OFFBEAT: Musical about circus wiz Barnum is fascinating fun

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Cast of 'A Christmas Schooner' 2012 Chicago Stage Holiday Classic

The heart-warming story of "The Christmas Schooner" runs through Dec. 30, 2012 at the Mercury Theater in Chicago.

OFFBEAT: It's a special year for 'Christmas Schooner' theater audiences

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: 'Christmas Schooner' sailing waves at Chicago's Mercury Theater

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Sailing into the holidays

A new production of "The Christmas Schooner" recently opened in Chicago for a run through December 31. The musical is based on the true story of the Lake Michigan "Christmas Tree Ships."

Mercury Theater presents 'A Christmas Schooner'

A cast of Chicagoland favorites stars in 'The Christmas Schooner,' running through Dec. 31 at the Mercury Theater in Chicago.

Sailing into the holidays: Stage favorite 'A Christmas Schooner' now docked at Chicago's Mercury Theater

When John Reeger first wrote "The Christmas Schooner," he envisioned the lead roles as ideal for himself and his wife to play.

"The Game Show Show ... and Stuff!"

"The Game Show Show ... and Stuff!," playing at the Mercury Theater in Chicago through Dec. 31, offers the audience a chance to win prizes with silly games.

OFFBEAT: 'Game Show' parody is light fun; Jackson author in Gary this week

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

"The Christmas Schooner" at Mercury Theater in Chicago

The beloved Chicago stage classic "The Christmas Schooner" will have a return visit for the November and December 2011 holiday months with a new production launched at the Mercury Theater in Chicago.

OFFBEAT: Holiday favorite 'The Christmas Schooner' still providing anchors away true tale for area audiences

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Stef Tovar stars in "A Twist of Water"

Stef Tovar stars in Route 66 Theatre Company's production of "A Twist of Water," completing a nearly four-month Chicago run and finishing up at the Mercury Theater on Sunday.