Murder on the Orient Express Via Drury Lane Theatre August 31– October 23, 2022

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Drury Lane Theatre announces casting for

Agatha Christie’s

Murder on the Orient Express

Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig

Directed by Jessica Fisch

Cast includes Larry Yando, Karmann Bajuyo,

Sean Blake, Sam Boeck, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Diana Coates,

Robin DaSilva, Ryan Imhoff, Keith Kupferer, Sarah Lo and Leah Morrow

Drury Lane Theatre continues its 2022/2023 season with Agatha Christie’s famous mystery Murder on the Orient Express, adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, directed by Jessica Fisch. Murder on the Orient Express runs August 31– October 23, 2022, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The press opening is scheduled for Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are available by phone at (630) 530-0111 or online at DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The next morning, an American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed a dozen times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on famed detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer before they strike again. 

The cast features: Larry Yando (Hercule Poirot), Karmann Bajuyo (Michel/Head Waiter, u/s Bouc), Sean Blake (Monsieur Bouc), Sam Boeck (Hector MacQueen), Janet Ulrich Brooks  (Princess Dragomiroff), Diana Coates (Countess Andrenyi), Robin DaSilva (Helen Hubbard), Ryan Imhoff (Colonel Arbuthnot), Keith Kupferer (Samuel Ratchett, u/s Poirot), Sarah Lo (Mary Debenham), Leah Morrow (Greta Ohlsson), with Caron Buinis (u/s Dragomiroff, Hubbard), Leah Casey (u/s Countess, Greta, Mary), Loren Jones (u/s Arbuthnot, Ratchett) and Grant Lewis (u/s Michel/Waiter, Macqueen)

The creative team includes Andrew Boyce (Scenic Designer), Jessica Pabst (Costume Designer), Paul Toben (Lighting Designer), 2022 Tony Award winner Mikhail Fiksel and Jeffrey Levin (Composer/Sound Designer), Anthony Churchill (Projection Designer), David Blixt (Violence Choreographer), Eva Breneman (Dialect Coach), Larry Baker (Production Stage Manager).

Schedule: 

Wednesdays and Thursdays: 1:30 p.m.

Thursdays: 8:00 p.m.

Fridays: 8:00 p.m.

Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Location: Drury Lane Theatre at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace

Tickets: Single Tickets: $69 – $84*

Wednesday and Thursday matinees: $69*

Fridays, Saturday evenings and matinees, Sunday matinees: $84*

Thursday and Sunday evenings: $79*

*Prices do not include taxes or fees

$5 discount available for Senior Citizens on Wednesday and Thursday matinees

Group discounts available to groups of 15 or more

Dining and show packages available

 

Box Office:  

100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace; (630) 530-0111

Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm

or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com

Murder on the Orient Express is rated PG.

Season and Subscription Information 

The remainder of the Drury Lane 2022/2023 Mainstage season includes Elf the Musical (November 9, 2022 – January 8, 2023); and A Chorus Line (January 25 – March 19, 2023).

The performance schedule for all productions during the 2022/2023 season is as follows: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Subscriptions start at $170. This includes priority seating and great dining discounts at Lucille Restaurant and The Lounge, dedicated theatre entrances, discounts at partner hotels, exclusive presale opportunities and much more. For more information, visit DruryLane.com/Subscribe. Group tickets start as low as $40 and Senior Citizens start at $42 for matinee performances. Dining and show packages are also available. To book a group of 15 people or more, call Group Services at (630) 570-7272 or email Groups@DruryLane.com. For individual ticket on-sale dates and ticket reservations, call the Drury Lane Theatre Box Office at (630) 530-0111 or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com. 

 

About Drury Lane Theatre  

Built from scratch. Built in Oakbrook. Built for you.  

Founded by Anthony DeSantis over 60 years ago, Drury Lane remains a family-run organization under the leadership of President Kyle DeSantis. Drury Lane Theatre continues as a major force in the Chicagoland theatre scene, producing world-class theatre in collaboration with some of the nation’s leading actors, directors, and creative minds. Drury Lane Theatre produces the highest quality theatrical experience that immerses and supports our artists and audiences in the exploration of what it means to be human and to experience the transcending power of the performing and visual arts. Drury Lane strives to create an environment in which every individual or group is welcomed, respected, supported, valued and able to fully experience and participate in this transformative art form. 

