A Holiday Extravaganza With Heart

A Christmas Carol – Goodman Theatre

Can anyone believe that this is the 42nd production of a wonderful show that’s become a Goodman Theatre holiday tradition? And this story is, after all, what Christmas is all about. Chicagoans are so fortunate to have Mr. Scrooge back for another holiday season. This production is the Grandaddy of all holiday stories, and what every other presentation of “A Christmas Carol” aspires to be. And, as always, it is sensational! It’s eloquent, heartwarming and a feast for the eye, ear and soul. The themes from Charles Dickens’ novella, and the lesson he imparts, aren’t diluted by raucous musical numbers, cartoonish elfin characters or dancing turkey boys. This is the ultimate production of a beloved story, and it would certainly have made the Victorian author proud.

Goodman Artistic Associate Henry Wishcamper returns for his seventh 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, drama, humor and special effects to delight both young and old, alike. Wishcamper directs his large, diverse cast with heart, imagination, going straight to the essence of the author’s theme: we all must share the responsibility 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, Scrooge learns, ensures a future filled with knowledge and exciting, unlimited possibilities.

Larry Yando is the quintessential Scrooge. There is no one else who can play this role with such style and swagger. Mr. Yando  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 twelfth appearance as the English curmudgeon so rich and complete. This much-honored actor has played other great roles, including his recent appearance in the Goodman’s production “Bernhardt/Hamlet.” Some theatergoers don’t realize that Mr. Yando toured for three years in the National Tour of “The Lion King,” playing the evil villain, Scar. In this production, as in every play he’s appeared, Larry Yando owns the stage. Yet, he  generously shares every scene with his fellow actors. But this actor truly makes Ebenezer Scrooge uniquely his own. Gruff and terrifying, balanced with unexpected moments of whimsy and humor, Scrooge’s journey toward redemption, as depicted by Larry Yando, is an absolute joy to behold.

This year’s cast is once again superb. As our narrator, Kareem Bandealy’s, carefully articulated introduction to the story, 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, very frightening performance as the Ghost of Jacob Marley, complete with rags and rattling chains. Susaan Jamshidi and Penelope Walker are an excellent pair of charity workers, Mrs. Ortle and Mrs. Crumb. Ms. Jamshidi also doubles later as a strong Mrs. Cratchit, while Ms. Walker also plays a delightful Mrs. Fezziwig. Doubling as greedy pawnbroker Old Joe, Philip Earl Johnson’s Act I Schoolmaster is frightening while staunchly bidding his students farewell for the holidays. Thomas J. Cox returns once again to portray a heartbreaking, sometimes funny, Bob Cratchit. He lends optimism and a pinch of joy to his earlier scenes while coaxing a tear from the audience, following the death of Tiny Tim. Paris Strickland also returns to nicely play the iconic, sickly little child with a crutch.

Molly Brennan portrays the Ghost of Christmas Past as a sexy, punk pixie with angel wings. Commanding the stage with a powerful demeanor, she’s 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, unforgettable spirit. Breon Arzell dons the stilts and flowing robe, once again, as the silent horror that is the Ghost of Christmas Future. The charismatic actor also brings much humor to the role of Scrooge’s fellow apprentice, Dick Wilkins. Jonah D. Winston provides some much-welcome giddiness as Mr. Fezziwig, playing the kind of lovable employer that everyone wishes they had. Kristen Magee and Christopher Sheard make a handsome, soulful couple as Belle and young Ebenezer. However, one of the play’s most heartfelt moments comes when Scrooge’s lovely niece Frida, played with energy, complete honesty and adoration by Ali Burch, earnestly embraces her Uncle when he unexpectedly joins his family for Christmas dinner. This is the moment to which this production has been journeying.

Even after so many years, this production is as lavish as ever, thanks to the collaborative contribution provided by dozens of theatre artists. The show is staged upon Todd Rosenthal’s minutely-detailed, authentic-looking Victorian scenic design. It features giant set pieces that fly in or move on and off the stage with ease. Actors are clothed in hundreds of sumptuous, gorgeous period costumes, designed by Heidi Sue McMath. The play also features Keith Parham’s intricate, atmopheric lighting, 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, featuring the music composed by Andrew Hansen, and played by the talented Justin Amolsch, Alison Tatum and Maddi Ruhl and Malcolm Ruhl. Together, all of these artists help ensure that this Christmas Carol absolutely sings.

We’re all so lucky. Chicagoland offers a wide variety of holiday entertainment and every year there are new plays and musicals from which to choose. But the one bonafide production that truly says “Christmas” is back again at the Goodman Theatre. There are a number of 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 42nd year. There’s no better choice. Here is a Christmas extravaganza that’s filled with heart and humor and is an annual must-see, at this time of year!

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 16-December 29 at the Albert Theatre 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 going to www.GoodmanTheatre.org.

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