Go Behind the Scenes with the Cast of A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ timeless story of magic and redemption has been a holiday tradition at the Goodman for more than 30 years! Go behind the scenes with the cast of A Christmas Carol, and discover “the best show to get at...the true meaning of Christmas” (SouthtownStar).

We welcome you to join the conversation. Feel free to respond to our artists—or post your own thoughts about A Christmas Carol.

We'll see you at the theater!

Why High Holidays?

Posted by Artistic Director Robert Falls

I have been a fan of Alan Gross’ work since my early days in the Chicago theater. In the late 1970s he established himself as one of our city’s truly original voices with such plays as Lunching and The Man in 605, using his mordant wit and expansive humanity to examine in loving, sometimes savage detail the vagaries of human relationships. Although he continued writing plays for both the stage and screen, he has also explored other literary forms, where his finely observed musings on human actions and emotions have brought him particular success,
not surprisingly, in the world of poetry.

When Alan returned from a stint in Hollywood several years ago, I encouraged him to write what would eventually become High Holidays. I think it is his best work to date, containing both the subversive humor and passionate characterizations that distinguished his earlier plays, but with a newly forged maturity and command. Drawing from memories of his Chicago boyhood, Alan has captured the tensions, the celebrations and the uncertainties that are familiar to all of us. He examines the complexities of the relationships—between husband and wife, parent and son, brother and brother—that are echoed in every family. In his own words, Alan notes that “what emerged was a story about growing up—all of its joys, challenges and disappointments—and ultimately, what it takes to become a man.”

The distinctive humor and humanity of Alan Gross have been missing from our stages for far too long. It is a great pleasure to welcome him back.

-Robert Falls

We’d love to know what you thought about High Holidays! Please share your comments about the play with us, below!

Opening Night: A Series of Haiku Memories

By Molly Brennan

Joey Slotnick played
Frank Sinatra rendition:
No Business Like Show

Did anybody see
That handsome hatted fella
SM Intern Phil?

Jonathan Brody
Gave me a generous gift:
Tissue wrapped tissue

Ride thundering steeds
To hilarity's battle:
Paul, Scott and Christy

Watching from the wings
Mara and Tony rip it
Bam Clickety Slam

Thanks to the Prop Gods
From Molly playing Harpo:
A Farting Ladder

Charming Edward Kross
If your adoring fans knew
What a cad you are! :0)

Captivated, all
Your resounding tones and steps
O, Stanley Mathis!

Steve Scott. Santa Claus.
Have you ever seen the two
Inhabit one room?

Ora Jones down stairs:
Applause shatters Monday Night
Lady is a star

Never have I known
Such strong, quiet, smiling strength:
Thanks Old Joe Drummond

If Jessie Muehler
Ain't on Broadway in a year
Someone's going down

The real show happens
Back in the wings, Magicians
Make us look splendid

We missed you Bob Falls!
But we read your kind letter
Thank you for the ducks!

Work that chewing gum
Lift us on that tide of tune
Immortal Doug Peck

Henry Wishcamper
We'd follow you anywhere
We're at your house now.

Hey, Alden Vasquez!
You like Scrooge more than Groucho?
In your absence, tears.

At Petterino's
Spinning, funny, delightful
Servers make our night!

Chicago Stage Scene:
You were mostly all there, friends!
THANK YOU for your LOVE!!

Animal Crackers
Will all be on insulin:
Green Room of Dessert.

Katie and Kelly
Hit on by Europeans
At the after bash

As I remember
Exactly what did transpire
I'll update this post