Review: ON THE TOWN at The Gateway

The classic musical On The Town is probably the perfect theatrical offering - thanks to Bellport's Gateway Theatre - during the Fourth Of July festivities. Instead of an overture, the band plays the Star Spangled Banner and the story centers on Three Sailors from the US Navy on a one day shore leave. We follow the sailors as they quickly meet three women who show them around New York City on their day off.

The Gateway's showing, running through July 15th, is excellently directed by Scott Thompson with Broadway super talent Nick Adams leading as Gabey, Gene Kelly's role from the famed 1949 movie incarnation. Gabey is looking for a famous glamor girl to hang out with on his day off and finds one - or so he thinks - in the lovely Ivy Smith stunningly portrayed by Virginia Preston. Mr. Adams is absolutely top notch in the role with his soaring voice and wonderful dancing. He and Ms. Preston are a perfect team particularly on the dazzling "Coney Island Ballet" performance.

Ozzie, Jules Munshin's role from the movie, is portrayed superbly by Sean Ewing. He goes around town with Claire portrayed cleverly by Amanda Higgins. And Chip, Frank Sinatra's role from the movie, is excellently portrayed by Daniel Switzer. He meets cab driver Hildy, hilariously portrayed by Lexi Lyric. Indeed an audience favorite is Ms. Lyric's energetic rendition of "I Can Cook, Too".

I really could go on and on about the large, extraordinary cast; each member is truly brilliant as is Mr. Thompson's creative team. Michael Boyer's retro set is stunningly enhanced by Mr. Thompson's terrific choreography. And the ten piece orchestra, headed up by Jeffrey Buchsbaum, is thrilling. Indeed you will be bopping in your seat to the upbeat numbers like the iconic "New York, New York"

And so, On The Town is, per usual, another hit for the beautiful Gateway Theatre of Bellport, Long Island. A Broadway caliber cast and the American spirit make it one helluva show!

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On the Town is presented by The Gateway of Bellport, Long Island, through July 15th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call 631-286-1133 or visit www.thegateway.org.

Music by Leonard Bernstein, Book & Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, based on Jerome Robbins' ballet Fancy Free, Direction and Choreography by Scott Thompson, Musical Direction by Jeffrey Buchsbaum (Off-Broadway: On Second Avenue, Tallulah's Party; National Tours: Titanic, Damn Yankees; International Tours; A Chorus Line, Phantom Of The Opera), Set Design by Michael Boyer.

Starring Nick Adams (Broadway: Guys and Dolls, La Cage Aux Folles, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, et. al; TV/Film: Smash, As the World Turns, Sex and the City 2, Guiding Light), Virginia Preston (Pre-Broadway: Sousatzka: A New Musical; National Tours: Dirty Dancing; Dance: Ailey School, The Boston Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, and Ballet Memphis), Daniel Switzer (National Tours: Wicked, Newsies, Cats), Lexi Lyric (Gateway's Sister Act), Sean Ewing (Broadway: West Side Story, Amazing Grace), and Amanda Higgins (National tours: In the Mood).

Featuring Mychal Phillips, Andy Redeker, and Mary Stout with Richard Biglia, Nick Cayce, Kevin Paul Clark, Monica Cioffi, Hannah Crews, Eve Danziger, Barrett Davis, Matthew Fama, Kimber Hampton, Akina Kitazawa, Ryan Koerber, Jessica Lawyer, Katie Mitchell, Alicia Newcom, Brian Ray Norris, Aidan Passaro, Dylan Cole Passman, Eric Rivas, and Thomas Sutter.

Photo by Jeff Bellante; (Left to right) Sean Ewing, Nick Adams, and Daniel Switzer in On The Town