Goodman Theatre of Chicago has the perfect remedy for post-election fatigue, its current production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol now through December 30. It checks off all the boxes for maximum entertainment. It has a stellar cast in a vibrant new production by director Jessica Thebus, who has brought Chicago audiences productions of A Christmas Carol for the past three years.
This is Goodman’s 47th annual production of this timeless Holiday tradition.
Chicago theatre veteran Christopher Donahue is Ebeneezer Scrooge, the penny-wise-and-pound-foolish miser of a businessman who thinks the Christmas spirit is a con game for fools, when it is only, he who can’t figure out the shell game.
Anthony Irons is a mother-with-wise Cratchit who sees beyond Scrooge’s constant slights and verbal abuse to provide a stable life for his family and his beloved disabled son Tiny Tim (an engaging Ava Rose Doty). A parent’s love is blind, we learn. Even as Tiny Tim struggles to cross the dining room floor in his tint crutches, Cratchit praises his strength and courage despite the obvious.
On every level, this is a heart-stopping production with stellar performances and terrific stagecraft. On stage musicians enhance the lively dance party scenes at Fezziwig’s warehouse with Robert Schleifer’s character signing to lead the way. So enthusiastic is his performance, that it is quickly forgotten that he has not spoken or sung a word.
Four ghosts appear to guide Scrooge through his transformation from curmudgeon to secular patron saint. Credit a frightful William Dick for setting the stage with his Ghost of Jacob Marley. A spectacular array of lighting and sound design innovations from Brian Elston and Emily Hayman and the introduction of some new animated characters from Puppet Designers and Creators Maidia Stampley and Adam Belcuore add to the overall magic.
This is a production of the highest caliber. If you see nothing else this Holiday season, A Christmas Carol at Goodman should be at the top of your list. For tickets and information, visit goodman theatre.org.
Goodman Theatre.170 N Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60601 | T: 312.443.3800
