Theatre Review: Tap dancing meets comedic Christmas joy in How Patty and Joanne Won High Gold at the Grand Christmas Cup Winter Dance Competition
By Ziga Poromon, December 15 2025—
How Patty and Joanne Won High Gold at the Grand Christmas Cup Winter Dance Competition is a heartwarming, sometimes naughty, holiday treat. Penned by Trevor Schmidt, this piece focuses on the relationship between Patty (Ellen Close), a stressed out mum of five, and Joanne (Elinor Holt), a nostalgic cat lady who is obsessed with musicals; and their bond through tap dancing.
Patty and Joanne meet in an adult tap dance class which slowly dwindles in attendance before the Grand Christmas Cup Winter Dance Competition. I was surprised with excitement when I realized that they were choreographing a routine to “Single Ladies” by Beyonce for the competition. The tap dancing was solid, but the choreography was silly, which made it more fun to watch. We then learn that their tap instructor quits and the class is cancelled, but Patty and Joanne are determined to keep learning and connect through their love for tap dancing. They plan to work together to develop a routine to win “High Gold” at the Christmas dance competition.
Friction rises between Patty and Joanne during rehearsals. Patty, who is often worrisome and doesn’t like anything, grapples with dealing with a raucous bunch of children she refers to as “monsters.” Including a daughter that bites her, hence why her hand is wrapped in a bandage throughout the play. She juxtaposes Joanne, who is older and has a cat named Karen. Patty hilariously assumes that Joanne is a lesbian because Joanne repeatedly refers to Karen as a roommate. Unlike Patty, Joanne is an optimist who embraces intimacy, challenges, and is emotionally connected to the things she actually likes. She reminisces about childhood memories with her family and her love for the golden age of Hollywood.
Patty and Joanne struggle to finalize their routine to “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. Patty ends up saying hurtful words to Joanne about her being lonely and unrealistic, and Patty is too drained from her parental duties. They break apart and Patty stops coming to rehearsals at the tap studio. Frustrated from a house full of needy kids, Patty tries to take other classes to make new friends, but her fear makes her hide away. Eventually she returns to the tap studio, and Patty and Joanne get their championship groove back.
Patty gets support from her family to build props and help create their costumes, allowing Joanne and her cat Karen to bond with Patty’s family to connect outside of the dance studio. The play ends in a spectacular dance number, an imperfect ode to friendship, music, and teamwork. Although they don’t win, they express to each other that they would like to continue being friends and continue competing in dance competitions.
The show addresses the theme of loneliness during the holidays. Patty and Joanne show that stepping out of your comfort zone will make you discover your inner bravery, and even help you develop connections in unlikely places with unlikely people. Costume designer, Rebecca Toon, uses clothing to contrast Joanne in 1990s warm up clothes and sweatsuits compared to Patty, sporting a simple Lululemon inspired aesthetic. Set design by Beth Kates is practical, with a bit abstract; with the actors navigating through mirrors and a Ballet barre in their dance studio. Their respective homes are represented by a rug on different sides of the stage, and the dance competition venue is decorated with Christmas trees, bows, and twinkling lights. Paired with choreography by Jocelyn Hoover, and sound design by Joy Robinson, the tap dancing provided an upbeat, synchronous rhythm during the show.
This piece received development through the Stage One Festival of New Work 2024 at Lunchbox Theatre. I could see how Schmidt explored the internal and external complexities of friendship between two differing women. Bronwyn Steinberg directs the play, capitalizing on the palpable chemistry between Close and Holt.
I was pleasantly surprised by the show and how invested the audience becomes in rooting for Patty and Joanne. Close and Holt use their physical humour as well as verbal quips and musical references to win us over. They definitely won me over when Joanne, played by Holt, quite literally shook her “behind” to patrons in the front row. I felt like the entire audience was part of the play as Holt and Close repeatedly directed their lines towards us through personal eye contact. They embrace the silliness and unrealistic sense of their situation, and go full throttle. It’s a cheerful piece that reminds us to always rediscover joy and take a leap.
This is the perfect holiday show to see with friends and family. Lunchbox Theatre encourages audiences to feel free to bring a snack or lunch and a beverage and eat during the show. How Patty and Joanne Won High Gold at the Grand Christmas Cup Winter Dance Competition runs until Dec. 21 at Vertigo Theatre. Grab your tickets now!