Imagine a festive gathering that warms your heart and brings everyone together—Gateway Theatre’s rendition of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! promises just that. From Dec. 12 to Jan. 4, 2025, the MainStage will be transformed into Victorian England, where the classic story of a young orphan who finds family with a band of pickpockets unfolds.
Whether you’re revisiting the tale from childhood, sharing it with your family, or experiencing it for the first time, the memorable songs like “Food, Glorious Food” and “Consider Yourself” are sure to have you humming along.
The Broadway-style show, which is an adaptation of Lionel Bart’s 1960 production Oliver!, based on Charles Dickens’ 1838 novel Oliver Twist, features larger-than-life sets, costumes, and of course, dancing. “Our creative team is excited to create a production that is both moving and entertaining for our audiences,” says Barbara Tomasic, Gateway Theatre’s Executive Artistic Director. “I think this show will be a standout because of the large cast of talented folks, and the kids, who are always fun to have onstage, and the large cast.”
Lyricist and composer Lionel Bart’s musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ book first premiered on June 10, 1960 in Wimbledon, Southwest London. In 1963 it won a Tony award for best score, and the Best Picture Oscar in 1968. Bart‘s credits also include the soundtrack for To Russia with Love from the James Bond series.
Playing Oliver is local actor Rickie Wang, whose credits include Arts Club Theatre’s Elf and Smoky Mountain Christmas, as well as stints as a DJ and music performances. Anthony Santiago, who was last seen in the beloved role of Matthew in Gateway Theatre’s Anne of Green Gables, and is currently at the Stratford Festival in Ontario, plays Fagin. “We have a wonderful kid’s chorus from all over the Lower Mainland,” explains Tomasic.
This isn’t the first time Oliver! will be performed on Gateway Theatre’s stage: it also ran in 1992 and 2001. And the production’s director Josh Epstein will be making a re-appearance — 32 years later. He played Charley Bates as part of the youth ensemble in Gateway’s 1992 production of Oliver! “It’s wonderful to have someone who performed in the show as a child come back and share their talents with us as an adult,” says Tomasic.
Set in Victorian England, Tomasic says the production is reminiscent of A Christmas Carol, in that it also highlights the heart-warming holiday theme of love. “Music is such a huge part of the holiday tradition, so seeing a musical with loved ones during this time makes the season more festive,” she says.
It's fitting that the musical is taking place in Richmond, which is known for its close-knit communities. Says Tomasic: “I love that it teaches us about relying on community in challenging times. This is such an important message, especially today. The music is also wonderful, it goes from boisterous and fun, to heartfelt and moving.”
Tickets are available at www.gatewaytheatre.com/events/oliver. Drinks and snacks will be available at the concession.
