Goodman’s “A Christmas Carol” – A Night of Holiday Delights
Highly Recommended
Reviewed By: Stacey L. Crawley
The Goodman’s 39th annual production of A Christmas Carol has done it again! Chicago Favorite Larry Yando returns for the ninth time as the grumpy, petulant miser Ebenezer Scrooge in this fantastic take on an old classic. Heidi Sue McMath’s lavish costumes and Todd Rosenthal’s intricate set design were the perfect backdrop to this beloved Christmas tale. Throughout the show the stage comes alive with swirls of movement (choreographed by Tommy Rapley) and holiday spirit.
The surprising moments of comedic effect added a special lightheartedness to the show that incorporated luxurious set pieces seamlessly flowing onstage, giving you the illusion of being outdoors one moment and inside Ebenezer’s bedroom the next. With the beautiful lighting design and special effects, I looked forward to each of the Ghosts visiting Ebenezer, showing him the error of his ways while encouraging the crotchety old man to seek redemption. Director Henry Wishcamper’s extremely talented cast also includes Ron E Rains as family man Bob Crachit, Joe Foust as the Ghost of Jacob Marley, Travis Knight as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Kim Shultz as the Ghost of Christmas Present. I highly recommend this Charles’s Dickens classic as a great way to celebrate the holiday season.
A Christmas Carol appears now until December 31st in the Albert Theatre. Tickets ($25-$102) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Carol or by calling 312-443-3800 or at the box office (170 N. Dearborn).