Goodman Theatre suspends ‘Christmas Carol’ production due to COVID

The Goodman Theatre on Tuesday announced it is suspending performances of “A Christmas Carol” through Dec. 24 due to COVID.

In a statement, the theater said the suspension was due to a reported COVID-19 exposure within the production company.

Ticketholders to the affected performances will be notified via email and are being given the option to view the production at home via “a five-camera, high-quality video recording” of the entire play, or they can opt to reschedule for a performance Dec. 26-31. Refunds are also available by calling (312) 443.3800 or by email at BoxOffice@GoodmanTheatre.org.

In addition, everyone is invited to enjoy a free audio version of the play, courtesy of Chicago Public Media/WBEZ 91.5 and Vocalo at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 and 10 a.m. Dec. 25. The audio play is voiced by an all-Chicago cast of 19, including Larry Yando as Ebenezer Scrooge.

The Goodman joins a growing list of area theaters including the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire and Teatro ZinZanni in the Loop that have canceled or postponed performances due to COVID outbreaks among the casts and crews.

The Joffrey Ballet cancelled three performances last week due to COVID, but resumed performances on Sunday after conducting what it termed “a thorough COVID-19 testing protocol” and determining it was safe to present the remainder of the show’s performances through Dec. 26 at the Lyric Opera House. Artists will be wearing “protective face coverings for the final nine performances,” a Joffrey statement said Tuesday.