“And now, Mr. DeMille, I am ready for my close-up!” Winner of 7 Tony Awards, Sunset Boulevard, is a haunting musical depicting the glamour of 1949 Hollywood, when a silent screen legend, living alone in her decaying mansion, entertains a young screenwriter bringing the promise of renewed stardom. With such stunning songs as “With One Look”, “As If We Never Said Goodbye” and “Perfect Year”, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic tragedy is a mesmerizing tale of revenge. “This time I’m staying, I’m staying for good; I’ll be back where I was born to be. With one look, I’ll be me!”

 

August 2011
SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THUR	FRI	SAT
			3 8:00PM	4 2:00PM 8:00PM	5 8:00PM	6 3:00PM 8:30PM
7 2:00PM 7:00PM	8	9 8:00PM	10 2:00PM 8:00PM	11 2:00PM 8:00PM	12 8:00PM	13 3:00PM 8:30PM
14 7:00PM	15	16 8:00PM	17 2:00PM 8:00PM	18 2:00PM 8:00PM	19 8:00PM	20 3:00PM 8:30PM

	LONI ACKERMAN (Norma Desmond) turned 19 years old while making her Broadway debut in George M! She went on to appear in leading roles on Broadway including, Evita, Cats, So Long 174th Street, The Magic Show, and No No Nanette. She is proud to work with such an exciting team of cast and crew during her Gateway debut in Sunset Boulevard. Most recently Loni was a Member of the Marvell Rep Companyin New York City (Artistic Director Lenny Lebowitz). Loni is married to Broadway sound designer Steve Canyon Kennedy and together have two sons- Jack and George. This performance is dedicated to the late Tony Stevens.
	NATHAN ANDERSON (Salesman,Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to the Gateway Playhouse. Previously with Gateway he was in the ensemble of A Christmas Carol and understudied Mr. Fezziwig/Jacob Marley. Regional and tour credits as follows: The Mayor of Whoville, in Seussical the Musical, Marcelus Washburn, in The Music Man, and Mr. Fezziwig in the tour of Scrooge the Musical! with the New York Stage Originals. He would like to dedicate this show to Booch, and the Candices! Here’s to saying ‘Yes’ to the Universe!
	DEREK BASTHEMER (Salesman, Ensemble) Derek’s love of Wisconsin cheese is only eclipsed by his passion for musical theater. A Manhattan School of Music graduate, he is thrilled to make his Gateway Playhouse debut with Sunset Boulevard and Sweeney Todd. Additional studies: The New England Conservatory and HB Studio. A big thanks to his friends, teachers and especially his family for their support and love.
	GAIL BENNETT (Betty Schaefer) Played the title role in Mary Poppins over 65 times on the National Tour and Usherette/ Lickme Bite-me in the Las Vegas company of Mel Brooks’ The Producers. Other regional favorites: Eliza (My Fair Lady opposite Tony winner Jefferson Mays), Maria (The Sound Of Music), Janet (The Drowsy Chaperone), Irene (Hello, Dolly), Claudia (NINE), Annie (Annie, Get Your Gun), Jellylorum (Cats). Gail has also starred in several feature films, adores voice-over work, speaks French, and runs marathons.
	KRISTINE BENNETT (Doctor, Ensemble)is thrilled to be returning to Gateway after appearing as a Silly Girl in 2008’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Earlier this year Kristine was on the National Tour of The Music Man. Other favorite credits include: Oklahoma (Ocean City Theatre Company and LaComedia), The Fantasticks and A Fireside Christmas (The Fireside Theatre), and Miracle on 34th Street (Jersey Shore Productions.) Kristine is a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Thanks to the Gateway family and loved ones. Romans 5 1-5.  www.KristineBennett.blogspot.com
	PEYTON CRIM (Salesman, Ensemble) is grateful to settle down for a few months and perform with Gateway! A Dallas native, he graduated from Oklahoma City University before making the move to New York. Since then, he has been seen in The Music Man (National Tour), Ring of Fire, The Mikado, La Boheme, Oh Coward!, and Into The Woods. Thanks to his Family and Friends for their support, and The Waffle Cart for its motivation.
	RACHEL RHODES-DEVEY (Analyst, Ensemble, U/S Betty Schaefer) is thrilled to be back at Gateway after appearing in last summer’s production of Hello, Dolly! NYC: Mary Arena in The Human Comedy and Children of Eden (APAC). Regional: The John Engeman Theatre, Maine State Music Theatre, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, and Forestburgh Playhouse. Next, Rachel will be shipping off on that national tour of The Lincoln Center Theater’s production of South Pacific. Proud graduate of Oklahoma City University. Many thanks to Dustin and Judy Boals Inc, and much love to my family for their never-ending support.
	CAITLIN FISCHER (Masseur, Ensemble) is excited to be making her debut at Gateway Playhouse! Regional credits include Magnolia in Show Boat, Lily in The Secret Garden, and Mrs. Crachit in A Christmas Carol. Other favorite roles are Eliza in My Fair Lady, Maria in West Side Story, Catherine in A View from the Bridge, and Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro. She received her Master of Music from the Peabody Conservatory and her Bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University.
	KEVIN GUTCHES (Ensemble, U/S Manfred) is thrilled to be returning to Gateway for the summer! He was previously seen at Gateway in Legally Blonde, Spamalot! and in last summer’s Happy Days. Other Credits: 30th Anniversary Tour of Annie (Rooster u/s), The Full Monty (Ethan Girard), Mystery of Edwin Drood (Deputy). Kevin holds a B.A. in Theatre from Wagner College. He would like to thank his family and friends for all the love and support; loves those who support live theatre!
