Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"...Yando, who has returned to the annual task of staring into your own grave, is a consummate Ebenezer. He's my favorite through all these years, along with Tom Mula; both men understand that the role needs to embrace both the darkest truths of life (starting with the way time cannot be reclaimed) and embrace the unfettered theatricality of seasonal optimism."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Tom Creamer’s trustworthy adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic is now in its 34th reincarnation. What makes this version worth a look is actor Larry Yando who returns for his fourth turn in five years as Ebenezer Scrooge. Tall, skinny and kind of loopy, he embodies Scrooge with every movement, every syllable spoken."
Centerstage - Highly Recommended
"... Looking for a good Christmas show? Go Occupy Goodman Theatre. Long before anyone was occupying Zuccotti Park, Charles Dickens wrote about the overnight redemption of one percenter Ebenezer Scrooge from callous money lender to kind-hearted philanthropist. Perhaps our current economy could benefit from visiting with three Christmas spirits… Though this show’s been running for thirty-four years, this is only the second year I’ve seen it, and I’d say this one is an improvement over last year’s (which was also fun)."
Chicago On the Aisle - Highly Recommended
"... It takes a deft directorial hand, big-hearted actors and lots of practice to create a Scrooge who is mean in a way that can sear adult hearts and still draw high-pitched giggles. But that is what the Goodman Theatre has done in its 34th annual production of “A Christmas Carol,” a retelling for all ages, starring Larry Yando as an incandescent Ebenezer."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...The basic core of good will toward man, the basic message of personal change and redemption permeates this wonderful show. It isn’t Christmas time without a visit to 1843 London to see Uncle Scrooge. The Goodman’s production is the finest holiday show mounted in Chicago. Take the entire family to see this marvelous production."
Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended
"...Under the direction of Steve Scott, this year’s production is paced to perfection. The gorgeous Dickens Village created by Todd Rosenthal rolls in and out seamlessly. Compared to last year’s show, the 2011 CHRISTMAS CAROL is tighter and more frolicsome. Since its days on Columbus Drive, I’ve been enjoying the Goodman’s annual tradition. Every production has its own unique feel and different variation of local talent. (Sidenote to Bob Falls: What about Ora Jones for Scrooge next year? She would be awesome!) What can be always said of Goodman, that they ‘knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God Bless Us, Every One!’"
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"... This production, one that should be getting “tired” is far from that. In fact, the use of many cultures and gender bending in lead roles added a new spice to the story. It is not often that you see a classical play such as this with Hispanics, African Americans and Asian Americans in the cast. Hats off to Scott for making this happen. The set by Todd Rosenthal is once again perfect, Robert Christen’s lighting and Richard Woodbury’s sound made every word audible throughout the theater and the costumes by Heidi Sue McMath superb. The original music by Andrew Hansen adds a great touch to the production and one of our finest fiddlers,Greg Hirte and the other stage musicians are a delight."
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"... So now the non-Ebenezer 99% (who Scrooge calls the “surplus population”) have their official Christmas gift from a prescient writer who died 141 years ago. Maybe those contemporary Grinches who want to enlarge the prisons and turn our schools into workhouses so the misers of America can pay no taxes whatsoever will see the stupidity of their short-sighted selfishness. But, alas, judging from the evergreen importance of A Christmas Carol, the lesson clearly needs repeating: The 35th season beckons in 2012!"