The theatre has staged more than 2,000 productions and has been nominated for over 360 Joseph Jefferson Awards. Drury Lane proudly employs thousands of professional actors, musicians, designers, and crew members to entertain upwards of nine million audience members and counting. 

OPENING: First Female Tiny Tim and Tenth Year with Larry Yando at Goodman's Acclaimed Annual Production of A Christmas Carol

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 

THE “CROWN JEWEL OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON” (DAILY HERALD), CELEBRATES 40 YEARS AND MORE THAN 

1.5 MILLION AUDIENCE MEMBERS

November 18 – December 31

Over four decades, 1.5 million people have delighted in the spectacular storytelling, glorious music and Scrooge’s unforgettable discovery of kindness, generosity and love. Ten directors, eight Ebenezer Scrooges and 29 Tiny Tims later, 

Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol celebrates 40 years

LARRY YANDO MARKS 10TH YEAR AS EBENEZER SCROOGE LEADING THE ALL-CHICAGOLAND CAST OF 25—INCLUDING PARIS STRICKLAND AS THE FIRST FEMALE TINY TIM**

ChiIL Mama can't wait to catch Goodman's A Christmas Carol yet again this season. We wouldn't miss it for the largest turkey in the window! Many familiar favorites are cast this year, led by the indomitable Larry Yando who is always a joy to see in action. We're also fond of Molly Brennan, Ghost of Christmas Past and Ariana Burks, Martha Cratchit/Fan. This production is always excellent and a surefire bet for family friendly fun. Tickets are a great holiday gift idea and can become a fun, multigenerational tradition. We'll be out for the press opening on 11/27, so check back soon for our full review.

Now in his fifth year, Artistic Associate Henry Wishcamper directs Charles Dickens’ universal tale of hope and redemption with a cast of 25 featuring Larry Yando in his 10th turn as Ebenezer Scrooge, Paris Strickland in her Goodman debut as the theater’s first female Tiny Tim and a line-up of newcomers and returning favorites; a complete cast list appears below. As part of the milestone production, the Goodman partners with Autism Speaks-Chicago to offer its first-ever sensory-friendly performance on December 30 for families with members who have autism or other social, cognitive and physical challenges that create sensory sensitivities. 

***GOODMAN THEATRE’S FIRST-EVER SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE TO TAKE PLACE ON DECEMBER 30***

A Christmas Carol appears November 18 – December 31; press/opening is November 27 at 7pm. Tickets ($25 - $112; subject to change) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Carol, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 N. Dearborn).Tickets (starting at $15, with promo code SENSORY) and resource materials, lobby and seating maps for the December 30 performance are now available at GoodmanTheatre.org/SensoryPerformance. Fifth Third Bank is the Major Corporate Sponsor and Allstate Insurance Company and KPMG LLP are the Corporate Sponsor Partners. Macy’s is a Sensory-friendly Performance Sponsor. Photo/video of previous productions now available here in the Press Room.

“We’re extremely proud to present the 40th annual production of A Christmas Carol. The ability to share this story each year with audiences is an enormous privilege and has unquestionably been the highlight of my life in the theater,” said Executive Director Roche Schulfer, who established the production as an annual offering in 1978—a time when only a handful of U.S. theaters produced it. “For all of us at the Goodman, A Christmas Carol is much more than a holiday entertainment or diversion. In fact, we believe that Charles Dickens’ story promotes values that are universal and true everywhere in the world—compassion, understanding, love, empathy, forgiveness and redemption. I am grateful to all of the countless artists, professionals and patrons who make it possible.”

In addition to Yando, returning cast members include: Kareem Bandealy as Narrator/Young Scrooge/Scrooge Alternate; Ariana D. Burks as Martha Cratchit; Lisa Gaye Dixon as Ghost of Christmas Present; Joe Foust as Jacob Marley; J. Salomé Martinez as Abe; Ron E. Rains as Bob Cratchit; Sadieh Rifai as Belle; Penelope Walker as Mrs. Fezziwig; and Jonah D. Winston as Mr. Fezziwig— and musicians Justin Amolsch, Andrew Coil, Greg Hirte and Malcolm Ruhl. The newcomers include Breon Arzell as Dick Wilkins; Molly Brennan as Ghost of Christmas Past; Ali Burch as Frida; Meighan Gerachis as Schoolteacher; and Michele Vazquez as Mrs. Cratchit.

