Dan's Papers - May 16, 2008 - preview: the season at gateway playhouse

For many of Gateway Playhouse regulars, the announcement of the new season always has a thrill about it. Not only does it mean that winter's over, but it lets us know what's in store for the summer. Will they stick with the tried and true or will we see recent shows from the Great White Way?

The lineup has been announced, and Paul Allen and his colleagues deserve high marks for their eclectic choices for the 2008 season. Gateway performs in two venues: Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, and the Patchogue Theater.

The first show, The Will Rogers Follies by Comden and Green, runs from May 21 to June 14 in Bellport. Based on Rogers' life, the show ran for nearly 100 performances on Broadway between 1991 and 1993. It brings back memories of a gentler time - the 1930s - when Will Rogers became the first multi-media sensation with his one-liners and wry humor that is still very relevant in today's tumultuous world.

Sometimes show biz deserves to be parodied and the Forbidden Broadway shows have built up a history of hilarious spoofs. In their latest installment, which runs from June 18 to July 6, don't be surprised if Julie Andrews, Jean Valjean, Little Orphan Annie, Ethel Merman and the Wicked Witch of the West show up.

The next production is scheduled for the big stage of the Patchogue Theater. Disney's Beauty and the Beast, with its "tale as old as time," will run from July 9-26. Moving back to Bellport, the offering from July 30 to August 23 is Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein's great classic musical, Show Boat, with showstopping musical numbers like "Ol' Man River" and "Make Believe." In addition to its great songs, Show Boat makes a powerful commentary on life in the Deep South in the early part of the 20th century.

Remember a few years ago when tickets for The Producers were as elusive as gold dust? Now, at the Patchogue Theatre, audiences who missed out will have the chance to see the live show. The first professional presentation on Long Island of Mel Brooks' hilarious comedic masterpiece will run from August 27 to September 13. The season closes with The Wedding Singer, a relatively new show that ran on Broadway in 2006, scheduled for September 17 until the season comes to a close on October 4.

Ticket prices for Gateway Playhouse's first rate productions range from $39 to $43 for adults and $25 for children under 12.

In addition, new season ticket subscribers can see all six shows for the price of four. For tickets and information, call 1-888-4-TIX-NOW or go to www.gatewayplayhouse.com.