Disneyland might be able to pull off the the same schtick night after night but come on; what does a heartless old fool like Ebenezer Scrooge have on Mickey Mouse and some kick ass Fireworks? Celebrating it's 30th year at the Goodman Theatre you would think enough is enough already. This might ring true if the show was performed the same year after year but we can all thank the ghosts of Christmas that it's not. Now, no secrets here. I would be lying if i said i understood the whole Christmas thing. Truth is, I'm Jewish, a good reason to be skeptical about a "Christmas play". Heck, my school made me see it when i was little. Been there done that. Suddenly i felt like a little Jewish Scrooge entering the Goodman. But from the moment i sat in my seat and looked at the stage to see houses covered in snow and then back out into the auditorium to see all the families pouring in, together, to see this play, something clicked.
Second time director William Brown has gone one step further this anniversary by heightening the spook of the tale. Not only does this make our hearts beat faster but it brings the story closer than ever to its original folklorish root. A fable littered with ghosts and death isn't meant to be sugar-coated and Brown understands this completely. But please don't get me wrong, it is no haunted house either. There is much holiday cheer, candy coated magic, and hysterical antics taking place throughout the play. Just like a kid tearing through presents on Christmas day, this is is the place to be.
It is said that casting is half the battle and one Brown not only conquered but destroyed. Larry Yando is perfectly disgruntled as the penny-pinching, petulant Scrooge. The adventure he is forced into transforms the fellow completely and Larry is present in every moment of Scrooge's self-examination. By the finale Ebenezer Scrooge is a changed man and Larry is too. A touching, honest, and heartfelt performance. I know that sounds corn dog but it is true and i mean it in the most sincere way.
All around the actors are brilliant, thus making every show a new journey. They play with each other onstage and are obviously having fun doing so making it a joy to watch. The best example of this was during a dance number between Mr. Fezziwig played by the jovial Bradley Mott and the hilarious Sharon Sachs. They shared a laugh in character and the audience got in on it too. There is wonderful give and take demonstrated by all the actors throughout the performance.
The show moves along well, musically it is pleasant to the ears, everyone appears to sing well, and visually it is candy canes and gum drops for the eyes!
Props to the set designers. This is spectacle without rubbing it in our faces. Why? Because it is done right. From flying ghosts and creepy fog to winter snow on a clear starry night, the design was gorgeous. Every interior landscape that moved on and off stage with ease was detailed down to the dust and golden gates appeared only to be replaced by the busy downtown streets within seconds. This is the craftsmanship of pros people.
A Christmas Carol is not just about Christmas as the name mis-states. It is about tradition of all kinds. It's about the warmth winter can bring. It's about family, friends, and having an open heart to share with others. From fear to tears to holiday cheer, the journey explored throughout this tall tale is incredible and timeless. And this 30th anniversary production certainly marks it as the best of all time. After all, it even made me, a small town Jewish girl, love Christmas!
