Goodman Theatre suspends A Christmas Carol performance through Dec. 24
In unprecedented offering, ticket holders to the impacted performances will receive exclusive access to a new high-quality video stream of the 2021 production. In addition, partnership with Chicago Public Media makes the play available on-air for all WBEZ and Vocalo to broadcast A Christmas Carol — an audio play on Dec. 24 and 25
To ensure the health and safety of audiences, artists and staff during the current period of increased COVID-19 transmission, Goodman Theatre suspends live-in-person performances of A Christmas Carol through December 24.
The decision, which follows a reported COVID-19 exposure within the production company, allows time for proper testing and isolation protocol in accordance with the Chicago Department of Public Health.
In a first-ever move, the Goodman gives ticket holders to the impacted performances the exclusive opportunity to view the 2021 production at home with a five-camera, high-quality video recorded in collaboration with Christiana Tye Productions and Hatfield Post/Production.
Patrons holding tickets to impacted performances will receive an email with options to reschedule into an upcoming performance (December 26 – 31); receive a refund; or convert their tickets into a tax-deductible donation.
Video access instructions will be delivered this week. Ticket Services is reachable by telephone at 312.443.3800 (12noon – 5pm, daily) or by email at BoxOffice@GoodmanTheatre.org. Note that call volume may be high.
“It’s been a joy to safely welcome thousands of families back to the Goodman for A Christmas Carol, and we continue to prioritize a healthy environment in which all can enjoy the show,” said Executive Director/CEO Roche Schulfer.
“At the same time, it’s a thrill to offer a new way to experience this important Chicago holiday tradition—and in doing so, perhaps even establish a new tradition—after 44 years. We’re grateful to our partners and cutting-edge technology that allows us to innovate for a new generation of audiences.”
This week, all audiences can experience the play at home courtesy of Chicago Public Media: WBEZ 91.5 and Vocalo will air A Christmas Carol—An Audio Play on Christmas Eve (December 24 at 3pm) and Christmas Day (December 25 at 10am).
Co-adapted and directed by Jessica Thebus in 2020, the Goodman recreated its annual production of Charles Dickens’ classic especially for audio consumption—voiced by an all-Chicago cast of 19, including Larry Yando as Ebenezer Scrooge, and featuring the show’s signature soundscape.
The debut of this audio streaming version last year drew more than 150,000 listeners, from more than 50 countries, who experienced the production online as well as on-air, in an unprecedented partnership with Chicago Public Radio WBEZ and Vocalo.
Nearly two million people have experienced Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol—hailed as “the crown jewel of the holiday season” (Daily Herald)—Charles Dickens’ “beautiful, timeless message of generosity’s triumph over greed” (Chicago Tribune). Ebenezer Scrooge’s sizable bank account is only matched by his disdain for the holidays.
But one fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by four ghosts who take him on a spectacular adventure through his past, present and future, and enable his discovery of kindness, compassion and redemption. Health and Safety Note: Proof of full vaccination with an FDA or WHO-authorized vaccine is required for all guests over 12 and a recent negative test must be presented for children under 12. Patrons must wear face coverings at all times while inside Goodman Theatre. Learn more GoodmanTheatre.org/Protocols.
Goodman Theatre is grateful for the support of PNC, Major Corporate Sponsor.
ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE
Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement.
Led by Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earner two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades. The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Its longtime annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, now in its fifth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters.
Using the tools of the theatrical profession, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand the cultures and stories of diverse voices. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of these programs, which are offered free of charge for Chicago youth—85% of whom come from underserved communities—schools and life-long learners.
As a cultural and community organization invested in quality, diversity and community, Goodman Theatre is committed to using the art of theater for a better Chicago. Goodman Theatre’s Action Plan for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Access (IDEAA) was born out of the belief that progress means action, which includes building on the decades-long commitment to using art, assets and resources to contribute to a more just, equitable and anti-racist society.
Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation on the new Goodman center in 2000.
Today, Goodman Theatre leadership also includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Rebecca Gilman, Dael Orlandersmith, Henry Godinez, Steve Scott, Kimberly Senior, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor, Henry Wishcamper and Mary Zimmerman. Jeff Hesse is Chairman of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Fran Del Boca is Women’s Board President and Megan McCarthy Hayes is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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