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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 12 pm on Dec. 4
Tuesdays at 7:30 pm on Dec. 11 7 18
Wednesdays at 12 & 7:30 PM
Thursdays at 7:30 (special matinee at 12 PM Dec 13 & 27)
Fridays at 8 Pm (special matinees at 2 PM Dec. 21)
Saturdays at 2 & 8 PM
Sundays at 2 & 6:30 PM (2 PM only on Dec 16 & 23)
Monday, Dec 24 at 2 & 6:30 pm
Running time 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission
Through December 29, 2007
Larry Yando delivers a commanding Ebenezer Scrooge
Now in its 30th 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 2006 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 fragile human not beyond redemption. Yando plays Scrooge in a serious, yet fragile manner. He keeps us engaged throughout his journey toward 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, Bradley Mott, Ron Rains, Steven Hinger and Katie Jeep (in rich Irish Brogue) offered spirited performances that gave the show a winning warmth and humanity.
If your wondering which holiday shows to see, pencil in the Goodman’s A Christmas Carol—it simply is the premiere holiday show in Chicago—that’s why it has lasted 30 years!
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2007
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