A Christmas Carol

Haul out the holly, it's that time of year Chicago theatres are trotting out their holiday shows, some familiar and others not so. Theatre in Chicago lists around forty holiday themed shows this year, meaning that between Thanksgiving and Christmas area theatergoers could get a daily dose of holiday cheer if they have a hankering.  And that's not counting the many non-holiday plays offered for the occasional Ebenezer Scrooge out there. So many shows to choose from, what are the must-sees and the interesting alternative stocking stuffers?

Without a doubt, "A Christmas Carol" is the holiday big-time champ and the perennial cash cow for myriad companies. The Goodman Theatre's rich and dark adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic is a Chicago institution that stretches back 30 years, when it was first staged at the old Art Institute of Chicago theatre space.  The Goodman's first and longest-running Scrooge was William J. Norris, who has returned to the play many times and in several different roles. Another longtime Caroler, William Brown is in the director's seat this season, having starred in the coveted leading role several years himself. Chicago veteran actor Larry Yando utters those immortal words "Bah, Humbug!" for his second year.  Brown and Yando recently faced off in Writers Theatre's acclaimed revival of "Nixon's Nixon".

The Goodman isn't the only "Carol" in town, and Writers, Metropolis, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Governors State University and Paramount Theatres are all getting into the Dickens spirit.  In 1999, another veteran Ebenezer, Tom Mula performed a one-man staged version of his book "Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol" in the Goodman's old studio space.  Mula returns to his trip through hell, this time via Theater Wit at the TheatreBuilding.  Look for "A Very Neo-Futurist Christmas Carol," "Dublin Carol" at Steppenwolf, and "The Hipmas Carol" at Chicago Center for the Performing Arts to also exploit the familiar moniker with their own twists.

 The award for the most unusual Christmas show title is a close contest.  Consider "A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant" at A Red Orchid, "Soiree Dada: Schmuckt Der Hallen" at the Storefront, and "The David Bowie Hepzikat Funky Velvet Flarney Solstice Spectacular, Live... From Space! (David Bowie's Christmas Special 1977" at National Pastime.  Chemically Imbalanced brings us "The Annual Deer Run Holiday Party," Theater Wit revives "The Santaland Diaries," and Hell in a Handbag breaks out the fava beans for "Silent Night of the Lambs".  For offbeat yuletide laughs, Second City's Dysfunctional Holiday comes to the Metropolis, and New World Repertory offers a Holiday Improv Show. 

 Some traditions never grow old, and if seeing the familiar titles on TV isn't enough, look for "A Wonderful Life," "Meet Me in St. Louis," "A Christmas Story" and "The Gifts of the Magi" on the boards this season.  Chicago's original musical "The Christmas Schooner" has been one of the biggest successes in Bailiwick's history.  This year's production marks a poignant farewell to this venerable and daring Off-Loop venue.  The musical itself won't be gone forever, though, as Theatre at the Center has it on next holiday's schedule.

 Victory Gardens is also banking on its popular folk musical adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Snow Queen" to warm hearts and theatrical pocketbooks.  Young audience members should be captivated by "Snowflake Tim's Big Holiday Adventure" (Lifeline), "Holiday Storybox for Young Audiences" (Piven) and "The Christmas that Almost Wasn't" (Theatre at the Center).  Although it's not really a Christmas show, Drury Lane Oakbrook's current revival of "Mame" does feature that Jerry Herman song "We Need a Little Christmas," and Light Opera Works will carry the season out on a blast of brass bands in "The Music Man".  One thing about this holiday season is certain - it's a great time for theatre lovers in Chicago.

For a complete listing of this season's shows, go to the Holiday Plays page of Theatre In Chicago.

Joe Stead

Theatre In Chicago News Contributor Joe Stead has spent over 20 years as a critic, director, designer and performer. His reviews currently appear online at www.steadstylechicago.com.