A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"...Amid the abundance of holiday shows in Chicago this winter — a reality that was hard to imagine two years ago — “A Christmas Carol” is well worth a visit for its warmhearted, uplifting message and excellent cast. And if you’ve already seen it multiple times? Well, you can always try listening for which type of sigh Scrooge will give at bedtime."

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...To call the story popular would be to understate its hold on our imaginations both about Christmas and, for many, about the theater itself, since many a child was introduced to live performance by seeing a version of this tale following Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation from misanthropic miser to merry philanthropist."

Daily Herald - Highly Recommended

"...What is most enchanting about Goodman's production is Larry Yando's Ebenezer Scrooge. Humane, carefully considered and truthfully expressed, it is a performance (his 15th as Scrooge) of enormous depth. There are no false notes, but there are innumerable grace notes: the various ways he intones Cratchit's name; the expert timing that elicits laughter amid a terrifying scene. There's the furrowed brow watching his younger self (Daniel Jose Molina) let the beloved Belle (Amira Danan) slip away; the bowed head and hunched shoulders with which he greets his family to beg forgiveness on Christmas Day; the devilish expression (a hint of residual miserliness?) as he haggles over a Christmas turkey. Masterly, multifaceted and memorable, Yando's is a performance with which Goodman's future Scrooges will have to contend. Hopefully not anytime soon."

Chicago Reader - Recommended

"...This year’s production also leans heavily on the talents of the women in the cast, suggesting how much Yando’s Scrooge has lost over the years by running away from the nurturing offered not just by Fan, but by his first boss, Mrs. Maud Fezziwig (played with infectious bonhomie by Cindy Gold) and his lost love, Belle (Amira Danan). The cross-gender casting continues with Frida (Dee Dee Batteast), Scrooge’s niece, who’s determined to keep the spirit of Christmas no matter how many “bah, humbugs” are tossed her way."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...Gratefully Chicago has returned once again to live theatrical productions, after a long pandemic shutdown. The choices available for audiences searching for holiday plays, musicals and revues are abundant again. But Chicagoland’s one bonafide, tried and true production that truly says “Merry Christmas” is back again at the Goodman Theatre. This heartwarming, often humorous and sometimes alarming story will remind audiences of what the holiday is really all about. In its 45th year, there’s no better choice. Here is a festive holiday night to remember that’s a must-see at this time of year. Do not miss it!"

Buzznews.net - Highly Recommended

"...From a risky investment in the late 1970s, to the holiday institution we see this year, ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Goodman has become part of Chicago’s Christmas landscape. Next to Christkindlemarket in Daley Plaza, it’s hard to find a more quintessential Chicago tradition."

Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended

"...Larry Yando has played the covetous old sinner Scrooge for the last fifteen years, and, indeed, he hits all the marks of Ebenezer’s philanthropic transformation like a crack shot, but that’s more from cozy lived-in familiarity with the role than corporate fiat. Crank that he may be, there’s a two-sizes-too-small heart rattling around in there somewhere, and it can only defrost and grow. Also, refreshingly, his eventual enlightenment isn’t just sticky-sweet figgy pudding—there’s a big slice of humble pie, too."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...The cast of A Christmas Carol features more notable Chicago actors. Andrew White plays the Narrator, who takes us through Scrooge’s story from beginning to happy ending. Cindy Gold plays the ebullient Mrs. Maud Fezziwig, proprietor of the firm that employs a young Ebenezer and gets him started on his business career. (This modern version of Dickens’ story gracefully converts some male roles to female—such as Scrooge’s nephew Fred to his niece Frida (Dee Dee Batteast) and Mr. Fezziwig to Mrs. Fezziwig.) The casting (by Lauren Port and Rachael Jiminez) is also richly diverse."

Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended

"...When you know that a production is in its 45th year and that the same actor has played the lead now for fifteen of them, you might be forgiven if you expect things to be a bit stale. In the case of the Goodman Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol, though, you couldn’t possibly be more wrong. I’ve seen it about ten times over the years, and every single time it is as fresh, meaningful, and beautiful as it has always been."

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...This year’s production is very similar to last year’s, but in a way that is comforting rather than repetitive. I maintain that Jessica Thebus is a perfect choice to direct this show, as all the changes and additions she made last year only strengthened what was already a strong production. It’s no wonder so many, including me, have embraced A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre as an essential holiday tradition."

BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended

"...A Christmas Carol gave me renewed hope. Sometimes the renewal is needed. I wonder what Dickens would think of his story being presented year after year. For 45 years Chicagoans have loved Goodman's offering. It is a gift from the Goodman to us. It is special. Experience it for yourself. You will not be disappointed."

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Believe it or not, I was one of the folks in the audience attending their very first Goodman “Christmas Carol.” The forty-five-year-old holiday tradition is new to many in the audience and beloved by those who return time and time again. I didn’t understand the hype around this production before attending this opening night. Although I could watch “The Muppet Christmas Carol” every night in December, I’ve never been a massive fan of Scrooge’s story—until now."