Despite its overwhelming commercial success since premiering in 1995, the question of whether The Christmas Schooner is to be a solemn historical pageant or a razzle-dazzle musical has made for an uneven progression in its development. But Phil Gigante recognizes the fundamental task of a director is to make everything look like it belongs on the same stage and has assembled a meticulously-integrated show, playful without being cloying, with carefully-crafted personalities and stage business rooted therein assigned each last chorus member. This attention to individual detail makes for a richly-textured narrative, each moment affirming the promise only glimpsed in past productions, and thus rendering this the most artistically fulfilling in this play's rapidly-growing chronicles.
Opened:
November 26, 2000
Ended:
January 5, 2003
Country:
USA
State:
Illinois
City:
Chicago
Company/Producers:
Bailiwick Repertory Theater
Theater Type:
Regional
Theater:
Bailiwick Arts Center
Theater Address:
1229 West Belmont Avenue
Phone:
(773) 883-1090
Running Time:
2 hrs, 30 min
Genre:
Holiday Revue
Director:
Phil Gigante
Review:
Cast:
Karl Sean Hamilton (Peter Stossel), Laura Sturm (Alma Stossel), Vincent L. Lonergan (Gustav Stossel), Brendon Martin/ Nicky Deutsch (Karl Stossel), Teresa Stephens (Martha), Dustin Hamilton (Oskar), Jason Bowen (Steve), Kevin M. Grubb (Rudy), Kathleen HInders (Rose), Michelle Maves (Olive), Bethany Dawn (Enid), Olivia Doig (Mary Claire Daugherty)
Technical:
Music Direction/Instrumentals: A. Scott Williams; Choreography: Brenda Didier; Set: Richard & Jacqueline Penrod; Costumes: Stacy Cochran; Lighting: Eric Appleton.
Critic:
Mary Shen Barnidge
Date Reviewed:
December 2002
