WITH LOVE, MARILYN Comes to Patchogue Theatre

Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts and The Gateway will co-present the nationally touring production of With Love, Marilyn on Friday, Oct. 12 and Saturday, Oct. 13 at 8 p.m. With Love, Marilyn stars Erin Sullivan as Marilyn Monroe in a special one-woman tribute performance to one of the world's most iconic romantic ingenues. Leading up to the show's Long Island debut, Patchogue Theatre and The Gateway will host various Marilyn Monroe themed events throughout the week at Patchogue Theatre.

With 28 years of theater experience under her belt, Erin Sullivan has performed across the country and worldwide playing some of Broadway's best blondes. Her journey with Ms. Monroe began originating the icon in a new play Marilee and Baby Lamb: The Assassination of an American Goddess written by Tony-award winning, Oscar-nominated playwright Mark Medoff. Continuing her passion for this woman's life and legacy is what has built the foundation for this piece.

Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe seriously entertained the desire to perform live on stage again. After all, performing for the troops in Korea was one of the happiest times in her life, according to Monroe historian Samantha McLaughlin ('All About Marilyn' Organization). In this intimate behind- the-scenes evening, we are transported back in time to that 'what if' dress rehearsal, as Marilyn prepares to entertain you.

Audiences will fall in love all over again with Marilyn, watching Erin Sullivan's tribute portrayal of the famed sex goddess you know and love, performing classic songs such as "I Wanna Be Loved By You," "My Heart Belongs To Daddy," and "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend," accompanied by a three-piece band with new orchestrated arrangements by one of Broadway's finest musical directors Henry Aronson (Rock of Ages, Tommy).

Marilyn Monroe once said, "As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. Actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soulmate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Keep trying."

Lovers come and go in this playful and sensual musical journey weaving stories behind the men that Monroe loved - and Marilyn had her fair share of love and romance. With Love, Marilyn will capture your heart.

In the week leading up to the debut of With Love, Marilyn, Patchogue Theatre and The Gateway will host a pop-up gallery at Patchogue Theatre featuring artwork of Marilyn Monroe, curated by the Patchogue Arts Council. Patchogue Theatre and The Gateway will also host a free screening of Monroe's iconic film The Seven Year Itch, directed by Billy Wilder, at Patchogue Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. There will be a costume contest on the night of the showing where movie-goers will be asked to dress in their favorite Marilyn Monroe "look." Winners (first, second and third place) will receive a free pair of tickets to a performance of their choice of With Love, Marilyn. The first place winner will also receive a meet and greet backstage with Marilyn Monroe star Erin Sullivan.

Tickets for With Love, Marilyn are now available online, by phone or at the box office. Ticket prices range from $25 to $65, plus applicable ticket fees. The screening of The Seven Year Itch is free and open to the public. For more information on With Love, Marilyn and Marilyn Monroe Week, call the Patchogue Theatre box office at 631-207-1313 or visit PatchogueTheatre.org and TheGateway.org.