Theatre News Wire

More than 1.5 million people have experienced A Christmas Carol, "one of Chicago's treasured Christmas traditions" (Theatermania), now returning for the 41st year at Goodman Theatre, November 17 - December 30. Under Artistic Associate Henry Wishcamper's direction for the sixth year, the annual production "remains the greatest seasonal story of all" (Chicago Tribune) and features Chicago actor Larry Yando, who leads the 26-member cast as the irascible businessman Ebenezer Scrooge. Joining Yando is Paris Strickland, who reprises her role as Tiny Tim for the second year, along with a host of returning favorites and newcomers; a complete cast list appears below. The young performers in A Christmas Carol, cast from hundreds of Chicagoland children who auditioned, include Asher Alcantara, 13, as Boy Scrooge; Henry Lombardo, 9, as Ignorance and Tiny Tim Alternate; Maya Reyna, 16, as Belinda Cratchit; Nelson Simmons, 11, as Turkey Child; and Margaret Chong, 11, returning as Emily Cratchit for the second year.

"I am incredibly excited to start rehearsals for this year's production of A Christmas Carol," said director Henry Wishcamper. "We've assembled an amazing cast that includes many terrific new actors, several returning cast members, a group of incredibly talented young performers-and, of course, Larry Yando, who gives one of the greatest performances I've ever seen as Ebenezer Scrooge. This year's cast promises to capture the magic, spectacle and power that has made the Goodman's production of A Christmas Carol one of Chicago's most beloved holiday traditions while breathing new energy and fresh perspectives into one of the best stories ever told."

Dickens' holiday classic is the iconic tale of greedy businessman Ebenezer Scrooge, whose sizable bank account is only matched by his disdain for the holidays. One Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by four ghosts who take him on a spectacular adventure through his past, present and future, helping him rediscover the joys of life, love and friendship. Former cast members include stage and screen notables Jessie Mueller, Joe Minoso, Del Close, Harry J. Lennix, Felicia P. Fields, Raul Esparza, Sally Murphy and Frank Galati.

Full Company of A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens, Adapted by Tom Creamer, Directed by Henry Wishcamper

Asher Alcantara........................Boy Scrooge/Peter Cratchit

Justin Amolsch........................Musician, French Horn

Breon Arzell............................Dick Wilkins

Kareem Bandealy.....................Narrator/Jacob Marley

Jasmine Bracey.......................Ghost of Christmas Present

Molly Brennan.........................Ghost of Christmas Past

Ali Burch.................................Frida

Ariana Burks...........................Martha Cratchit/Fan

Margaret Chong.......................Emily Cratchit

Andrew Coil............................Musician, Fiddler

Thomas Cox...........................Bob Cratchit

Allen Gilmore..........................Scrooge Alternate

Henry Lombardo.....................Ignorance/Tiny Tim Alternate

Lily Mojekwu...........................Mrs. Cratchit

Andy Nagraj............................Ortle

Maya Reyna...........................Belinda Cratchit

Sadieh Rifai...........................Belle

Barbara Robertson..................Old Joe/Schoolmaster

Madeline Ruhl........................Musician, Flute

Malcolm Ruhl.........................Music Director, Accordion

Christopher Sheard..................Young Scrooge

Nelson Simmons.....................Turkey Child

Paris Strickland........................Tiny Tim

Penelope Walker.....................Mrs. Fezziwig/Mrs. Crumb

Jonah D. Winston....................Mr. Fezziwig

Larry Yando...........................Ebenezer Scrooge


Creative Team

Todd Rosenthal.......................Set Designer

Heidi Sue McMath...................Costume Designer

Andrew Hansen......................Composer

Richard Woodbury...................Sound Designer

Malcolm Ruhl..........................Music Director

Keith Parham..........................Lighting Designer

Tommy Rapley .........................Choreographer

Kate DeVore...........................Dialect Coach

Alden Vasquez........................Production Stage Manager

Jonathan Nook........................Stage Manager