by Debbie Tuma
The first time I saw a show at the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, was when I was 12 years old, and away at a girl scout camp in Bayport. Our counselors took us to see “Carousel,” back then in the 1960’s, and I never forgot the magic of my first theatrical experience.
The Gateway Playhouse has been going strong for over 70 years, first as a small local theater project, and now as an established non-profit professional theater, doing 6 professional musicals a year. I have gone back there over the years, and most recently was thrilled to see one of my favorite movies, “Pretty Woman,” transformed into a fabulous musical. At first I thought, “How could a musical be any better than the movie?” But I was pleasantly surprised at how, in some ways, the musical was an even more emotional experience than the movie!
That was because this musical, which ran from June 20 to July 13, was perfect in every way—from the casting of the actors, to the incredible musical score, to the clever choreography, the creative sets, costumes, and the very talented actors themselves. This “rags to riches” love story pulled at our heart strings, as we watched Vivian Ward, a prostitute played by Leah Platt, become swept away by the savvy businessman, Edward Lewis, played by Sean Seamus Thompson. Special kudos to them for their brilliant acting and singing, as an unlikely couple.
Fatima El-Bashir also stood out as Vivian’s wild roommate, also a prostitute named Kit De Luca. Her charm and dancing around the stage was great, as well as that of Jalon Matthews, who acted and danced in several roles, including Happy Man, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Hollister, and Senator Adams. Another actor, Anthony Dasilva, who played Giulio, was noticeably a lithe and limber dancer. Ryan Hurley and Sarah Wang were very gifted opera singers who had roles in the show. Daniel Robert Sullivan, who played Edward Lewis’s unscrupulous lawyer, played his villain part well. The Ensemble of dancers kept the audience greatly entertained.
Special kudos to Paul Allan, Gateway’s Artistic Director, and to Keith Andrews, Director/Choreographer, for putting on this heart-warming musical, to be remembered dearly. I even went back to see it again!
Now looking forward to Gateway’s next musical, “Phantom,” which runs from August 1 to August 31. Music and Lyrics by Maury Yestin and Book by Arthur Kopit. Phantom is the musical melodrama about the frightening caped and masked “phantom” living in the depths of the Paris Opera House. The Phantom lives for beautiful music and is mesmerized by a young and beautiful soprano, Christine.
According to the playbill, “The Tony-Award winning authors Maury Yestin and Arthur Kopit have transformed Gaston Leroux’s “The Phantom of the Opera” into a theatrical sensation that enraptures audiences and critics with beautiful songs and an expertly crafted book. It is constructed around characters more richly developed than in any other version, including the original novel.”
The Gateway Playhouse, located at 215 South Country Road in Bellport, has season passes available now. In its 76th Season, the Gateway is a non-profit performing arts center. It also has season ticket plans with discounts of 25% and 35% on three or four shows. Call 631-286-1133 or visit www.TheGateway.org