Theater Review: ‘A Christmas Carol’: Chicago’s Perennial Favorite in its 45th Year

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CHICAGO—It took him five weeks to write what he envisioned as a ghost story, and that it starts as a frightening yarn may explain why Charles Dickens’s masterpiece “A Christmas Carol” has a rather gloomy opening.

We know the story: The tale starts when we learn that Ebenezer Scrooge is very rich but his wealth has not brought him happiness. He is stingy with the coal that warms Bob Cratchit, his clerk; he feels ill used by having to give Cratchit Christmas Day off; he refuses to give anything to charity; and he rejects his nephew’s invitation to Christmas dinner. And when his nephew wishes him a simple “Merry Christmas,” Scrooge responds with “Bah! Humbug!”

Jacob Marley (Kareem Bandealy, L) visits Ebenezer Scrooge (Larry Yando) on Christmas Eve, in the 45th annual production of  “A Christmas Carol.” (Liz Lauren)
Jacob Marley (Kareem Bandealy, L) visits Ebenezer Scrooge (Larry Yando) on Christmas Eve, in the 45th annual production of  “A Christmas Carol.” Liz Lauren

All is not lost, however, because Scrooge is given another chance at reclamation. He is visited by the ghosts of the past, the present, and the future, all of whom take part in opening Scrooge’s eyes and heart.

From the time that it was published in London in 1843, the novella has been adapted into many plays and movies, and it has become over the centuries the most popular entertainment at Christmas—and for very good reason.

For the 45th year, the Goodman Theatre of Chicago presents an adaptation by Tom Creamer in what many consider to be the Goodman’s gift to Chicago. Indeed, while at this time of the year Chicago stages are filled with plenty of feel-good Christmas cheer, the Goodman’s production remains the most popular, the most thoughtful, and the most enthralling of them all.

The 45th Take

The play seems to get better every year. This is primarily due to its compelling star Larry Yando who, having played the part for 15 years, brings great compassion, intelligence, and poignancy to the role. Yando is the reason that we see Scrooge not as a cartoonish skinflint, but as a human being who is not only saved but who ends up saving others as well.
Fan (Ariana Burks) and Ebenezer Scrooge (Larry Yando), in “A Christmas Carol.” (Liz Lauren)
Fan (Ariana Burks) and Ebenezer Scrooge (Larry Yando), in “A Christmas Carol.” Liz Lauren

Directed by Jessica Thebus, the rest of this exceptional production’s terrific ensemble brings warmth to many of Dickens’s other characters, which makes the show as delicious as a Christmas pudding.

Some of the highlights include Lucky Stiff as the Ghost of Christmas Past, who demonstrates where Scrooge went wrong. Bethany Thomas as the Ghost of Christmas Present, brings Scrooge to the home of his clerk Cratchit, given a nice turn by Thomas J. Cox. Here, Scrooge feels remorse upon meeting Tiny Tim, portrayed by Vikram Konkimalla, over what he previously said about getting rid of the “surplus population.” And then there’s Daniel José Molina as the Ghost of Christmas Future who shows Scrooge what awaits him if he doesn’t change.

Fun Spectacle

As always, the Goodman features accomplished artists that create some dazzling, even frightening, special effects, making the work a fun spectacle for children and adults. The scene in which Scrooge is visited by his long dead partner Marley, who keeps popping in and out of Scrooge’s bedroom, and the dark funeral monolith of his future mortality are especially gripping.
(L–R) Bob Cratchit (Thomas J. Cox) makes a toast as Tiny Tim (Vikram Konkimalla), Peter Cratchit (Jalen Smith), Emily Cratchit (Presley Rose Jones), Fan (Ariana Burks), Ebenezer Scrooge (Larry Yando), Belinda Cratchit (Rika Nishikawa), Turkey Child (Amir Henderson), and Martha Cratchit (Susaan Jamshidi) look on, in “A Christmas Carol.” (Liz Lauren)
(L–R) Bob Cratchit (Thomas J. Cox) makes a toast as Tiny Tim (Vikram Konkimalla), Peter Cratchit (Jalen Smith), Emily Cratchit (Presley Rose Jones), Fan (Ariana Burks), Ebenezer Scrooge (Larry Yando), Belinda Cratchit (Rika Nishikawa), Turkey Child (Amir Henderson), and Martha Cratchit (Susaan Jamshidi) look on, in “A Christmas Carol.” Liz Lauren

These great effects are created by set designer Todd Rosenthal, lighting by Keith Parham, and sound by Richard Woodbury. In addition, there’s the atmosphere of Victorian London that’s created by Heidi Sue McMath’s costumes and composer Andrew Hansen’s tunes that are given a nice touch by music director Malcom Ruhl.

Among the many things about “A Christmas Carol” that resonate more than ever with our modern age is its focus on kindness, understanding, doing the right thing, and celebrating the birth of the one for whom Christmas is named: Throughout, the salutation is “Merry Christmas.”

This is a tale of redemption—a great blessing to emerge from what begins as a dark tale. After all, what could be more important than saving a man’s soul?

Indeed, when we hear Tim say at the play’s end, “May God Bless us, every one,” it feels as though we have been personally touched and blessed by Charles Dickens and the Goodman Theatre.

Among the many things about “A Christmas Carol” that resonate more than ever with our modern age is its focus on kindness, understanding, and doing the right thing. (Goodman Theatre)
Among the many things about “A Christmas Carol” that resonate more than ever with our modern age is its focus on kindness, understanding, and doing the right thing. Goodman Theatre
‘A Christmas Carol’ Goodman Theatre 170 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago Tickets: GoodmanTheatre.org Runs: 2 hours, 20 minutes Closes: Dec. 31, 2022
Betty Mohr
Betty Mohr
Author
As an arts writer and movie/theater/opera critic, Betty Mohr has been published in the Chicago Sun-Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Australian, The Dramatist, the SouthtownStar, the Post Tribune, The Herald News, The Globe and Mail in Toronto, and other publications.
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