Gateway Playhouse (215 South Country Rd, Bellport, NY 11713), Long Island's premiere professional Equity musical theatre, presents the award winning American musical classic, "Show Boat" July 30-August 23. It is directed by Bill Theisen, choreographed by Michelle Webber, Nathan Perry is musical director, with scenic design by Brodie Alan Steele, lighting design by Kim Hanson and wardrobe supervisor is Marianne Dominy. The cast stars Thomas Wazelle ('Ravanel"); Jillian Louis ('Magnolia'); Isabel Santiago ('Julie'), Robert Lydiard ('Captain Andy'), Anette Michelle Sanders ('Party'), Kiira Schmidt ('Ellie'), Sean Montgomery ('Frank'), Dan Tullis, Jr. ('Joe') and Cynthia Cobb ('Queenie') with Kaela Angona, Anne Bloemendal, Derrick Davis, Mathew DeCapua, Chad Hilligus, Jamel Hudson, Brandon Haagonson, John Simpson, Abeku Hayes, Denise Molnar, Charles "Chip" Morris, Tyrone Robinson, Jenna Schoen, Stefan Schuette, Brittany Sellers, Stephanie Schrader, Elizabeth Sousek, Tonya Thompson, John Tighe, Lindsay O. Travis, Ariana Valdes, Michelle Veintimilla, Anastasia Votino, and Ayanna Williams. (subject to change)
"Show Boat,, perhaps the most influential musical of the twentieth century, combined the talents of
Jerome Kern and
Oscar Hammerstein II, both of whom had felt for that Broadway musical theatre was suffering from a lack of depth and needed to move away from the fluffy musical comedies and melodramatic operetta that it was accustomed to. They chose Edna Ferber's sprawling novel of life on the Mississippi, and set out to deal with issues such as unhappy marriages and racial prejudice. Such famous classic songs as "Ol' Man River", "Why Do I Love You", "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man of Mine", "Make Believe", "Bill" and "Life Upon The
Wicked Stage" are from the memorable score. Show Boat's unforgettable story spans over 40 years in the lives of three generations of show folk and their floating theatre on the Mississippi, the Cotton Blossom. From it beginning in 1927 which was produced by Florenz Ziegfeld "Show Boat" has been produced on multiple occasions on Broadway – most notably by
Hal Prince in the mid 90's - and in London's West End. It was also adapted as a movie on four occasions and videotaped in live performance for television. This is a rare opportunity to experience one of the masterpieces of the American Musical Theatre.
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 "The Producers", in the Patchogue Theatre August 27-September 13; and "The Wedding Singer" September 17–October 4. The children's theatre shows continue on weekends.
Regular performances of "Show Boat" are Tuesday - Friday at 8:00 pm; Saturday at 4:00 & 8:30 pm; Sunday at 2:00 pm with week day matinees Wednesday & Thursday at 2:00 pm and special performances at 7:00 pm Sunday 8/3 & 8/10; no matinee 7/30 and 8/10.
Tickets are$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.
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