Review: The Gateway's SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

It is a thrill to see the musical Saturday Night Fever, based on the movie starring John Travolta, included on The Gateway Theatre's summer roster. The gorgeous Long Island venue has a habit of getting Broadway caliber casts and, to no surprise, this one did not disappoint. The Keith Andrews directed company was absolutely superb as they seamlessly performed the iconic score featuring, as we know, the music from the Bee Gees.

Running through September 12th at the Bellport theatre, the story centers on Tony Manero, a young Brooklyn man who spends his weekends at the hottest discothèque. Tony, Mr. Travolta's role from the famed movie, is portrayed by Luke Hamilton. We find him hanging (and getting into trouble) with his buddies, fighting with his family, and, of course, falling in love. Movie devotees will be happy with Mr. Hamilton's Tony even stylistically replicating Mr. Travolta at certain moments. Mr. Hamilton's stage presence and vernacular are evidence he is a natural for the role.

Wicked alum Jenny Florkowski stunningly portrays Stephanie, the woman Tony falls for. Tony first sees Stephanie in the club, and is completely fascinated by her, but disappears before he meets her. He later finds her at a dance studio where he is practicing for a dance contest the club is hosting. They both play hard-to-get at first, but they drop the pretenses and make amends.

Everyone in the large company is truly top notch.

Additionally, Adam Koch's fun scenic design is a highlight. For the club scenes we see an elevated platform where DJ Monty, portrayed by Justin Colombo, is perched as well as a clever imitation of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Everything is enhanced beautifully by Doug Harry's wonderful lighting and Dustin Cross' beautiful costumes. Furthermore, there is nothing quite like a live orchestra. The brilliant team, headed by Music Director Sonny Paladino, is really outstanding.

One thing to also mention is that, like they always do, the musical is slightly different from the movie. But fear not as the musical flows well and has added energy. You will see is that they made the musical incarnation more "family friendly" eliminating/reducing references such as racial clashes, drug use, and violence.

And so, Saturday Night Fever is indeed another hit for The Gateway. A great cast and the classic music of the Bee Gees make for a wonderful, fun night of the theatre.

Saturday Night Fever is presented by The Gateway Playhouse of Bellport, Long Island, through September 12th. Based on the Paramount/RSO movie and the story by Nik Cohn, Adapted for the stage by Robert Stigwood in collaboration with Bill Oaks, North American version written by Sean Cercone & David Abbinanti, Featuring songs by the Bee Gees, Directed by Keith Andrews, Choreography by Richard Hinds, Stage Management by Nikki Lint, Music Direction by Sonny Paladino, Costume Design by Dustin Cross, Sound Design by Don Hanna, Scenic Design by Adam Koch, Company Management by Bethany Sortman, Lighting Design by Doug Harry, Production Management by Brian Loesch, Casting by Michael Baker. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 286-1133 or visit www.gatewayplayhouse.org.

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