We are very excited to have the opportunity to see an amazing show this holiday season. Gateway Theatre presents Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, the award-winning musical adaptation of the classic Dickens novel. Opening tomorrow night, December 12th, and running to January 4. Join young Oliver Twist as he navigates the Victorian London underworld, searching for a place to belong, home, and – most importantly – family.
Oliver, an orphan in a workhouse, becomes the apprentice of an undertaker, then escapes to find acceptance amongst a band of pickpockets led by the criminal Fagin. When he is captured for a theft he did not commit, the victim, Mr. Brownlow, takes him in. Fagin, fearing the discovery of his hideout, has Oliver kidnapped, threatening the boy’s chances of discovering the true love of family. With spirited songs like “Food, Glorious Food,” and “Consider Yourself,” Oliver! is widely hailed as a theatrical masterpiece.
“Gateway’s production will feature a cast of 24 actors, including 11 youth, and will be full of incredible dancing and stunning musical numbers choreographed by the talented Nicol Spinola with musical direction by Sean Bayntun. The production itself will be directed by Josh Epstein, a Gateway Theatre alumni who acted in the 1992 Gateway production of Oliver!” said Barbara Tomasic, Gateway Theatre’s Executive Artistic Director. “Presenting Oliver! during the holiday season offers a heartwarming alternative to traditional festive shows. Its themes of hope, family, and redemption resonate deeply, making it a perfect fit for audiences seeking meaningful storytelling during this time of year.”
Rickie Wang is Oliver with Anthony Santiago as Fagin. Joining them are Miranda MacDougall (Nancy, Mrs Sowerberry), Tanner Zerr (Bill Sykes), Victor Hunter (Mr Bumble), Cecilly Day (Widow Corney, Mrs Bedwin), Lucas Gregory (Artful Dodger), Daniel Curalli (Noah Claypole, Mr Brownlow), Suani Rincon (Bet, Milkmaid), Powell Nobert (Chairman, Old Lady, Knife Grinder, Fagin’s Gang), Laine Gillies (Charlotte, Dr Grimwig, Old Sally), Kate Malcic (Rose Seller). Ensemble members include Danica Kobayashi, Katrina Teitz, Allison Leia Wall with members of Fagin’s Gang including Joya Bevacqua, Helena Ayas, Grayson Besworth, Ashley Chung, Elle O. Hanson, Quinlan McDonald, Mana Nakamura, Mela Pietropaolo, and Aldryn Saplala.
Oliver! book, music and lyrics is by Lionel Bart and is freely adapted from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. Josh Epstein (Annie, Oliver!, Leading Ladies) directs this magical production with music direction by Sean Bayntun (Cinderella and Anne of Green Gables – The Musical™) and choreography by Nicol Spinola (Cinderella, Anne of Green Gables – The Musical™, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat). The creative team also includes Set and Prop Designer Ryan Cormack (Yaga), Lighting Designer Sophie Tang (Cinderella, Anne of Green Gables – The Musical™, A Broadway Holiday), and Costume Designer Donnie Tejani (Anne of Green Gables – The Musical™). Lionel Bart’s Oliver! is stage managed by Mandy Huang with Assistant Stage Manager Devon Vecchio and Apprentice Stage Manager Aldana Paldron.
Performances are from December 12, 2024, to January 4, 2025 with Opening Night on Friday, December 13.
Gateway Theatre aims to make theatre accessible to all and offers special performances including:
· Pay-What-You-Will Preview on Thursday, December 12
· Open Experience on December 21 during the 1pm matinee
· 2 for 1 Night (BOGO)– on Thursday, December 19th (2 for 1 tickets)
· VocalEye Live Audio Description performance on December 28 during the 1pm matinee.
Also stay tuned for more information about:
· Alumni Night – for past performers at Gateway!
· A special New Year’s Eve Toast at the 7:30pm December 31 performance.
Ticket prices start at $40 with children’s tickets at $25, and can be purchased online.
Oliver! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
About Gateway Theatre
Gateway Theatre is A Stage for Richmond, providing a platform for the whole community to contribute to, and benefit from, the performing arts. It’s a place where we can all learn from each other, see ourselves represented, and take pride in the rich cultural landscape that Richmond has to offer.
Gateway provides entry points for audiences and performers in three key areas: Artistic Offerings, Education, and Community Rentals. Through its Artistic Offerings, Gateway produces a breadth of stories that tackle the ideas, values, and issues which reflect the diverse people of Richmond. Gateway Theatre brings people together through shared artistic experiences that encourage dialogue and exchange. Its Education programming connects youth to the performing arts, including offering classes in acting, singing, and dancing. Where it is most transformative is beyond the stage, building confidence, self-awareness, and a sense of belonging in young people. Gateway’s Community Rentals program allows Richmond to celebrate its achievements, with thousands of people coming through our theatre doors each year to participate in events put on by the public.
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