Richmond’s Gateway Theatre to celebrate 40 years
Posted March 7, 2025 12:28 pm.
Richmond’s Gateway Theatre is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year with a dynamic new season, including a special gala Saturday night.
Barbara Tomasic, the theatre’s executive artistic director, says it’s in honour of four decades of providing joy, community, and connection through live entertainment.
“It started with a referendum to vote on the theatre, and then it was a group of community members who were, like, ‘you know what? Arts is a part of a healthy community.’ And so they got this building going. And it’s been really incredible to see how the theater has grown and changed,” Tomasic explained.
“But the seed of what it’s for and who is involved and what it brings to the community is exactly the same. Even with all the things it’s been through and still going through. Arts, live entertainment is always a challenge, especially theatre.”
The theatre’s 40th season includes ‘The Flame’ storytelling series and a comedic version of ‘Pride and Prejudice.’ Through the years, Tomasic says the theatre’s mission has remained unchanged.
“Our goal and our purpose now is to provide joy, community, and connection for the people who are in Richmond, but also beyond. And then we also have a school here, an academy, so we’re training young kids in performing arts, but a lot of our our students have gone on to professional careers and basically talk about how their theater training has helped them,” she said.
“There’s something really special about coming together and enjoying a piece of art together, or celebrating together, or celebrating your child’s dance school, or listening to your family member or friend play an instrument on stage. I think that’s a key part of community and of a healthy community.”
The “Ruby Reflections” anniversary gala is set for 7 p.m. Saturday night. The festivities include a special edition of ‘The Flame.’
Tomasic says it will be a homecoming of sorts.
“I’m super excited to just see people who we haven’t had here for a long time, so people who have been part of our community for a long time, and I’m excited to hear the stories of people’s experience here at Gateway and beyond. I think it’ll be fun.”
