Bailiwick sends the holiday ship sailing with their twelfth and final production of this Christmas favorite. Filled with the fragrance of freshly-cut fir trees, you and your family can board this magical holiday production either for the first time, or for one last nostalgic visit before the Bailiwick leaves its long-standing Belmont Avenue venue.
Mary Beidler Gearen directs this tale inspired by true accounts of turn-of-the-century German and Swiss immigrants who bravely sailed the icy waters from Upper Peninsula Michigan to bring Christmas trees to Chicago families. Told with warmth and sensitivity, this musical brims with adventure, humor and drama. The spirited and often wistful musical numbers are sung with gusto by the 14-member company and, for the first time, nicely accompanied by a capable 5-member orchestra. And while lighting, costumes and sets adequately suggest both time and place, and even provide a couple of unique special effects, it’s the poignant story of a loving family that makes this production special for all ages.
The ensemble demonstrates its versatility through voice and their ability to play multiple roles. Stand outs include John B. Leen as Peter Stossel, the captain of The Christmas Tree Ship; Laura McClain as his stalwart, loving wife Alma; Jack Mulopulos and Mitchell Rose, who share the role of their son Karl at age 9 and 15 respectively; and Kellie Cundiff as John’s grown sister Martha. All four actors bring considerable musical talents to their roles, but each injects his character with a unique humanity that transcends what could’ve been a simple, two-dimensional portrayal. Mulopulos’ lovely male soprano blends nicely with McClain’s glorious vocals in their duet, “Loving Sons;” Leen and Cundiff stir the emotions with “The Letter;” Mitchell leads the company of mariners in “Hardwater Sailors.”
While most Christmas entertainment revolves around sugar plum fairies, a jolly old elf or a waif named Tiny Tim, this musical portrays part of our Midwestern history which, until recent years, had been unknown to most theatergoers. This simple holiday musical is not only educational, but it's perfect for the whole family.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
