The holidays and Charles Dickens have been inextricably entwined since A Christmas Carol was first published in 1843. But this year, Richmond’s brilliant Gateway Theatre is bringing an even bigger Dickensian tale to its stage––a huge, toe-tapping musical version of the author’s Oliver Twist story that’s jam-packed with beloved songs you’ll be singing all season long.

 

From “Consider Yourself” to “Food Glorious Food,” Oliver! plays like a greatest hits album of famous musical numbers. But there’s much more to this larger-than-life production than well-known tunes. “It’s a Broadway-style show with a large set and lots of costumes––and it’s also a beautiful story about love and community,” says Gateway’s Executive Artistic Director, Barbara Tomasic.

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Iconic story and  local talent

 

Adapted from the Dickens novel about workhouse orphan Oliver Twist who escapes to London, falls in with a gang of pickpockets––some more dangerous than others––and searches for the loving embrace of his long lost family, Oliver! was created in the 1960s by composer and songwriter Lionel Bart. An instant stage hit, it was also an Oscar-winning blockbuster movie in 1968, introducing Fagin, Nancy and the Artful Dodger to a new generation of fans.

 

But this isn’t the first time Gateway––celebrating its 40th season this year––has staged the show, with successful productions in both 1992 and 2001. That 1992 iteration included a youth ensemble actor named Josh Epstein, who is also a crucial part of the 2024 show. “Josh has come back as the director of our new Oliver!,” says Tomasic. “It’s really wonderful to have someone who performed in the show as a child returning to share their talents with us as an adult.”

 

In fact, this year’s show is packed to the rafters with local talent, encompassing professional performers, emerging artists and community members. And that large cast of 24 includes 11 youth performers.  “Our Oliver is played by Rickie Wang, a young actor who has been in some big productions at the Arts Club Theatre. And Fagin is Anthony Santiago, last seen at Gateway in Anne of Green Gables. We also have a wonderful kid’s chorus assembled from all over the Lower Mainland.”

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Big themes and huge songs

 

The entire team is looking forward to entertaining audiences with what is arguably Dickens’s most popular story. And although Bart’s song-filled version is also regarded as a masterpiece, it’s the deep themes Dickens imbued his narrative with that underpins its ongoing appeal, according to Tomasic. “I love that this show teaches us about relying on community in challenging times. This is such an important message, especially today.”

 

Alongside the story’s major themes and rich emotional core, there’s also that smile-triggering cavalcade of amazing songs that audiences coming to Gateway this season will thoroughly enjoy––including enduring favourites such as “I’d Do Anything,” “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two” and the barnstorming solo number from Nancy, “As Long as He Needs Me.”

 

“The music in Oliver! really is absolutely wonderful,” says Tomasic. “It goes from boisterous and fun to heartfelt and moving. And since music is such a huge part of the holidays for most of us, seeing a great musical like this with your loved ones at this time of year always makes the season much more festive.”

 

If you go

 

Oliver! is on stage at Gateway Theatre from December 12 to January 4. Regular admission tickets start at $40, and there is 2-for-1 special on December 19, a relaxed Open Experience on December 21, a live audio/VocalEye performance on December 28 and a post-show New Year’s Eve Toast on December 31. The theatre is located at 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond. For more information and to book your tickets, visit the show’s official event page.