That Dickens was pretty solid with enduring themes. And to create a work in December of 1843 that rings true- and, some might say, is the peak embodiment of the Christmas message- in December of 2019? Quite a legacy A Christmas Carol has.
Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly Christmas-hater, has a spiritual awakening or three on a night when magic can happen. His eventual change of heart (and wallet) has far-reaching ramifications for 1800s London and its residents of varying means, leaving everyone better for the journey. (I’d say that’s a moral worth revisiting at least once a year!)
The stage adaptation of the famed novella is a holiday tradition for many families, and Chicagoans would be hard-pressed to find a lovelier production than the Goodman Theatre’s annual staging. Adapted by Tom Creamer and now in its 42nd year, the Goodman’s version takes the classic tale and makes it better every season.
Director Henry Wishcamper, in his 7th turn at the helm, is no stranger to making bold choices (among them gender and color-blind casting), but what he really excels at is choosing a creative team that knows their stuff- and then letting them loose. Todd Rosenthal’s set with its creepily askew Scrooge abode and Keith Parham’s startlingly bold lighting are two stellar examples, but there are no weak links with this one.
And can we talk about the actors? Those Cratchit kids are always fun, Paris Strickland and Vikram Konkimalla do justice to the sweet role of Tiny Tim, and Kareem Bandealy has great moments as both the benevolent narrator and the cruel Jacob Marley…but make no mistake about it, this is Larry Yando’s show as the Scroogiest Scrooge to ever tread the boards. His process of disdain, grief, redemption, and unfettered joy make his Ebenezer worthy of the tears I shed each and every time. (And I’ve seen the Goodman’s A Christmas Carol for seven consecutive years. That’s a lot of clearing of one’s throat in order to stand for the ovation without feeling foolish.)
The offering for 2019 really punched up the laughs in a script that continuously feels fresh, and there aren’t as many jump scares this year. I mean, they’re there. I won’t tell you where, exactly, but when this show wants you to pay attention, they really make you make attention. The choices for this year pack a heck of a wallop.
As does the timeless message of brotherhood, of charity, of being a good human being, for goodness sake.
If I could send an onstage Christmas card to loved ones, this would be it. So let’s pretend that I did- they run until December 29th, so there’s plenty of time to take a cup of kindness yet.
Drink up, friends, and bless us- everyone.
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If you go:
Runs through December 29th, 2019
at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
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