The Grandaddy of Holiday Stories

A Christmas Carol–at the Goodman Theatre

The Grandaddy of Holiday Stories

And, as it has been for the past 40 years, this show is everything. It’s what Christmas is all about, and we are so lucky to have it back in Chicago for another holiday season. The Grandaddy of all holiday stories, and the show that every other presentation of “A Christmas Carol” aspires to be, has opened at the Goodman for year number 41. And it is, once again, sensational! It’s eloquent, heartwarming and a feast for the eye, the ear and the soul. The themes from Dickens’ novella, and the lessons he taught, aren’t diluted by raucous, time-consuming musical numbers, cartoonish elfin characters or dancing turkey boys. This is the ultimate production of this beloved story, and it certainly would’ve made Charles Dickens proud.

Goodman Artistic Associate Henry Wishcamper enjoys a return outing as the director of Tom Creamer’s faithful stage adaptation. His production is earthy, straightforward, yet festooned with just the perfect amount of magic and special effects to delight young and old alike. Wishcamper directs his diverse cast with heart, imagination and economy, going straight to the essence of what the Victorian author wrote about: the responsibility we all must share in providing for those less fortunate. But what really hits home in this production is Dickens’ reminder to not shut out our past, nor to dwell upon it; but rather to uncover the lessons inherent in the “shadows of what once were,” yesterday’s successes and mistakes. Learning from the past and the present ensures a future filled with knowledge and exciting, unlimited possibilities. Mr. Wishcamper’s miser eventually comes to understand this.

Larry Yando is the quintessential Scrooge. He doesn’t merely play the role, he totally inhabits the man. Subtle glances, tiny quirks and simple gestures, combined with that mellifluous voice and those piercing eyes, make Mr. Yando’s tenth appearance as the English curmudgeon so rich and complete. This much-honored actor has played so many other great roles, from the patriarch in Writers Theatre’s recent production of “Buried Child,” to the title role in CST’s production of “King Lear,” from Roy Cohn in the Court Theatre’s production of “Angels in America,” to Scar for three years in the National Tour of “The Lion King.” Larry Yando owns the stage and yet still generously shares it with his fellow actors. But in this production, Yando makes Ebenezer Scrooge uniquely his own. Gruff and terrifying, with select moments of humor, particularly as his penny-pinching early self, Mr. Yando’s journey toward Scrooge’s redemption is an absolute joy to behold.

The entire cast is once again superb this year. As narrator, Kareem Bandealy’s, carefully articulated introduction, speaking Dickens‘ words with deep resonance, care and clarity, not only sets the tone for this production, but prepares the audience with all they need to know in order to appreciate what’s about to come. Mr. Bandealy also gives a spirited, memorable, frightening performance as the Ghost of Jacob Marley. Andy Nagraj and Penelope Walker are an excellent duo as charity workers, Mr. Ortie and Miss Crumb. Doubling in Act II as greedy pawnbroker Old Joe, Chicago favorite Barbara Robertson’s Schoolmaster is frightening as she staunchly bids her students farewell for the holidays. This year Thomas J. Cox, whose talent has been enjoyed on most major Chicago stages, portrays a heartbreaking Bob Cratchit. He lends an optimism and a pinch of admirable joy to his earlier scenes while inducing a tear from the audience, following Tiny Tim’s death (played with natural innocence by Paris Strickland).

 This year Molly Brennan, who portrays the Ghost of Christmas Past, is a sexy, punk pixie with angel wings and an ever-commanding demeanor, while still being an empathetic and caring presence for Scrooge. Jasmine Bracey employs her raucous laughter, deep voice and larger-than-life presence to make the Ghost of Christmas Present a delightful presence to remember. Breon Arzell masters the quiet horror of the Ghost of Christmas Future, while also bringing humor to the role of Scrooge’s fellow apprentice, Dick Wilkins. Jonah D. Winston and Penelope Walker provide some much-welcome giddiness as the Fezziwigs, the kind of lovable employer and his wife that everyone wishes they had. Sadieh Rifai and Christopher Sheard make a lovely, soulful couple as Belle and young Ebenezer. However, one of the play’s most heartfelt moment comes when Scrooge’s niece Frida, played with energy, honesty and care by Ali Burch, earnestly embraces her reborn Uncle at their Christmas dinner. This is the moment to which this production has led.

Even after 41 years, this production is as lavish as ever. Played upon Todd Rosenthal’s minutely detailed, authentic-looking Victorian sets, that move on and off the stage with ease; and clothed in hundreds of sumptuous period costumes, designed by Heidi Sue McMath, the holiday play also features the intricate lighting of Keith Parham along with Richard Woodbury’s alternately eerie and festive sound design. Add to all of this waves of dense London fog, air-born flying spirits, and a talented, live four-piece ensemble of street musicians (courtesy of Justin Amolsch, Andrew Coil and Maddi and Malcolm Ruhl) and you have a Christmas Carol that absolutely sings.

With such a wide variety of holiday choices available in Chicagoland, the one bonafide production that truly says “Christmas” is back again at the Goodman Theatre. There are any number of other excellent alternatives playing around town, but the real deal, the play that will remind audiences of what the holiday is all about, is here for its 41st year. There’s no better choice. Here is a holiday extravaganza with heart that is a must-see at this time of year. Do not miss it!

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 25-December 30 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the Goodman box office, by calling 312-443-3800 or by visiting www.goodmantheatre.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.