As they say in showbiz…the show must go on! Gateway Theatre wasn’t going to let a pandemic get in the way of putting on its annual holiday show.
The Gateway Theatre team led by director Barbara Tomisec have curated Home for the Holidays, a wonderful hour of music and anecdotes to view in the comfort of your own home.
With 35 years of beloved musical memories to pull from, the program is filled with heartwarming and familiar tunes, performed by Gateway veterans. Starting off Lauren Bowler’s “Wouldn’t it Be Loverly” (from Gateway’s 2007 production of My Fair Lady), invites viewers inside to get comfy on the couch. From there, we are treated to a hour of performances, including sets from Annie, Annie, Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, Wizard of Oz, King and I, and Sound of Music (complete with two Marias). Especially enjoyable, are stories from Lalainia Lindbjerg Strelau and David Adams of their times in Gateway productions, interspersed through the show.
During intermission, Oona Iverson, Audience Services Supervisor, joins the stream to guide the audience in how to make Gateway’s Jingle Bell (Scotch on the) Rocks recipe for the adults and Holiday Hot Chocolate for the kids (or those of use with a sweet tooth).
Oliver Castillo keeps popping up trying to join in the show and providing comedic moment, but with so many brilliant performers already set to perform, he must wait. Finally Castillo gets his chance, leading the memorable final number from last year’s Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat joined by all of the show’s performers.
Like the audience, the performers are also at home performing each of their sets from their own special space inside or out. Video editor, Peter Carlone, and Music Supervisor, Christopher King have ensured Home for the Holidays is an impressively seamless and technically perfect production. Costume and Aesthetics Supervisor Donnie Tejani ensures the show has a streamlined appearance from home to home to home.
While we miss the intimacy and thrill of being seated at the theatre in-person, Home for the Holidays is a great alternative during these times. The best part, being able to rewatch the whole show or favourite songs throughout the holiday season.
Home for the Holidays opens with a watch party December 18th, with the stream available for viewing on demand until January 1. Tickets are on sale at gatewaytheatre.com, with three tiers Household, Member and Supporter tickets, offering access to watch Home for the Holidays plus other special features.