When Henry Godinez assumed directorial responsibilities for the Goodman's annual production of A Christmas Carol in 1997, a fable in danger of eroding into complacency had its philanthropic imperative restored with an immediacy as vivid as a George Cruikshank engraving. Recognizing that our elation at the restoration of a soul gone astray can only be as great as the threat thereto, he introduced elements bordering on those of the gothic literary genre that co-existed with Dickens' social realism -- a spectral Marley whose visage prompted warnings to parents with very young children, and a pack of wolfish children that pursue a terrified Scrooge to his very door. Now, as the last show to be mounted in the space inaugurated in 1925 as the Goodman Memorial Theater and School of Drama, Godinez's interpretation has lost none of its power, pathos or unexpected warmth. Indeed, of all the play's incarnations from its premiere in 1978, this seems the most easily expandable to the Goodman's new quarters on Dearborn Street, where it will reside in 2001 and after.
In his third year of playing the famous miser, Steppenwolf regular Rick Snyder has found the right balance to make his character a figure of censure as well as mockery, with Patrick Clear likewise rendering Bob Cratchit meek without being spineless and Steve Hinger hinting at the necessary fortitude that lies beneath Fred's cheerful optimism. Back again is Robert Schleifer as the otherworldly ASL-fluent (if a bit too superhero) Ghost of Christmas Past and Ora Jones as the hearty Ghost of Christmas Present. Add in a company comprised of seasoned professionals and enthusiastic novices and you have a show with little danger of being spoiled by too many toys next year.
Opened:
November 20, 2000
Ended:
December 30, 2000
Country:
USA
State:
Illinois
City:
Chicago
Company/Producers:
Goodman Theater
Theater Type:
Regional
Theater:
Goodman Theater
Theater Address:
200 South Columbus Avenue
Phone:
(312) 443-3800
Running Time:
2 hrs, 30 min
Genre:
Comedy-Drama
Director:
Henry Godinez
Review:
Cast:
Rick Snyder (Ebenezer Scrooge), Jonathan Weir (Jacob Marley), Robert Schleifer (Ghost of Christmas Past), Ora Jones (Ghost of Christmas Present), Patrick Clear (Bob Cratchit), Cheryl Lynn Bruce (Mrs. Cratchit), Dale Calandra (Mr. Fezziwig), Renee Matthews (Mrs. Fezziwig), Steve Hinger (Fred), Jenna Ford Jackson (Abby), William Brown (Topper), Karen Janes Woditsch (Philomena), Peggy Roeder, Greg Vinkler, Martin Aistrope, Sean Fortunato, Eddie Shin, Georgina Stoyles, Stephanie Santos, Anish Jethmalani, Adrian Calderùn, Bianca Black, Robert Tisdale, Rae Gray, Robby O'Conner, Dawn Bach, Sarah Underwood.
Technical:
Set: Joseph Nieminski; Lighting: Robert Christen; Sound: Ray Nardelli. Original music/arrangements: John Kamys. Choreography: Marla Lampert. Dialects: Nan Withers-Wilson. Sound: Rob Milburn & David Naunton.
Critic:
Mary Shen Barnidge
Date Reviewed:
December 2000
