Casting Announced for A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre
Nearly two million people have experienced Goodman Theatre's A Christmas Carol, "the greatest seasonal story of all" (Chicago Tribune), returning to the stage for its 44th annual production in the heart of the Chicago Loop following a year of darkened stages. Director Jessica Thebus returns after co-adapting and directing the 2020 audio streaming version, which drew more than 150,000 listeners, from more than 50 countries, who experienced the production online as well as on-air, in an unprecedented partnership with Chicago Public Radio WBEZ and Vocalo. Chicago favorite Larry Yando returns for his 14th year as Ebenezer Scrooge-with Allen Gilmore stepping into the miserly businessman's shoes for 9 performances-leading a cast of 30 including returning favorites and newcomers, including young performers Rika Nishikawa (Belinda Cratchit), Milla Liss (Emily Cratchit Alternate), Grier Burke (Turkey Child/Want) and Gayatri Gadhvi (Tiny Tim); a complete cast list appears below. A Christmas Carol runs November 20 - December 3.
"The story that I always want to see, and I always want to make, is one that is about transformation being possible. A Christmas Carol is the essential story of transformation," says Director Jessica Thebus. "Directing A Christmas Carol-An Audio play was incredibly fun last year, but it's really great to be back in the visual world. I'm especially looking forward to being in that audience. It's a magical place to be."
"The crown jewel of the holiday season" (Daily Herald), Dickens' holiday classic is a "beautiful, timeless message of generosity's triumph over greed" (Chicago Tribune). Businessman Ebenezer Scrooge's sizable bank account is only matched by his disdain for the holidays. But one fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by four ghosts who take him on a spectacular adventure through his past, present and future, helping him on his discovery of kindness, compassion and redemption in a tale that "tugs at the heartstrings" (Theatermania). Now in its fifth decade, A Christmas Carol is "still the best Christmas story ever told" (Time Out Chicago) and a signature event of the Chicago holiday season with a star-studded history that includes stage and screen notables like Jessie Mueller, Joe Minoso, Del Close, Harry J. Lennix, Felicia P. Fields, Raul Esparza, Sally Murphy and Frank Galati.
Health and Safety Note: Proof of full vaccination with an FDA or WHO-authorized vaccine is required for all guests over 12 and a recent negative test must be presented for children under 12. Patrons must wear face coverings at all times while inside Goodman Theatre. Learn more GoodmanTheatre.org/Protocols.