Behind The Curtain: Director Josh Epstein On Bringing Oliver! To Life @ Gateway Theatre

This holiday season, Gateway Theatre is set to dazzle audiences with Oliver!, the beloved musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel. Directed by Gateway Theatre alumnus Josh Epstein, this vibrant production promises spirited choreography, stunning musical numbers, and heartfelt storytelling. In this exclusive Q&A, Epstein shares insights into the creative process, his connection to Oliver!, and what makes this timeless tale of hope, family, and redemption the perfect holiday escape. —Noa Nichol

What drew you to directing Oliver! this holiday season, and how do you think its themes of hope, family, and redemption resonate with modern audiences?

Directing Oliver! has been an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine a story that feels both timeless and urgent. While it’s a tale of resilience and hope, it doesn’t shy away from the raw realities of poverty and abandonment. Those themes of searching for connection, finding a home, and fighting for survival resonate deeply, especially in today’s world where so many people are still navigating uncertainty. It’s a story about holding onto hope and joy even in the darkest circumstances, which feels especially meaningful during the holiday season.

You performed in Gateway Theatre’s 1992 production of Oliver! How does it feel to return as a director, and how has your perspective on the show evolved over the years?

As a kid, it was my escape—a place where I found wonder, community, and larger-than-life friendships. My perspective now has evolved in that I now see the layers of the story—the grit, the humour, and the humanity in every character. It’s an honour to step back into the world that inspired me, this time as someone who gets to shape it for a new generation of audiences. And I hope to provide a space where the cast has the same joy I felt.

This production features a large cast, including 11 youth actors. What has been the most rewarding and challenging aspect of working with such a dynamic ensemble?

They steal the show, to be honest, you can’t help but notice their talent and bravery on stage —they’re fearless, imaginative, and ready to dive in. The challenge has been balancing that energy with the precision needed to tell the story clearly, especially in a show with so many moving parts. But seeing them connect with the material and grow as performers has been one of the most rewarding parts of this process.

With iconic songs like “Food, Glorious Food” and “Consider Yourself,” how have you approached the balance between honoring the classic elements of Oliver! and bringing your unique creative vision to the production?

We’ve approached this production by celebrating the iconic songs while reframing the story through Oliver’s eyes. We’ve worked to honour the classics—the songs and scenes everyone knows and loves—but have also leaned into the more textured elements of Dickens’ world. It’s a balance of grit and magic, with a vibrant and athletic choreography by the uber talented Nicol Spinola and a deeply resonant musical interpretation by one of the finest, Sean Bayntun. We’re making sure the humour and joy shine through without losing the rawness of the story.

How has the collaboration with your creative team—including choreographer Nicol Spinola and music director Sean Bayntun—shaped this production? Can audiences expect any surprises or standout moments?

This creative team has been phenomenal. Nicol’s choreography is bold and athletic, turning the stage into a dynamic playground of movement. Sean’s work with the orchestra brings a richness and resonance to every note, capturing both the energy and intimacy of the music. Ryan’s set, Donnie’s costumes, and Sophie’s lighting all work together to create a world that’s hard and unyielding yet transformative and magical. Audiences can expect standout moments in numbers like “Consider Yourself” and “Oom-Pah-Pah,” as well as deeply moving, intimate ones like “As Long as He Needs Me”, “where is Love” and “Reviewing the Situation.’ Also sit back and enjoy some of our countries greatest performers who you may not have had the fortune of seeing like Anthony Santiago as Fagin, Miranda MacDougall as Nancy, and introducing Rickie Wang as Oliver, and then the rest of the cast, filled with standouts who all hold their own with them.

What do you hope audiences will take away from this production of Oliver! as they leave the theatre, especially during the holiday season?

I hope audiences leave with a sense of joy, connection, and reflection. This story reminds us that even in the hardest circumstances, there’s light to be found—through resilience, community, and love. During the holiday season, it’s a powerful reminder of what we hold onto and fight for: family, belonging, and hope. This production is a celebration of those themes, and I hope, honestly I just hope they have a good night out, fun, emotional and filled with laughter.