
Gateway Theatre has announced its 40th Anniversary Season. The celebratory season brings exciting lineup of shows including Yaga, a modern retelling of Baba Yaga, Oliver! a beloved musical theatre classic, a new take on the classic Pride and Prejudice, and Otosan, a heart-warming story for kids and families, as well as a host of special one-day events. With the season’s line up sure to appeal to audiences of all ages, Gateway welcomes multigenerational families, performing arts lovers, and Richmond community members to join in its 40th celebrations.
The 2024-25 line up of productions includes:
YAGA: a Halloween murder mystery – Mainstage, October 24 – November 2, 2024
By Kate Sandler
A Touchstone Theatre Production, directed by Roy Surette.
Yaga embodies the feminist reimagining of a legendary folk anti-hero, Baba Yaga. The mysterious disappearance and suspected murder of a college bad boy leads a local small-town sheriff, a young private detective, and a university professor, with a taste for younger men, into a labyrinth of secret lives, ancient magic, and multiple suspects. Part thriller, part comedy, part nightmare fairy-tale, Kat Sandler’s witty play leads us into an unforgettable world of trickery and revenge–?just in time for Halloween!
Lionel Bart’s OLIVER!: a beloved holiday musical – Mainstage, December 12, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Book, Music and Lyrics by Lionel Bart, adapted from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist
A Gateway Theatre Production, directed by Josh Epstein with musical direction by Sean Bayntun & choreography by Nicol Spinola
This year’s holiday musical is Lionel Bart’s OLIVER!, a re-telling of Charles Dicken’s Oliver Twist. Oliver, a lonely orphan, the neglected apprentice of an undertaker, escapes to find acceptance amongst a band of pickpockets led by the conniving Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft he did not commit, Mr. Brownlow takes him in and Fagin, fearing the safety of his hideout, has Oliver kidnapped, threatening the boy’s chances of discovering the true love of a family. This award-winning musical springs to life with some of the most memorable characters and spirited songs, like “Food, Glorious Food” and “Consider Yourself,” to ever grace the stage.
OTOSAN: an immersive puppet journey for kids and families – Studio B, February 19-22, 2025
A Little Onion Puppet Company ProductionCreated by Shizuka Kai, Randi Edmundson and Jess Amy Shead
Theatre for Young Audiences, best enjoyed by youth ages 4-11
Otosan, is a beautifully told story using puppetry, real wildlife footage and an original score to take the audience on an immersive journey. When little Shizu hides in her Otosan’s suitcase and secretly travels to his most dangerous destination, The North, her presence is a big surprise and an even bigger nuisance to her gruff, no-nonsense father. Facing snowy owls, white wolves and grizzly bears, Otosan and Shizu combat challenges together, eventually learning how to communicate their love. The story is inspired by Co-creator Shizuka Kai’s real-life experience with her father, a wildlife videographer.
PRIDE & PREJUDICE: a whimsical romance for all ages – Mainstage, April 17-26, 2025
by Kate Hamill, adapted from the novel by Jane Austen
A Gateway Theatre and Western Canada Theatre Production
A fresh and vibrant take on Jane Austen’s classic novel, Kate Hamill’s Pride & Prejudice follows the outspoken Elizabeth Bennet, whose determination to avoid marriage due to societal pressure is challenged by the charmingly handsome, mildly amusing and remarkably ubiquitous Mr. Darcy. With fast-paced staging and seamless character switches, this production promises a hilarious and heartwarming experience for long time Jane Austen fans and newcomers alike. Don’t miss out on the wit, whimsy and romance of this highly entertaining tale for audiences of all ages.
The 2024-25 season also includes a number of special presentations:
TRUE VOICES: a free pride storytelling event – Second Floor Lobby, August 1, 2024
To celebrate Richmond Pride, gather for this free (with registration) event as Gateway Theatre honours the truth and experiences of our LGBTQ2+ community and their allies to create a supportive space where everyone feels respected, valued and free to share. Spend the afternoon with five LGBTQ2+ storytellers who will share their real stories, followed by a Q&A over tea.
MOONLIGHT MAGIC: a mid autumn celebration for all ages – Gateway Theatre Studio A + Minoru Park, September 14, 2024
Gateway Theatre’s family friendly Mid-Autumn celebration returns, with lantern making and moon cakes at the theatre, and then a procession to enjoy an evening concert in Minoru Park, featuring songs about the moon. Embrace the timeless tradition of heritage, where families can come together and pass down traditions through generations.
SILK ROAD MUSIC: a lunar new year concert blending east and west – Studio B, February 1, 2025
Celebrate Lunar New Year and embark on a musical journey with the award-winning Silk Road Music! Don’t miss this unforgettable performance that promises to enchant and inspire, showcasing the harmonious fusion of East and West.
THE FLAME: anniversary edition – Studio B, March 8, 2025
Following last year’s sold out show, a special performance of the wildly popular storytelling series returns with The Flame: Anniversary Edition. Deborah Williams, the award-winning actor and one of the creators of Mom’s the Word, hosts an evening full of “true stories by the people who have lived them” featuring talented local storytellers and live musicians. In celebration of Gateway’s 40th Anniversary, the stories will be focussed on celebrating anniversaries, birthdays and traditions.
Subscriptions and single tickets for Gateway Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Season are now available. Visit gatewaytheatre.com for tickets and details about this season’s shows.