Gateway's Third Annual Gala LET THE GOOD TIMES ROCK 'N ROLL Set for 8/24

The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County will hold its third annual gala benefit, "Let the Good Times Rock 'n Roll" on the evening of Sat., Aug. 24 at Bellport's Gateway Playhouse.

This year's theme pays homage to the 1950s, spotlighting favorite moments from the early days of the Gateway and the first decades of rock 'n roll.

The evening's entertainment features special performances by the stars of Gateway's 2013 season, including Holly Ann Butler, Marissa Rosen and Nathan Klau. Butler and Rosen starred as Rizzo and Jan in "Grease," which opened Gateway's 2013 season. Butler's credits include the Broadway revivals of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and "Grease." She received a 2010 Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for Actress in a Principle Role for "Thoroughly Modern Millie." Rosen's credits include the off-Broadway productions of "Tony and Tina's Wedding," and the USA series "Monk."

Klau delighted audiences as Dr. Frankenstein's assistant, Igor, in "The New Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein." He has appeared in the first national tour of "Jersey Boys," and he has worked regionally at Goodspeed Musicals and the Pittsburgh CLO.

Other season highlights include selections from Gateway's children's theatre production of "Seussical," as well as a sneak preview of "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story," which opens Aug. 28 at the Bellport theatre.

Live music is provided by the John Schmitt Band, who will perform rock 'n roll favorites throughout the evening. Best known for their performances at Manhattan music venues Prohibition and The Living Room, the rock quartet has also opened for Ingrid Michaelson, Allison Kraus and Dave Matthews Band.

"Let the Good Times Rock 'n Roll" begins with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 6pm, followed by dinner, dancing and silent auctions. Guests can enjoy 'A Taste of Bellport,' with courses provided by Avino's Italian Table, Basil, The Bellport Restaurant, Bellport Village Bistro, The Brickhouse Brewery & Restaurant, Peppercorn Café, Porters on the Lane, Swan Bakery and The West Lake Inn Caterers.

Auction items include a vacation trip to Walt Disney World; tickets, autographed memorabilia, and backstage passes to Broadway shows; an overnight stay with the Manhattan Club; luxury spa packages; and an African safari vacation.

Proceeds from "Let the Good Times Rock 'n Roll" will support onstage and outreach programming at the Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County.

The PACSC is committed to producing and presenting the highest caliber theater and performing arts events, as well as engaging and training the next generation of artists. Theatre is the essential human art form through which PACSC enriches the cultural lives of Long Island communities, providing a vital, local alternative to Broadway.

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