A Christmas Carol at 36 at the Goodman Theatre

Adapted by Tom Creamer

Directed by Henry Wishcamper

At the Goodman Theatre, Chicago

Subtle changes only add to the charm of the Dickens’ classic holiday drama

Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, now in its 36th year at the Goodman theatre is not only one of the finest holiday shows- it is one of the best theatrical productions staged in Chicago!  First time director Henry Wishcamper adds a few subtle changes to keep the show fresh each year by adding new actors to infuse the show with spirit and heart. it is a privilege for Chicago actors to be in the Goodman’s A Christmas Carol.

I have seen this annual gem many times with an assortment of Scrooges including William J. Norris, Frank Galati, Tom Mula, Rick Snyder, William Brown, Jonathan Weir, John Judd and Larry Yando. Each have played the nasty, money-loving old man with both pathos and humor as the nasty, lonely man finds redemption. I must say that Larry Yando once again proves again that he is the ultimate Scrooge. He moves from scary to pathetic to glowing kindness as he comes to grips with his folly. With a blend of terror and humor, Yando get us to first hate then love the money-hording old man. Yando give the role a zesty brand of life that makes Scrooge’s redemption a major triumph of humanity. Larry Yando anchors a terrific cast dedicated to the work. Get to see the Goodman’s production of A Christmas Carol to get a jolt of holiday spirit and to witness a fabulous Chicago actor at the height of his craft.

Todd Rosenthal’s new set includes a new one for Marley’s house now against the home of Scrooge. We see the door knob on the door, now on the right side of the house, become a foreshadow for the events to come during Scrooge’s journey toward redemption. This production, as usual, has loads of heart and it sure gets us into the spirit of the holidays. If  you want to regain your family’s psirit of the holidays, get to the Goodman Theatre and take Scrooge’s journey with him. Your spirit will become renewed.

Highly Recommended

Tom Williams

Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast

Date Reviewed: November 24, 2013

For more info checkout the A Christmas Carol page at theatreinchicago.com At the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL, www.goodmantheatre.org,tickets $25 – $83,  running time is 2 hours, 20 minutes with intermission, through December 28, 2013