Goodman Theatre's 'A Christmas Carol' Refreshes Holiday Classic for 37th Time

Courtesy: Goodman Theatre Publicity

Before Halloween ends, Christmas always begins at Goodman Theatre in Chicago. For the 37th year, the production powerhouse will stage Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" for audiences who can't get enough of the time-honored classic. While the story will be the same, returning director Henry Wishcamper (Goodman's Artistic Associate) will be working with a diverse cast of crowd favorites and newcomers to create a new experience.

From someone who has seen the production twice, here are some things to look forward to: 

Talented Newcomers 

Courtesy: Goodman Theatre Publicity

 

Newcomers will include Nathaniel Buescher (age 7, Chicago) as Tiny Tim;  Ava Morse (age 8, Naperville) as Emily Cratchit/Pratt/ Want/Child In The Doorway; Phillip Cusic (age 11, Chicago) as Peter Cratchit/ Ignorance; William A. Burke (age 15, Chicago) as Young Scrooge/Turkey Boy, and Skye Sparks (age 11, Naperville) as Belinda Cratchit. 

A Spectacular Set 

The set is always amazing! You will feel like you are transported back in the 1800s. I would post production photos from previous years but the set always has new and exciting changes. 

Incredible Acting

Larry Yando was born to play Ebenezer Scrooge. His comedic timing, diction, pacing, and facial expressions are the ingredients of a perfect delivery. 

"A Christmas Carol" runs November 15 to December 28, 2014 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL.

For tickets and more information, click here.

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From Ballin' to Bawlin': Bandman Kevo Charged With Bank Fraud

Chicago rapper Kevin "Bandman Kevo" Ford wanted international acclaim for his music; Now, he is a household name connected to alleged bank fraud. 

According to NWI Times reporter Sarah Reese, Ford was among 29 defendants charged in what authorities have called a "card-cracking" scheme. On Wednesday, the feds released an official criminal complaint featuring allegations of Ford and his counterparts using social media to carry out the scheme. 

'Crack Cards or Starve': A New Culture of Crime

For the past 3 years, social media users have seen familiar messages from devious people participating in "card cracking." Card cracking schemes involve the recruiters collecting debit cards and PIN numbers from banking customers in order to deposit fake checks. When the banks notice the checks are bad, the customer is left "on the hook."

College students are common targets, experts say. Many students have been approached in public settings like nightclubs-- not just social media. In those environments, scam artists have been more persuasive and persistent to get their targets to hand over bank cards.

Some have argued that rap music has introduced teens and college students to card-cracking. From Chief Keef to Dreezy, a growing number of rap songs feature lyrics about "cracking cards because it's stack or starve." 

If convicted, Bandman Kevo is going to be stacking laundry in federal prison and starving for freedom.

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Don't Sleep On Kindred The Family Soul! [Editorial]

It's a damn shame that Kindred The Family Soul's video "A Couple Friends" only has about 3,000 views on Vevo. 
The talented Philadelphia couple deserves more airplay and exposure on social media timelines. 

In a time where Iyanla Vanzant tries to be spiritual counselor for dysfunctional families, the good examples of loving couples continue to go unrecognized. The lead singers of Kindred The Family Soul-- Aja Graydon and Fatin Dantzler-- have been married 16 years and have 6 children. There are no love children or child support disputes causing havoc in that household. But we live in a world where negativity breeds curiosity. 

I challenge people to listen to Aja and Fatin's music and support their brand. They deserve to be celebrated. 

Check out the video below. If you like what you hear, you can purchase their album here. 

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