Recently, I had a discussion with some friends about our typical engagement with Charles Dickens’ classic story A Christmas Carol. One friend sees an improvised stage version every year in Atlanta. Another watches the Muppets movie. As for me, I’m thankful that the Goodman Theatre’s annual production is my main point of contact with the story; I can’t imagine a better start to the Christmas season.
The show, of course, follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge as he is taken on a journey by three spirits who show him scenes from Christmases past, present, and future. These scenes change his heart and ultimately transform him from a selfish and avaricious grump to a generous and joyful lover of the Christmas season.
Directed once again by the marvelous Jessica Thebus, this year’s show features a few significant casting changes, most notably the leading role of Scrooge. After being helmed for many years by Larry Yando, A Christmas Carol is now led by Christopher Donahue as Scrooge, a role in which he excels. His performance is wholly unique and wholly captivating, bringing a delightful freshness to familiar lines and beats. Other notable new performers include Anthony Irons, who offers a grounded if somewhat bland version of Bob Cratchit, and Kate Fry, whose spirited performance as the Narrator infuses the production with a lovely vibrancy.
One thing that’s especially beautiful about the world of A Christmas Carol that Thebus has created is its remarkable inclusivity. People of all races and genders are welcome to partake of the holiday spirit here; this is especially prominent during the scene at Mr. Fezziwig’s Christmas party. There, characters incorporate many languages, including the sign language used by Fezziwig himself, into the celebration. Music and dance are also key elements of the story, with talented live musicians incorporated seamlessly.
Every year when I see this show, something different strikes me about the story (adapted for the stage by Tom Creamer). This year, I noted that minus the period costumes and sets, this story could take place today. Wealth inequality is still going strong, people in government still do immoral things in the name of Christianity, and lousy employers still use “the market” as a defense for low wages. Yet, the joy of it all remains the same as well. Traditional Christmas tunes still warm our hearts, simple acts of kindness still speak volumes, and gathering with loved ones for food and friendship still creates meaning, no matter how harsh the world gets.
A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre is infused with all sorts of magic, from flying effects to star drops to puppetry. But the real strength of this show is its humanity. Ultimately, the story calls for us to care for one another, our “fellow passengers to the grave.” I have come to believe that joy and hope are not optional in our struggle to make a more just world, and art can be a wonderful font for just those things. Bask in hope and joy this holiday season; go see A Christmas Carol.
Ticket Information
Location: The Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn Street
Dates: November 24 – December 30, 2024
Tickets: $25 – $159. Available at the Goodman Theatre website or by phone at 312.443.3800.
All photos by Liz Lauren.
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