A Christmas Carol

In the bustling city of Chicago, the sight of snowflakes in November is a rarity that some residents eagerly anticipate. Historical data from the National Weather Service reveals that, over the past four decades, traces of snowfall have graced the city on Thanksgiving Day only eight times. Last week, the city experienced its first enchanting snowfall, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland and delighting its residents. In addition to the frosty surprise, another notable event unfolded in Chicago's cultural scene. After an impressive 16-year run in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, the talented Larry Yardo is passing the torch to Christopher Donahue, marking the dawn of a new era in this beloved holiday tradition. Donahue, who has taken on the iconic role of Scrooge at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, delivered a remarkable performance that perfectly captured the character's irritable demeanor, sharp wit, and bitterly mean-spirited nature. His portrayal brought to life the quintessential essence of Scrooge, conveying a blend of grumpiness and sardonic humor— and narrated by one of my favorite actors, Kate Fry, so brilliantly brings that joy of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol to life, going to see this classic tale will delight your soul. Now in its 47th year at Goodman Theatre, where the story's message about empathy and the significance of treating the less fortunate with kindness is genuinely touching. It reminds us of the importance of having a sympathetic heart and how it can heal the soul of humanity. This delightful holiday treat is a heartwarming experience that every family should embrace and treasure. The story, renowned across the globe, needs little introduction, as many are familiar with the character of Ebenezer Scrooge—a sour and miserly older man whose life is transformed by a series of extraordinary visits. The tale begins with Fry narrating the events of Scrooge, witnessing a spectral appearance of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, whose ghostly chains rattle ominously, symbolizing the burdens Scrooge has carried throughout his life. Soon after, Scrooge is visited by the three Ghosts of Christmas: the nostalgic Spirit of Christmas Past, who reveals joyful and poignant memories; the vibrant Ghost of Christmas Present, who shows him the warmth and cheer of the season among those less fortunate; and the haunting Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, who presents a chilling vision of his lonely end. Through these profound encounters, Ebenezer is overwhelmed with emotions, ultimately leading to his redemption and a newfound joy that transforms his heart just in time for Christmas Day.

The cast features Anthony Irons, who is outstanding as Bob Cratchit. Lucky Stiff once again played the Ghost of Christmas Past, with Bri Sudia and Amira Danan as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Future, respectively. These three spirits haunt Ebenezer Scrooge and prompt him to repent. Other notable performances came from Robert Schleifer (Mr. Fezziwig), Gregory Hirte (Dick Wilkins), Amira Danan(Belle), Arash Fakhrabadi (Young Marley) and (Daniel Jose Molina (Young Scrooge). Penelope Walker returns to the role of Mrs. Fezziwig, and Ava Rose Doty delighted audiences with her portrayal of the courageous cripple boy Tim Cratchit (Tiny Tim's).

I miss the high-tech animation in the set design. Still, its normality, the original adaptation with a few changes here and there, and quality performances continuously bring audiences into the epic story. Goodman embraced the original theme of the story while introducing subtle yet impactful changes throughout. Yet, no rendition of this timeless classic would be complete without the iconic phrase "bah-humbug" or the array of witty one-liners that Scrooge delivers with his gruffness. "A Christmas Carol" transcends being merely a holiday performance; it unfolds into a poignant narrative that explores the power of familial love, capable of softening even the most callous hearts. The show runs for approximately two and a half hours, immersing audiences in Kate Fry's magical narrative while enjoying stunning performances and captivating music.

"A Christmas Carol" is a timeless classic that beautifully captures the spirit of the holiday season. This enchanting tale is a must-see for the family.

⭐⭐⭐

Goodman Theatre Presents

A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens

Adapted by Tom Creamer

Directed by Jessica Thebus

Now – December 30, 2024, in the Albert Theatre

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