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A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens
Adapted by Tom Creamer
Directed by William Brown
At the Goodman Theatre
170 N. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL
Call 312-443-3800, tickets $20 - $70
Tuesdays at noon on Dec.16, 23 & 30
Tuesdays at 7:30 pm on Dec 16, 23 7 30
Wednesdays at 12 & 7:30 PM
Thursdays at 7:30 (special matinee at noon Dec 4 & 11)
Fridays at 8 Pm (special matinees at 2 PM Dec. 26)
Saturdays at 2 & 8 PM
Sundays at 2 & 6:30 PM (2 PM only on Dec 28)
Monday, Dec 29 at 2 & 7:30 pm
Running time 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission
Through December 31, 2008
Larry Yando delivers a strong Ebenezer Scrooge
This is my all-time favorite Christmas show even after seeing the amazing Goodman Theatre’s for the tenth time! The director (William Brown) makes subtle changes each year to keep the show fresh including casting of a African-American female, Penelope Walker as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Now in its 31th Season, the Goodman Theatre once more sets the standard for holiday fare with their magnificent production of the Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. It is marvelous to see how the Goodman Theatre keeps this annual staple fresh and engaging. This spectacle is an eye-popper.
No matter how many times one sees this Goodman production, it still delivers enjoyment. The 2008 production has a few new faces and boosts more period English folk music. Long time cast member, William Brown (Scrooge for several years), returns as director. He has longtime cast member, Larry Yando in the lead as the nasty Ebenezer Scrooge. Yando has the commanding presence, deep voice, yet he exudes all the humor Dickens presented in Scrooge. Yando’s Scrooge is all at once a bad-tempered, cheap-skate yet deep down he is a scared human not beyond redemption. Yando plays Scrooge in a serious, yet fragile manner. He keeps us engaged throughout his journey to ward redemption.
Director William Brown and adapter Tom Creamer have enhanced the “contrast of light and dark” in the story. This production has humor and darkly scary moments, each of which are clearly played to the hilt. Steve Haggard, as the Ghost of Christmas Past, gives the ghost a mischievousness that energies. The generous use of live English folk music adds flavor to the richness of the excellent sets, customs and lighting.
The blend of quirky characters, ghosts and local Londoners gives the fable a humanity that rings true to the spirit of the Christmas season. We see the irascible Scrooge go from “Bah, Humbug” heartless holiday hater to reformed, generous humanitarian. He gives all of us hope as does the humble Cratchit family. This smart, scary and funny show is a heartwarming family fare that’ll drive the spirit of the holiday season to all who see it.
I especially like Larry Yando’s Scrooge—he added a few cute moments that landed a few unexpected humor especially as he tried to resist the spirits. Steve Haggard, Matt Schwader, Ron Rains, Penelope Walker, Kevin Theis, Anish Jethmalani and Katie Jeep (in rich Irish Brogue) offered spirited performances that gave the show a winning warmth and humanity. The entire cast, including the children offer excellent holiday cheer. If this show doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, nothing will.
Don’t forget to schedule the Goodman’s A Christmas Carol—it is simply the premiere holiday show in Chicago—that’s why it has lasted 31 years!
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2008
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