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The Christmas
Schooner Review
Friday, December
10, 2004
Civic Theatre cast and crew shine in heartwarming tale of the Christmas ship
by
carina hume
news-review special writer
Blessings.
We're all supposed to count them, yet many seldom do. This holiday
season, take the time to not only count them, but to share them, with the
branches of your Christmas tree, a gentle reminder.
"The Christmas Schooner," a cleverly written, two-act musical by John
Reeger, with lyrics and music by Julie Shannon, is a seldom heard story of the
"Christmas Ship" currently being presented by the Little Traverse
Civic Theatre. Director Gary Albert competently brings to the stage this
warmhearted and thoughtful piece based on a true story of a man willing to risk
everything in his attempt to bring a little Christmas--a ship full of Christmas
trees--from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to the docks of Chicago.
Complete with its own Christmas tree, the minimal set makes great use of the
entire stage, easily transforming to portray rooms in Captain Peter Stossel's
home, the deck of the ship Molly Doone with impressive sails and the docks of
Chicago. The energetic characters and their stories fill the stage with no
need for a lavish set, allowing for plenty of room to accommodate the varied
movements of the ensemble cast.
The vibrant and detailed costumes of the turn-of-the-century women provide the
color, with contrast from the dark and work-oriented clothing of the
rough-and-tumble sailors. Gender roles were set during this time, and the
dichotomy between the sexes is portrayed often as the lower range of men's
voices perfectly complements the women's songs as we begin to understand the
comfort and camaraderie from which they come.
The multi-level staging and use of lighting and sound bites enhance the
storytellers whether through dialogue or song. With many surprise
entrances occurring from the audience, we glimpse the spontaneity and
involvement so welcome in live theater today. The performance itself is
blessed with superb accompaniment by talented pianist, Sally Page, and expert
musical direction by Gig Stewart, bringing extra warmth to the stage.
Witty dialogue and short musical numbers cleverly intertwine to complement and
propel the action, with many glimpses of big-city theater in our small-town
intimate setting. You can't ask for any more.
The level of talent in the production is admirable as the portrayals of family members
and friends who show us the meaning of love, family and sacrifice bring genuine
smiles to our faces and occasional tears to our eyes. Ship's captain Peter
Stossel, played compassionately by the credible Tori Garborg, takes a commanding
presence over the stage as he pursues his mission. We remain enthralled
with the friendly and loving banter between wife and mother Alma, played
flawlessly by excellent vocalist Robin Kredell, and 9-year-old Karl,
authentically captured by Will Bednar. His childlike humor and enthusiasm
is contagious and accurate. Chris Anderson solidly portrays jovial, German
grandfather and father Gustav Stossel, with a dominant and enchanting
voice. The gifted ensemble cast creates a powerful back-drop to the
intriguing storyline, with Hanna Stoppel's brief portrayal of 10-year-old Irish
Chicagoan Mary Claire a final spotlight of the cast's unstoppable talent.
Hiding within the stories, songs and history of this family friendly
presentation is a lesson for us, as well. Go, count your blessings, and
pass them along. This is your chance to rediscover the
"heartbeat" of life.
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