35 Years Later, A Christmas Carol Remains A Goodman Theatre Classic

For current (and former) young people, the Charles Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol, is a holiday story that never gets old. 

At Goodman Theatre in Chicago, rehearsals have begun for Tom Creamer's theatrical adaptation of the timeless tale will run for the 35th consecutive season this fall. 

Rob Rains holds Matthew Abraham

Directed by Steve Scott, the production brings back some familiar faces--including Larry Yando as "Scrooge," Nora Fiffer as "Belle," Ted Hoerl as "The Undertaker," and Ron Rains as "Bob Cratchit."

But there are quite a few newcomers.  

One is 7-year-old Matthew George Abraham as the lovable "Tiny Tim." 

Others include  13-year-old Ariana D. Burks ("Belinda Cratchit"); 14-year-old Michael Saguto ("Boy Scrooge/Peter Cratchit"); 7-year-old Francesca Mereu ("Emily Cratchit") and 10-year-old Oscar Vasquez ("Turkey Boy.") 

Notable adult performers will include Melanie Brezill--who made her debut at Goodman in July in the hit musical Crowns-- as Martha Cratchit, as well as Jordan Brown ("Young Scrooge") and Joe Foust ("Jacob Marley.") 

Over the 35-year span of the show, there have been nine directors, eight Scrooges, 31 Tiny Tims and enough "Bah, Humbug!"'s to fill each seat of the United Center.

To preserve the legacy of A Christmas Carol, Goodman has set up an Endowment. Since the fundraising kickoff in July, over $100,000 dollars has been donated. Donors, in turn, will receive special opportunities including a sneak peek at rehearsal and an invitation to a tea party. 

The folks at Goodman want to make sure that "The Ghost of Christmas Past" refers to a character in the play--not the play itself. 

[A Christmas Carol runs from November 17 to December 29 in Goodman's Albert Theatre at 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL. Tickets run from $25 to $82 and are subject to change.
For ticket information visit http://www.GoodmanTheatre.org/Scrooge or call 1-312-443-3800 or stop by the box office.]