Chicago Critic

By Charles Dickens

Directed by William Brown

At the Goodman Theatre

Glowing production values keeps A Christmas Carol fresh and heartwarming

Now in it’s 32 year, the Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol still holds the honor of being the finest holiday show in Chicago! Director William Brown makes subtle changes including this year adding more Victorian holiday music to the mix. He also has several new players that give new energy to the production that already has a collection of Chicago finest “A” list actors.

Dicken’s classic take of redemption is a lesson that gets us into the holiday spirit by vividly dramatizing how greed and the pursuit of money can corrupt not only an individual but all of society. Dicken’s classic novel is in sure hands at the Goodman as they have annually mounted a stirring production. This year’s Scrooge, for the third year is Larry Yando. He is magnificent as the money hungry businessman. Yando shows Scrooge’s mean side yet he also gives hints that he is not beyond redemption.

Once Scrooge is in bed and the Ghost of Marley and others jolt him into realizing “that humanity is he business,” Yando smoothly makes the transformation from nasty to a sweetly kind and generous soul. Larry Yando is a treasure who gives Scrooge a heart. Yando proves once again that he is the finest actor working in Chicago.

Director William Brown has added new music scenes that enhances the spirit of 1940′s London. With all productions of A Christmas Carol playing in the Chicago ares, none can compare with the Goodman’s in terms of production values and emotional depth.  This is an annual holiday treasure to be savored.

Highly Recommended

Tom Williams

Talk Theatre in Chicago

Date Reviewed: November 29, 2009

This review also posted on http://mytheaterclub.com/articles.php