'Beauty and the Beast' Comes To Gateway Playhouse 7/9

 Gateway Playhouse, Long Island's premiere professional Equity musical theatre, continues its 59th season with the multiple award winning, Disney's Beauty and the Beast" at the Patchogue Theatre, 71 E. Main Street, Patchogue, on July 9-26. In its premiere professional production on Long Island, it is directed by Dom Ruggiero and choreographey by Michelle Webber with Jeff Hoffman as musical director.  The scenic design is by  Kelly Tighe  with lighting design by Chris Landry and Cody Spencer is the sound designer. The 30 member cast stars Ryan Kelly ('Belle"); Josh Davis ('Beast'); Allan Snyder ('Gaston'),  Susan Bigelow ('Mrs. Potts'), David Edwards ('Lumiere'), with Gabriel Beck, Kristine Bennett, Robyn Brausa, Edward Carignan, Jacque Carnahan, Nick Casala, Michael Farina, Brandon Haagenson, Jordan Hall, Matthew Hoffman, Ryan Hudak, Sarah Innes, Ryan Koerber, Ian Laskowski, Robert Lydiard, Natalie Lurowist, Erin McGuire, Michael McKinsey, Jaymeson Metz, Mia Mulvey, Allison Kaye Rihn, Jonah Spear, Brian Sanko, Michelle Veintimilla, Brad York.    

The enchanting stage production of "Disney's Beauty and the Beast"  takes us back to "a time long ago in a far away land" with a tale "as old as time!"  This live production features the much-loved characters from the 1991 animated film classic with the beautiful Academy Award winning score by Alan Menken and Tim Rice.  This magical show was the Disney organization first Broadway presentation which has thrilled millions of theatre-goers far and wide.  The musical has won numerous awards throughout the world including a Tony Award; American Theatre Wing Design Award; Olivier Award (London) for Best Musical;  Dora Award (Toronto); Image Award (Stuttgart);   Los Angeles Ovation Award for Best Musical, and the Jefferson Award in Chicago for Best Musical to only name a few of it many awards and nominations. At one time there were over 15 Disney professional productions playing simultaneously around the world.  Join Belle, Mrs. Potts, Lumiere and the Beast for an unforgettable journey, where everyone lives happily ever after.  Beauty and the Beast is a family favorite, with Family Friendly pricing Friday Evenings and special early performances are scheduled.

2008 marks Gateway's 59th year of producing first class entertainment. The state-of-the-art facility surrounded by a beautifully landscaped rustic exterior creates a unique theater going experience; one of the top ten summer theaters in the nation.  The seven acres of wooded, grassy land encompass the Mainstage theatre (seats 500), Barn theatre (for acting school classes and projects), scene shop, two rehearsal studios, three dorm-style housing units, a newly remodeled kitchen, costume shop, design office/studio, paint shop, box office, business office, various storage spaces, a recreation room and a large hedge-lined lawn with outdoor swimming pool.  All of the actors are professionals, most are members of Actors Equity and the musicians are members of A F of M (Local 802). SSDC© directors (Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers) and USA© designers (United Scenic Artists) are employed.  Gateway's Acting School is now in it's 13th year of providing professional training.  Their set rental business has grown to over 40 full sets to lease.

Upcoming shows are "Show Boat" July 30-August 23; "The Producers", in the Patchogue Theatre August 27-September 13; and "The Wedding Singer" September 17–October 4.

Regular performances of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" are Tuesday - Friday at 8:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 & 7:00 pm; with week day matinees on Thursday at 2:00 pm and a special Wednesday, 7/16 at 11:00 am & Wednesday 7/23 at 2:00 pm.

Tickets for all shows are on sale and range from $39-$43 for adults, and $25 for children 12 and under and can be purchased by calling 1-888-4-TIX-NOW, on the web at www.gatewayplayhouse.com, or in person at the historic theatre in Bellport  (215 South Country Rd, Bellport, NY 11713).

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