A Festive Night to Remember

A Christmas Carol

This year’s production of Chicago’s favorite holiday classic, Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” is marked by several remarkable reasons to celebrate. First, unbelievably this marks the Goodman’s 45th annual production of the Theatre’s most popular show. Second, at a splashy pre-show reception opening night, Susan V. Booth was welcomed officially as the Theatre’s new, dynamic artistic director. She’s the Goodman’s well-deserved first female to helm this position, taking over the job held for 35 years by the visionary Robert Falls.

Next, this is the third year that capable and creative Jessica Thebus has expertly guided the Goodman’s holiday parable. Each year, this brilliant director has added several new and exhilarating elements to her staging, making every production a unique experience. Then sadly, this year’s production honors the  unexpected passing of actor William J. Norris. He left us a year ago, and is remembered for his many performances in this Christmas classic, most particularly for being the first actor to play Scrooge. 

All of which brings us to this stunning, new 2022 production. It marks the 15th year that the incomparable Larry Yando has played the crotchety misanthrope, Ebenezer Scrooge. Like any Thespian worth his salt, this talented actor taps into moments from his own life, as well as elements from every role he’s ever played, to create his peerless portrayal of Scrooge. And, much like the production itself, Mr. Yando always finds additional new traits to add to his characterization. Yando’s multilayered Scrooge, who gradually evolves from frightening to favorable, is grouchy and grumpy at the beginning. However, thanks to the ghosts’ visits, Ebenezer relives past memories and fondly recalls old friends and family; then as he sees how everyone else is the present is finding happiness from simple things, Scrooge begins to soften. And when the old miser finally witnesses how he’s destined to leave the world of the living in the future, reviled by everyone who knew him, Ebenezer understands the error of his way.

From beginning to end, this production is an eloquent and heartwarming feast for the eye, the ear and the soul. The themes from Dickens’ novella, and the lessons he teaches, are brought to life before our eyes. In a tribute to the people the Ukraine, this year’s production opens with Rika Nishikawa, a sweet little girl  in an upstairs window, beautifully singing “Siva Zozulenka.” It’s a touching Ukrainian carol that offers peace and blessings to everyone.  

And, as always, the entire Goodman cast is terrific. As this year’s narrator, Andrew White introduces the audience to the tale that lies ahead, delivering Charles Dickens‘ text with care and clarity. White not only sets the tone for this production, but he prepares the audience with all we need to know in order to appreciate the events to come. The multitalented Kareem Bandealy gives a spirited, memorable and frightening performance as the Ghost of Jacob Marley. William Dick and Penelope Walker are a comically persistent pair of charity workers, Mr. Ortie and Miss Crumb. Doubling in Act II as Old Joe, a greedy pawnbroker, William also turns up selling Christmas trees and as a party guest. And Ms Walker returns later in the story as the wife of Mrs. Fezziwig.

 And there are other standouts in this year’s production. Wai Yim’s Schoolmaster is severe and scary as he bids his students farewell for the holidays. Likable, talented Thomas J. Cox returns once again as a comical and, at times, heartbreaking Bob Cratchit. He lends some optimism and a pinch of joy to his earlier scenes, while provoking tears following Tiny Tim’s death (played this year with sweet wonderment by Vikram Konkimalla). Susaan Jamshidi is warm and wonderfully maternal as Mrs. Cratchit, and elder Crachit child, Martha, is nicely played by beautiful actor/songstress, Ariana Burks. She also plays Scrooge’s cheerful, late sister, Fan, as well as a number of other characters.

Lucky Stiff flies through the night sky as the Ghost of Christmas Past. They make a shiny, punk pixie with a commanding demeanor, while still being an empathetic presence for Scrooge. One of Chicago’s finest actor/singers, Bethany Thomas employs her beautiful smile, her gorgeous voice and larger-than-life command of the stage to make the Ghost of Christmas Present a delightful spirit to remember. Daniel Jose Molina, who also plays Scrooge as a geeky young man, dominates the stage in horrific silence as the Ghost of Christmas Future. On opening night, Alexander Quinones brought energy and humor to Scrooge’s fellow apprentice, Dick Wilkins, a role usually played by Gregory Hirte. The always wonderful Cindy Gold provides some genuine giddiness and mirth to Mrs. Maud Fezziwig, making her the kind of lovable employer that everyone wishes they had. As Belle, Amira Danan makes a lovely romantic interest from long ago for young Ebenezer Scrooge. However, one of the play’s most heartfelt moment comes when Scrooge’s niece Frida, played with energy and honesty by Dee Dee Batteast, earnestly embraces her spiritually reborn Uncle at their Christmas dinner. This is the moment to which this entire production has led us. 

After years of telling this tale, this production continues to look and sound as fresh and lavish as ever. The story is played upon dozens of delicately detailed, authentic-appearing Victorian sets, designed by Todd Rosenthal, that move on and off the stage with ease. The enormous ensemble cast is clothed in hundreds of Heidi Sue McMath’s sumptuous period costumes, and the production is illuminated by some pretty intricate lighting, by Keith Parham. Richard Woodbury’s sound design, alternately eerie and festive, adds much to this story. Add to this waves of dense London fog, a dazzling starry night, air-born flying spirits, and a talented, live four-piece ensemble of street musicians (courtesy of Justin Amolsch, Delin and Malcolm Ruhl, and subbing on violin for Gregory Hirte, Sam Hyson,) and you have a Christmas Carol that positively sings.

Gratefully Chicago has returned once again to live theatrical productions, after a long pandemic shutdown. The choices available for audiences searching for holiday plays, musicals and revues are abundant again. But Chicagoland’s one bonafide, tried and true production that truly says “Merry Christmas” is back again at the Goodman Theatre. This heartwarming, often humorous and sometimes alarming story will remind audiences of what the holiday is really all about. In its 45th year, there’s no better choice. Here is a festive holiday night to remember that’s a must-see at this time of year. Do not miss it!

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented November 19-December 31 at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago.

Tickets are available 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.