The Drama Group is delighted to present a touching holiday musical next in our 91st season, THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER – book by John Reeger, with music and lyrics by Julie Shannon and directed by Marylee Hoganson.
Show times for THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER are 7:30pm beginning Friday, December 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10; Sunday matinees at 2:00pm December 4 and 11.
The Drama Group now has an online ticketing service! We are now using BookTix Ticketing and Livestreaming. All tickets are available by going to The Drama Group BookTix website www.dg.booktix.com, where you will be directed to set up your account with “The Drama Group-BookTix Box Office.” Or you may always opt to call our Box Office at 708-755-3444.
Based on concerns regarding the current state of COVID-19, RSV and the flu and out of concern for the health and safety of our theatre audiences, members, staff, and actors, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the following policy; Audience members will not be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test. While in the building, everyone will be required to wear a mask.
SYNOPSIS – The Christmas Schooner
Based on the historic Great Lakes voyages of Christmas tree ships during the late 1800s and early 1900s, The Christmas Schooner tells the true story of a Michigan shipping captain who braves the deadly winter weather to bring Christmas trees to homesick German-American families in turn-of-the-century Chicago. His voyages become a yearly tradition, despite his wife's misgivings – until a fateful voyage makes her realize the true importance of his mission.
A timely and stirring tale of love and loss, The Christmas Schooner reminds us of tradition, family and responsibility. This delightful holiday musical requires strong male talent and a sensibility for classically inspired material.
The whole family will enjoy this heart-warming story of the first Christmas tree ship and the family who risked their lives to fill Chicago with the Christmas spirit. This critically acclaimed musical features a powerfully moving story and an exquisite score of both original music and traditional holiday favorites.
Cast:
Alma Stossel - Maria Barwegen, Kankakee, IL
Rudy - Mike Cabsinger, Chicago Heights, IL
MaryEllen Fawk, Chicago Heights, IL
EmmaRose / Ensemble - Froeschle Young Karl Manteno, IL
Martha - Jennifer T Grubb, Homewood, IL
Gustav - Ken Hawkley, Homewood, IL
Oskar - Michael McDonnell, Cedar Lake, IN
Capt Peter Stossel - Paul Milord, Joliet, IL
Marie Claire / Ensemble - Layla Okrasinski, St John, IN
Ensemble - Cruz Pierce, Olympia Fields, IL
Teen Karl - Julian Solis, St John, IN
Ensemble - Pamela Stallings, South Holland, IL
Steve - Bob Szczepanski, Orland Park, IL
Stage Manager / Ensemble - Dayna Sterkowitz, Homewood, IL
Stage Crew / Hans - Eric Walton, New Lenox, IL
Ensemble - Ben White, Richton Park, IL
Asst Director / Ensemble - Barbara Whitney, Richton Park, IL
Mary Claire / Ensemble - Kenne Wright, Olympia Fields, IL
Polka child - Ellie Behrens, Flossmoor, IL
Polka child - Lucy Behrens, Flossmoor, IL
Polka child - Abigail Urbanowski, Homewood, IL
Polka child - Kayla Urbanowski, Homewood, IL
Crew:
Director - Marylee Hoganson, Homewood, IL
Assistant Director - Barbara Whitney, Richton Park, IL
Musical Director - Stephen Lopez, Homewood, IL
Choreographer - Tina Zagone, Olympia Fields, IL
Set Design / construction - Russ Hoganson, Homewood, IL
Paint Chair - Jane Nix, Olympia Fields, IL
Light design - Jennifer Larkin, New Lenox, IL
Sound - Ron Edwards, Chicago Heights, IL
Costume Design - Diane Principe, Chicago Heights, IL
Costumes - Wayne “Skipp” Poulton, Chicago Heights, IL
Hair & Make up - Regina Gadotti. Chicago Heights, IL
Props / Decor - Mary Ellen Fawk, Chicago Heights, IL
Props / Décor - Rose Crockett, Chicago Heights, IL
Stage Manager - Dayna Sterkowitz, Homewood, IL
Production Manager - Rose Crockett, Chicago Heights, IL
Social Media / Instagram - Meghan Hoyt, Flossmoor, IL
Publicity / Cast interviews - Diane Kaffka, Tinley Park, IL
Marketing / Publicity - Tina Zagone, Olympia Fields, IL
Graphics display Design - Tony Labriola, Olympia Fields, IL
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As part of The Drama Group’s ongoing Community Outreach programs, we are inviting the cast, patrons, active members and audience to donate non-perishable foods which will be delivered to a local food pantry for Christmas Boxes after the run of the performances, in time for the holidays. Boxes will be set up in the lobby of the Drama Group Studio building during “Hell Week” and all the performances. Donations can be dropped off in the evenings of November 28 through December 12. A complete list is posted on the Drama Group website www.dramagroup.org
SEE LIST OF REQUESTED ITEMS INCLUDED BELOW
The Drama Group is pleased to be a member of Southland Arts with 26 local arts organization. See details at www, southlandarts.org.
“A Bridge to a Colorful Joyful World.”
The Drama Group acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.