'The Will Rogers Follies' at Gateway Begins May 21

The 59th season of the Gateway Playhouse (215 South Country Rd, Bellport, NY 11713), Long Island's premiere professional Equity musical theatre, opens with the multiple Tony Award winner, THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, a life in revue  May 21–June 14. THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES presents the wit and wisdom of the famed entertainer, cowboy, comedian, philosopher and movie and Broadway star. With a bevy of Show-stopping numbers the life of Will Rogers is chronicled in grand theatrical style; featuring showgirls in feathers and beads, chorus boys in boots and glitzy chaps and an massive lighted staircase for them to parade in true Broadway style production numbers, THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES is engaging musical theatre.

DJ Salisbury is the Director/Choreographer and Billy McDaniel is the Musical Director with Kelly Tighe (Scenic Designer), Marcia Madeira (Lighting Designer), Cody Spencer (Sound Designer) and Dom Ruggiero (Production Stage Manager).  Robin Joy Allan is the Casting and Artistic Director and Paul Allan is the Producer. The show stars Tom Angland as 'Will Rogers'; Mary Mossberg, as 'Betty Blake'; Dick Decareau, as 'Clem Rogers' and Jackie Bayne, as "Ziegfeld's Favorite'.  Also in the talent cast are Anne Bloemendal,  Amy Carroll, Ann Cooley, William James Daniels, Erik Floor, Melanie Goerlitz, Melissa Harres, Kia Lee, Charles Logan, Carissa Lopez, Denise Molnar, Jermaine Rembert, Katie Ribis, Elizabeth Sousek, Karen Michelle Webb and others.   Subject to change

THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES has music by Cy Coleman with lyrics by Adolph Green and Betty Comden, the book is by Peter Stone.   The acclaimed musical began performances on Broadway on April 1, 1991 and played 33 previews and 981 performances at the Palace Theatre. It won numerous Tony Awards including Best Musical and Original Score as well as Drama Desk Awards for Musical and for the Music.

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 AF 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 productions are "Forbidden Broadway"  June 18–July 6;  "Disney's Beauty and the Beast"  at the Patchogue Theatre, 71 E. Main Street, Patchogue, on July 9-26;.  "Show Boat" July 30-August 23; "The Producers", in the Patchogue Theatre August 27-September 13; and "The Wedding Singer" September 17–October 4.  Beginning in July starts the popular Children's Theatre shows.

Regular performances of THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES are Tue., Wed., Thurs. at 8:00; Sun. at 2:00 & 7:00; Wed. & Thurs. at 2:00; Fri. at 8:00 and Sat. at 4:00 & 8:30.  Please call theatre for some special weekday performances.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now and range from $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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