are. An added bonus to the Metropolis production features Director Lillian Castillo. Castillo is the original Constance on the World Premiere Cast Recording, and she also originated the role in the American premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER

November 24, 2026 - January 3, 2027

Book by John Reeger

Music and Lyrics by Julie Shannon

Directed by Patrick Tierney

A heartwarming Chicago-based musical that tells the dramatic true story of a Lake Michigan captain who risked his life to share the Christmas spirit.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL - LIMITED RUN

Metropolis Family Series: December 5 - December 19 at 10 a.m.

Full Length Production ONLY: December 13 and 20 at 6:30 p.m., December 24 at 2 p.m.

Adapted by Johanna McKenzie Miller

Original Music and Lyrics by Cory Goodrich

The holiday tradition returns to Metropolis for both the Metropolis Family Series and Metropolis Mainstage. 

DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID, a concert presentation

January 27 - February 14, 2027

Music by Alan Menken

Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater

Book by Doug Wright

Director to be announced

Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Group, this is a concert collaboration with Metropolis School of the Performing Arts and JAM Orchestra. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements.

This in-concert production features professional and student actors backed by a full orchestra, allowing the music to shine.

CHICAGO PREMIERE

THE MATCH GAME

Written by Steven Strafford

March 3 - 21, 2027

Director to be announced

This new work, a hilarious and heartbreaking family dramedy, asks us to contend with truths we may be too afraid to name and to laugh at ones we can't change.

RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN'S OKLAHOMA!

April 28 - May 30, 2027

Music by Richard Rodgers

Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

Based on the play "Green Grow the Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs

Original Choreography by Agnes de Mille

Director to be announced

The classic, medium-defining musical. A high-spirited romantic comedy set against the backdrop of a tumultuous, yet hopeful, new era.

ABOUT METROPOLIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is a vibrant cultural hub that enriches the community through inspiring live performances, creative arts education, and impactful partnerships. It fosters artistic excellence, cultivates multi-generational connections, and offers inclusive experiences that engage and uplift all community members. Located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights, Metropolis is not just a theatre; it is the cultural pulse of the area, surrounded by premier shopping, dining, and nightlife. Metropolis offers a dynamic year-round season of professional theatre, comedy, concerts, and cabaret performances along with engaging arts education for ages 3 to 85. Serving more than 65,000 patrons annually from across Chicagoland and beyond, Metropolis plays a pivotal role in the community. It provides arts education programs that support thousands of aspiring young artists, as well as community engagement initiatives like the Third Act Players (musical theatre for thespians over 50), Crescendo Chorus (for singers over 55), Flourish in the Footlights (for young artists with disabilities), and Clearbrook on Cue (for artists with disabilities). Metropolis is proud to partner with local organizations such as Endeavor Health, Arlington Heights Senior Center, and Clearbrook. Scholarships are available for students at the School of the Performing Arts to ensure access to the arts for all.

Ride The Cyclone is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing Global, www.broadwaylicensing.com.

The Christmas Schooner is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, www.mtishows.com.

Disney's The Little Mermaid is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, www.mtishows.com.

Rodgers & Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA! is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization,  www.concordtheatricals.com.

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights at 111 W. Campbell St., is proud to announce its 2026-27 season launching with the return of Ride the Cyclone, September 16 - October 18; followed by a Chicago-rooted holiday classic The Christmas Schooner, November 24 - January 3, 2027; an in-concert production of Disney's The Little Mermaid, January 27 - February 14, 2027; the launch of a new work, The Match Game, March 3 - 28, 2027 and concluding with Rodgers and Hammerstein's masterpiece from music theatre's golden age, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, September 16 - October 18, 2027. 

The 2026-27 subscription series includes Ride the Cyclone, The Christmas Schooner, Disney's The Little Mermaid, The Match Game and Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!. Early bird discounted subscriptions are available now through June 5 at MetropolisArts.com/2627-season or by calling the box office at 847.577.2121, with single tickets available later this year.

In fine holiday tradition The Christmas Schooner has once again set sail, this time for its third year at Mercury Theater after a twelve year run at Baliwick. Inspired by the 1912 shipwreck of “The Christmas Tree ship” in Lake Michigan, manned by Captain Rouse Simmons, The Christmas Schooner is a heartwarming story catapulted by strong family bonds and Christmas spirit.

Written by John Reeger and composer Julie Shannon, The Christmas Schooner is the tale of a brave sea captain of German decent who decides to ship Christmas trees from Michigan to Chicago through the treacherous winter storms. He is prompted to do so after receiving a letter from his cousin who tells him Christmas is not the same without a Christmas tree.  Tannebaums (fir trees) have always been a tradition in Germany and the many Germans in Chicago have not had access to them since leaving their homeland. There are plenty of trees in Michigan, so Captain Peter Stossel, along with his father Gustav, set sail to Chicago in the hopes that they will find buyers for the many trees they have bundled aboard. To the crew’s surprise, hundreds of Chicagoans are waiting for them, having already dubbed their schooner as “The Christmas Tree Ship”.

Karl Hamilton is just wonderful as “Captain Peter Stossel” generating a true genuineness in his role as a family man, a beloved sea captain and as the man who will sacrifice in order to make a difference. At the same time, Cory Goodrich (“Alma Stossel”) and James Wilson Sherman (“Gustav Stossel”) are also superb all the way around. Sherman exudes charm and kindness becoming the grandfather every child would be lucky to have. A very strong supporting cast is also key in making this such a delightful production with great performances by Travis Taylor as “Steve”, the Captain’s best friend and right hand man, Elizabeth Haley and Brennan Dougherty who plays “Karl Stossel”.

The Christmas Schooner blends classic Christmas songs with original numbers. In this lively production, we are treated to an intriguing story, polished vocal performances, big choruses and a handful of well-choreographed dance routines. Like it or not, audience members cannot help but be injected with a massive dose of Christmas spirit. This is a show that anyone of any age can thoroughly enjoy.

Performances are running at Mercury Theater (3745 N. Southport Ave) through December 29^th. If it isn’t already, make The Christmas Schooner your new holiday tradition. For tickets and/or more information visit www.mercurytheaterchicago.com or call 773-325-1700.