Goodman Theatre

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol adapted by Tom Creamer directed by William Brown begins performances on November 16 (opening night is November 25) in the Goodman's Albert Theatre, and runs through December 29, 2007. For ticket information, visit GoodmanTheatre.org or call 312.443.3800.

Photo Courtesy Goodman Theatre

Pictured is Bob Thompson as Charles Dickens who served as the narrator in the Goodman's first A Christmas Carol, adapted by Barbara Field.

Photo Courtesy Goodman Theatre

William J. Norris boasts the ensemble's longest membership, having appeared in well over 1,000 performances he portrayed the Goodman's first Ebenezer Scrooge from 1978-1983 and again from 1985-1990 and has also played the Ghost of Jacob Marley, Mr. Fezziwig, the Poulterer and Mr. Ortle, the role he assumes for the 2007 production.

Photo Courtesy Goodman Theatre

In 1985 the legendary Del Close, founder of Second City, played the Ghost of Christmas Past along-side acclaimed Chicago actor and director Frank Galati as Scrooge in a new adaptation by Larry Sloan.

Photo: Steve Leonard

Pictured at right is former Goodman Artistic Associate, Harry Lennix (television credits include ER and 24) in the dance at the raucous Fezziwig Christmas party. Sandra Grand directs the 1986 production.

Photo: Steve Kagend

Dennis Kennedy (pictured at right) was celebrated for his jubilant Mr. Fezziwig. Sadly, he passed away in 1995. The following year, William J. Norris assumed the role, and dedicated his performance to his late cast-mate.

Photo: Eric Y Exit

William J. Norris receives notes during a rehearsal from Goodman Associate Producer Steve Scott, who directed the production in 1989. This production introduced an adaptation by Goodman Dramaturg Tom Creamer that is still used today.

Photo: Lisa Ebright

Pictured is Tony Award nominee Raul Esparza (right) as Mr. Ortle and Edward Lemison (left) as Mr. Crumb.

Photo: Liz Lauren

In 1993, Goodman Resident Director Chuck Smith directed his first of three seasons of A Christmas Carol.

Photo: Liz Lauren

Pictured is Tom Mula who played Scrooge for seven years before retiring his whiskers to focus on the other, often overlooked miser of A Christmas Carol-Jacob Marley, penning the novel Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol. After performing in staged readings he performed the original tale as a one-man-show in the Goodman's Studio Theatre.

Photo: Liz Lauren

Pictured is Tony Award nominee Felicia Fields as the Ghost of Christmas Present in the 1998 production directed by Henry Godinez.

Photo: Liz Lauren

Pictured is Robert Schleifer (left) and Rick Snyder (right). Snyder assumed the role of Scrooge after having played Bob Cratchit the previous season.

Photo: Eric Y Exit

William Brown joined the A Christmas Carol cast in the late 1980's as Fred, Scrooge's spirited nephew. He would later portray Marley, Topper, Old Joe and finally Scrooge. Brown is currently directing his second season.

Photo: Liz Lauren

Pictured is Jonathan Weir (left) as Scrooge and Matthew Heffernan (right) as the Turkey Boy. Weir played Scrooge in 2006 after five seasons in the cast playing roles such as Bob Cratchit and the Schoolmaster.

Photo: Michael Brosilow