The young performers in A Christmas Carol, cast from hundreds of Chicagoland children who auditioned, also include Margaret Chong, 10 (Chicago), as Emily Cratchit; Andrea Crisp, 10 (Darien), as Belinda Cratchit; Cameron Goode, 15 (Country Club Hills), as Boy Scrooge; Kei, 9 (Chicago), as Turkey Boy; and Aaron Stone, 14 (Round Beach Lake), returning as Peter Cratchit. 

Dickens’ holiday classic is the iconic tale of greedy businessman Ebenezer Scrooge, whose sizable bank account is only matched by his disdain for the holidays. One Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by four ghosts who take him on a spectacular adventure through his past, present and future, helping him rediscover the joys of life, love and friendship.

Full Company of A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens, Adapted by Tom Creamer, Directed by Henry Wishcamper

Justin Amolsch……………………………………………..Musician, French Horn
Breon Arzell…………………………………………………Dick Wilkins
Kareem Bandealy…………………………………………..Narrator/Young Scrooge/Scrooge Alternate
Molly Brennan………………………………………………Ghost of Christmas Past
Ali Burch……………………………………………………..Frida
Ariana Burks………………………………………………...Martha Cratchit/Fan
Margaret Chong………………………………………….....Emily Cratchit
Andrew Coil………………………………………………….Musician, Fiddler
Andrea Crisp………………………………………………...Belinda Cratchit
Lisa Gaye Dixon…………………………………………….Ghost of Christmas Present
Joe Foust…………………………………………………….Jacob Marley/Young Marley/Old Joe
Meighan Gerachis………………………………………......Schoolteacher/Charwoman
Cameron Goode……………………………………………..Boy Scrooge/Percy
Greg Hirte…………………………………………………….Musician, Fiddler
J. Salomé Martinez……………………………………….....Abe/Mr. Ortle
Ron E. Rains…………………………………………………Bob Cratchit
Kei……………………………………………………………..Turkey Boy
Sadieh Rifai…………………………………………………..Belle
Malcolm Ruhl………………………………………………...Music Director, Accordion
Aaron Stone………………………………………………….Peter Cratchit
Paris Strickland……………………………………………...Tiny Tim
Michele Vazquez …………………………………………....Mrs. Cratchit
Penelope Walker………………………………………….....Mrs. Fezziwig/Mrs. Crumb
Jonah D. Winston…………………………………………....Mr. Fezziwig
Larry Yando…………………………………………………..Ebenezer Scrooge

Creative Team

Todd Rosenthal……………………………………………..Set Designer
Heidi Sue McMath……………………………………….....Costume Designer
Andrew Hansen……………………………………………..Composer
Richard Woodbury………………………………………….Sound Designer
Malcolm Ruhl………………………………………………..Music Director
Keith Parham………………………………………………..Lighting Designer
Tommy Rapley ……………………………………………..Choreographer
Eva Breneman………………………………………………Dialect Coach
Alden Vasquez………………………………………………Production Stage Manager
Jonathan Nook……………………………………………...Stage Manager
Flying effects are provided by ZFX Inc. 

ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE
AMERICA’S “BEST REGIONAL THEATRE” (Time magazine), Goodman Theatre is a premier not-for-profit organization distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and civic 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 in the past three decades), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics (celebrated revivals include Falls’ productions of Death of a Salesman and The Iceman Cometh ). Goodman Theatre artists and productions have earned two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards, over 160 Jeff Awards and many more accolades. In addition, the Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle” and its annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this season, has created a new generation of theatergoers. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production partner with local off-Loop theaters and national and international companies by providing financial support or physical space for a variety of artistic endeavors.

Committed to three core values of Quality, Diversity and Community, the Goodman proactively makes inclusion the fabric of the institution and develops education and community engagement programs that support arts as education. This practice uses the process of artistic creation to inspire and empower youth, lifelong learners and audiences to find and/or enhance their voices, stories and abilities. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of such programming, most offered free of charge, and has vastly expanded the theater’s ability to touch the lives of Chicagoland citizens (with 85% of youth participants coming from underserved communities) since its 2016 opening.

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 of the new Goodman center in 2000.


Today, Goodman Theatre leadership also includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Brian Dennehy, Rebecca Gilman, Henry Godinez, Dael Orlandersmith, Steve Scott, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor, Henry Wishcamper and Mary Zimmerman. David W. Fox, Jr. is Chair of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Cynthia K. Scholl is Women’s Board President and Justin A. Kulovsek is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.

Follow @GoodmanTheatre  

#AChristmasCarolCHI for behind-the-scenes info and more!