Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended
"...Judd's Scrooge is a very likeable and sympathetic fellow. Even in that first scene, when we're used to jeering at the old meanie -- and the previous actors in this King Lear of Christmas roles have been thoroughly enjoying scaring all the little children in their audience with their relentlessly snippy malevolence. Not this year. This year, you think "Awww, who's that pained old man?" when you're more used to feeling poor Bob's rheumatism. Even in the first scene. As early as that, you can see the anguish in Judd's face, as if he's desperately trying to find a way to understand how on earth this fellow could possibly have become so, well, uncharitable."
Chicago Sun Times - Recommended
"...Judd, a superb actor, is larger and more solidly built than most of the previous actors portraying Scrooge, and his take on the man is similarly weighty. He captures Scrooge’s all-work-and-no-play demeanor but shifts a bit too subtly (if realistically) in the crucial Christmas morning scene that should be one of the great, giddiness-inducing transformative moments in theater. His newborn sense of mischief only erupts fully in a few final minutes when he interacts with Cratchit on the day after Christmas."
Daily Herald - Recommended
"...
Though Judd’s first-time Scrooge may not live up to many people’s heightened expectations, the show itself remains a wonderful way to get into the spirit of the season. The Goodman Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” still delivers as a spectacle-filled holiday treat."
Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended
"...a supremely likeable cast tell Dickens's crafty, affecting tale with such candor that these serious flaws ultimately seem like minor quibbles. Try not to scream like a little girl when the monstrous Ghost of Christmas Future appears. I almost did."
Examiner - Highly Recommended
"...The world’s best known ghost story is back and in mostly fine fettle at the Goodman Theatre. There’s a reason A Christmas Carol is referred to as a cash cow – thousands see it every year, secure in the knowledge that the Goodman’s impeccable production values and adherence to the spirit of Dickens’ alternately splendid, scary and ultimately joyful story is a glorious reminder of all that is right about the holidays. If that’s not a show that’s worthy of raking in revenue, then boil me in my own pudding and bury me with a stake of holly through my heart."
Talkin Broadway - Recommended
"...The Goodman's A Christmas Carol is a great showcase for the theater artists of all disciplines—and a relatively rare opportunity in the Chicago non-profit theater scene for production designers to fully show their stuff. Of course the classic story works as well as ever—though maybe in the current economic climate its resonance has edged closer to Dickens' social commentary and farther away from fable."
Centerstage - Recommended
"...The Goodman Theatre’s adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens story of the redemption of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge practically jumps out at the audience under the direction of William Brown. Giant set pieces roll on and off the stage, the large cast frolics in various well-choreographed scenes of merry making, and ghosts magically appear in unexpected places. But beneath all the showmanship and elaborate set design is a story with real heart, embodied most in the members of the Cratchit family--including the oh-so-cute Tiny Tim. Despite the familiar spectacle of such an elaborately orchestrated Christmas story, Brown takes the time to let his characters delve into their emotions, which allows the audience to do the same."
Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended
"...This is not your average A Christmas Carol, pulled out of the closet and dusted off to decorate the holidays. Rather it is a shining example of theater’s ability to alter emotional paradigms by creating spellbindingly compelling storytelling. Whether you are in the midst of overwhelming holiday overload or dancing on a cloud of holiday cheer, the Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol is the perfect way to celebrate the season by magically delivering a classically enchanting and profoundly pertinent message of love."
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."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...John Judd makes his first time appearance as the bah humbug hater of Christmas, Ebenezer Scrooge. A very impressive performance was given by this Chicago veteran actor. Along with other recognizable names returning to their “A Christmas Carol” roles such as Anish Jethmalani, Katie Jeep, and Gregory Hirte, who has been apart of this production for nearly eight years. All gave compelling performances to bring Dickens' classic to life."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The new actor taking on this role has some pretty big shoes to fill, and John Judd, knowing the quality of work that the previous Scrooges have brought to the stage is up to the task. He is just a bit meaner at the onset, but as he is visited bt the spirits that will change his life, we can see the transformation take place and we start to see him as a sympathetic character. I am not sure exactly what Dickens had in mined when he penned this novella back in 1843, but as presented at The Goodman, we see a childhood that by today’s standards would fall under the abusive category, and thus Christmas was not a happy time for young Ebenezer Scrooge, who as the years went on grew to hate this dreaded holiday more and more. Judd does a great job at making this miserly, nasty man into a warm hearted caring soul."
Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended
"...Every rendition of the Dickens classic has always made my heart beat faster and sigh in relief when old Ebenezer made his turnaround.
The Goodman Theatre production of A Christmas Carol thankfully gave me, instead of anxiousness, a sense of relief and a warm fuzzy. This beautifully staged play adds an element of humor that I had not previously seen in the story."