A Christmas Carol 2016

A Note From the Artistic Director

When we first produced Charles Dickens' classic in 1978, we never dreamed that, nearly four decades later, the show would become one of Chicago's iconic holiday treasures, as essential a part of Christmastime to many families as the lights on Michigan Avenue or a trip to visit Santa Claus.

Ringing in the Holidays with the Cast of A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol is a long-standing tradition for Chicago audiences-and for the cast and crew, many of whom return to the production year after year. Here, several cast members share their favorite holiday memories, traditions and more! What is your favorite part about performing in A Christmas Carol, and why do you like to return each year?

Decades of Delight

A Christmas Carol has delighted audiences and become one of Chicago's most beloved holiday traditions since it was first performed in 1978 at the Goodman's original location at the Art Institute of Chicago. The holiday show has been seen by nearly 1.5 million people and hosted 10 directors, 33 Tiny Tims and eight Ebenezer Scrooges who collectively have uttered nearly 23,000 "Bah, humbugs!"

A Costume Designer's Perspective

Goodman Theatre's Costume Shop Manager Heidi Sue McMath has designed the elaborate costumes for A Christmas Carol for the past 16 years. With her designs, McMath has brought life to the many inhabitants of Victorian London, as well as the supernatural spirits who visit Scrooge.

The Ghost of Christmas Past's Guide to the History of Christmas

In A Christmas Carol, what does it mean to celebrate Christmas? The characters all enjoy parties and eat good food. But they also talk about how important it is to give to others during the holiday season. For almost all the characters, Christmas isn't just about receiving. Giving is important, too.

About Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens was born February 7, 1812, the second of eight children. His father, John Dickens, worked as a naval pay clerk, but his poor financial habits landed him in debtor's prison when the younger Dickens was 12.

Mr. Fezziwig's Guide to 19th Century England

Emma Ladji, Jonah D. WInston, John Lister, Penelope Walker and Kareem Bandealy in the 2016 production of A Christmas Carol. Photo by Liz Lauren. Yo ho, lassies and lads! I surely hope you enjoy A Christmas Carol, especially the part where my wife and I throw a great festive party.

It's the women who save Ebenezer in this year's 'Christmas Carol'

A glance at recent rancorous headlines ought to convince the Scroogiest of us that we need a little Christmas, right this very minute. And for those battered by the recent election who want a full-throated defense of "liberality," the Goodman production of "A Christmas Carol" (which turns 39 this year) might just be the most political show in town.

A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens' classic is as jolly as ever at the Goodman Theatre. - Nov 28, 2016 by Adelaide Lee in Reviews. Tags: Goodman Theatre, Larry Yando, Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, Steppenwolf Theatre, Henry Wishcamper, Aaron Lamm, Ebenezer Scrooge, Kristina Valada-Viars, J. Salome Martinez, Travis A.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

RECOMMENDED As far as Christmas sweets go, Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," as adapted by Tom Creamer and directed by Henry Wishcamper at the Goodman, is something of a fruitcake-aggressively festive, chock full of calorically dense goodies, a little out of date, more of a spectacle than a main dish and, of course, absolutely sopping in spirits.

Elk Grove father/daughter make beautiful music in Goodman's 'Christmas Carol'

Like many families, the Ruhls will spend the holidays together. But they won't necessarily be sitting around a fireplace or at a dining room table. Multi-instrumentalist and music director Malcolm of Elk Grove Village and his flutist/actress daughter Madeline will spend a considerable amount of their time on stage playing street musicians in Goodman Theatre's 39th annual production of "A Christmas Carol."

PATRONS WHO ARE BLIND OR HAVE LOW VISION

Large print programs: available to download in Microsoft Word format for all shows prior to a performance. Download large print program.

Braille programs: available day of the performance from the Guest Services desk

Audio Described performance: Saturday, December 10 at 2pm
Blind and low vision patrons receive a headset for one ear that allows them to listen to a description of the key visual elements of a performance while still hearing the actors. These descriptions are inserted into natural pauses in the show. For access to reserved, discounted seating enter the promo code AUDIO when purchasing online or call the box office at 312.443.3800 (voice) or 312.443.3829 (TTY/TDD).

Touch Tour: December 10 at 12:30pm
The tour will feature a 45-60 minute presentation detailing the set, costume and character elements for the performance. When reserving tickets please indicate how many people will be in your party for both the Touch Tour and the performance.

PATRONS WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING

Assistive Listening Devices: Both the Albert and the Owen are equipped with FM frequency assistive listening devices. You may use your own headphones, or they will be provided for you. In addition, neck loops are available that are compatible with t-coil hearing aids. Devices are available at the Guest Services desk in the Goodman lobby. Assistive listening devices are offered free of charge, but a driver's license or valid ID is required as security.

Open Captioned Performance:  Sunday, December 11 at 2pm

For hard of hearing or deaf patrons, an LED sign presents dialogue in sync with the performance.  For access to reserved, discounted seating enter the promo code OPEN when purchasing online or call the box office at 312.443.3800 (voice) or 312.443.3829 (TTY/TDD).

American Sign Language Interpretation: Saturday, December 3 at 2pm

ASL interpreters are located near the stage for deaf patrons seated in an area of the theater that gives the best sight lines to follow the interpretation and the action on stage.  To access reserved, discounted seating in the front five rows for a signed performance, enter the promo code SIGN when purchasing online or call the box office at 312.443.3800 (voice) or 312.443.3829 (TTY/TDD).

ACCESSIBLE SEATING FOR PERFORMANCES

Goodman Theatre has accessible wheelchair/scooter locations in both the Albert and Owen* theaters.

Depending on your preferences, you can use the promo codes below to access special reserved seat locations when purchasing tickets online:

• Enter promo code TRANSFER if you wish to transfer to a theater seat from your walker, wheelchair or scooter.
• Enter promo code REMOVAL if you require a location where a seat can be removed for you to stay in your wheelchair/scooter while you watch the performance.

Please call ticket services at 312.443.3800 if you have questions or would like to purchase over the phone. All of our ticket representatives can assist you in finding a seat location to fit your needs.

Goodman Theatre has a wheelchair on site, which may be used to transport patrons to and from assigned seats. For use of the on-site wheelchair, contact house management at 312.443.3818.

*Although the Owen Theatre is a general admission house, accessible seats will be reserved for you on the seating level you purchase.