CHICAGO (October 30, 2020) As the holiday season approaches in Chicago amid a global pandemic, Goodman Theatre is partnering with public media stations WBEZ 91.5 FM and Vocalo 91.1 FM to bring its iconic Chicago tradition to Chicagoland homes this year. WBEZ and Vocalo will broadcast Goodman Theatre’s audio production of A Christmas Carol in two special airings on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Directed by Jessica Thebus and starring Larry Yando in his 13^thyear as Ebenezer Scrooge, the Goodman’s 43^rd annual production of Charles Dickens’ classic has been recreated especially for audio consumption—voiced by an all-Chicago cast of 19 and featuring the show’s signature soundscape. The audio production will broadcast on WBEZ 91.5 FM and Vocalo 91.1 FM over the Christmas holiday—Thursday, December 24 at 3 p.m. and Friday, December 25 at 11 a.m.—on both stations. The production streams December 1 – 31, 2020 on GoodmanTheatre.org (streaming details TBA).

“We are thrilled to partner with WBEZ and amplify our effort to bring A Christmas Carol into our audiences’ homes this holiday season,” said Goodman Theatre Executive Director Roche Schulfer. “As we’ve adapted our production for consumption anew during this unusual moment in history, we hope this gift to our Chicago community brings joy and delight at a time when it’s needed perhaps more than ever.”

“Radio has long been called the ‘Theater of the Mind’ for the way in which listening sparks our imaginations and immerses us in stories,” said Matt Moog, interim CEO for WBEZ and Vocalo. “We’re delighted to partner with Goodman Theatre so that we can bring this audio version of their revered holiday production to the homes, ears and hearts of all Chicagoans during this pandemic year.”

A Christmas Carol – An Audio Play

By Charles Dickens

Adapted by Tom Creamer

Adapted for Audio by Neena Arndt, Jessica Thebusand Richard Woodbury

Directed by Jessica Thebus

Asher Alcantara……………………………………………Boy Scrooge/Child in Doorway/Peter Cratchit/Turkey Child/Percy

Kareem Bandealy…………………………………………Jacob Marley/Young Marley/Hat Seller

Dee Dee Batteast………………………………………….Frida

Ariana Burks………………………………………………….Fan/Martha Cratchit/Catherine

Thomas J. Cox………………………………………………Bob Cratchit/Tree Seller

Allen Gilmore……………………………………………….Abe/Ortle/Schoolmaster/Poulterer

Cindy Gold……………………………………………………Mrs. Fezziwig/Passerby/Chestnut Seller

Gregory Hirte………………………………………………..Dick Wilkins/Musician/Fiddler/Wreath Seller

Susaan Jamshidi…………………………………………Mrs. Cratchit

Vikram Konkimalla………………………………………Tiny Tim/Child#1

Jennifer Latimore…………………………………………Belle/Frida’s Guest/Young Woman

Aurora Real de Asua……………………………………..Ghost of Christmas Past

Malcolm Ruhl……………………………………………….Musician/Mr. Spinet

Christopher Sheard………………………………………Young Scrooge/Young Man

Paris Strickland……………………………………………Emily Cratchit/Child#3/Newspaper Girl

Bethany Thomas…………………………………………..Ghost of Christmas Present

Penelope Walker…………………………………………..Mrs. Fezziwig/Mrs. Crumb

Andrew White………………………………………………..Narrator

Larry Yando…………………………………………………..Ebenezer Scrooge

CreativeTeam

Eva Breneman………………………………………………Dialect Coach

Andrew Hansen…………………………………………….Original Music

Malcolm Ruhl………………………………………………..Music Director

Richard Woodbury…………………………………………Sound Designer

Alden Vasquez………………………………………………Project Coordinator