	PHILIP HOFFMAN (Cecil B. Demille) Philip has appeared in the original casts of nine Broadway productions, including Into The Woods, Falsettos, Fiddler On The  Roof (2004), The Scarlet Pimpernel and A Catered Affair. Off-Broadway credits range from All In The Timing to Yiddle With A Fiddle. National tours: Jekyll & Hyde (Utterson) and Titanic (Ismay). He appears on several cast albums. A proud member of Actors’ Equity Association since 1979. Website: www.1philiphoffman.com
	JOEL INGRAM (Salesman, Ensemble,U/S Artie Green) - is very excited to be performing at Gateway Playhouse this summer! Earlier this season, Joel was seen as Warner in Legally Blonde. A recent grad from University of Oklahoma, Joel just finished the national tour of Legally Blonde. Regional Credits: The Who’s Tommy (Lover), Jesus Christ Superstar (Bartholomew), Bye Bye Birdie (Conrad), Noises Off (Tim), Little Me, Fiddler on the Roof, Chess. Special thanks to my amazing Parents, Family, Friends, and MTXers for all their love and support!
	ROBERT ANTHONY JONES (Manfred, U/S Max Von Mayerling) is thrilled to be returning to Gateway for his very first summer season. His recent Gateway credits include double rounds of A Century of Christmas and Mr. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol. He was last seen in NYC at Madison Square Garden in the National Tour of The 101 Dalmatians Musical, where he originated the role of Jinx Baddun (directed by Jerry Zaks, withchoreography by Warren Carlyle). He also originated the roles of the dresser/hermit/ grammer Canty in the hit off-Broadway musical The Prince and the Pauper, and can be heard on the Original Cast Recording on Jay Records and itunes. Regional favorites include: Max in The Producers (West Virginia Public Theatre), Amos in Chicago (Riverside Theatre), and Sancho in Man of La Mancha (Theatre by The Sea, playing opposite Bruce Winant, who he will happily play opposite again in Sweeney Todd at Gateway this summer). RAJ is also the host of a children’s television series, “Drew’s FamousMagical Jukebox,” “Sing A Long and Dance A Long.” www.robertanthonyjones.com
	STEVE LUKER (Sheldrake) Delighted to return to Gateway for his 6th production, Steve’s been in over 100 legit shows from Broadway (42nd Street) to National and International Tours (Footloose, 42nd Street, Radio City) to Off-Broadway (the P Monologues) to Regional Theatres (North Shore Music Theatre, Goodspeed, The Engeman Theatre, Theatre by the Sea, Vero Beach Riverside, New Harmony Theatre, Mill Mountain Playhouse, Mt. Gretna Theatre, Theatre Under the Stars, Cross Roads Theatre, and many more. He was recently nominated for a Barrymore Award for Best Actor for the role of Sewerman in Bristol Riverside’s Dear World. On TV, he’s been a principal in such shows as “Cosby,” “Law and Order,” “Hope and Faith,” “One Life to Live,” “As the World Turns,” etc. and in dozens of commercials and voice overs. Much thanks to the Luker and Noona families, especially wife, Susie.
	MATTHEW NOWAK (Salesmen) is a LongIsland native who is excited to be returning to the Gateway stage! Past seasons include Miss Saigon and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. He has worked on numerous readings, workshops and concerts including Rags in concert with Carolee Carmello and Eden Espinosa. Matthew holds a BFA in musical theatre from The Boston Conservatory. Many thanks to the Gateway family for this opportunity! And of course Matthew wouldn’t be here without the support and love from his mom.
	ANDREW PANDALEON (Artie Green, U/S Joe Gillis) is honored to be returning to Gateway Playhouse after playing Richie Cunningham in last year’s production of Happy Days. Past credits include: City Club (Chaz), The History of War (Titus), The History Boys (Scripps), Laughter on The 23rd Floor (Brian), and Play it Cool (Will). This fall he will be at Northern Stage for Romeo & Juliet (Paris). Andrew holds a BA in theater from UCLA. Thank you to Bill, Ben and Jeffrey @ Peter Strain & Associates and most of all to Mom and Dad for their unyielding love and support!
	JOEL ROBERTSON (Max) was featured in the Broadway production of Jekyll & Hyde as the Bishop of Basingstoke, directed by Robin Phillips, and the Movie starring David Hasselhoff, directed by Gerry Zaks. He was in the original production of Parade directed by Hal Prince at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center and received standing ovations for nine years in Les Misérables, six years in the original cast of Cats, both directed by Trevor Nunn, and played Fyedka in the Broadway and National Touring production of Fiddler on the Roof at the NY State Theatre starring Herschel Bernardi, directed by Jerome Robbins. He has been seen on All My Children as Mort Greenway, and thrilled audiences as Santa Claus in Radio City Music Hall’s Christmas Spectacular in Chicago. Mr. Robertson also performs in many benefits throughout the year and has been featured in Lincoln Center’s Meet the Artist series. With his wife and Co-founder he created ATC Studios, a Clifton New Jersey Non-Profit Conservatory (www.atcstudios.org) for the Dramatic Arts in 1990 and continues to bring vision and quality to those programs, launching the careers of hundreds who dare to dream.
	ROBERT J. TOWNSEND (Joe Gillis) is thrilled to make his Gateway debut. Most recently, Robert toured the country with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and has also toured in the national and international tours of Mamma Mia! (Father Alexandrios), Grease (Kenickie), and Camelot (Sir Sagramore). Recent regional performances include Man #1 in My Way (Music Theatre of Connecticut), Thomas Weaver in The Story of My Life (Havok Theatre Company- Los Angeles Stage Alliance Ovation Award), Edward Rutledge in 1776 (Musical Theatre West-Broadway World Award), The Pharaoh in Joseph... (CLO of South Bay Cities), and Michael in Smokey Joe’s Cafe (San Diego Musical Theatre). Robert’s other selected regional credits include The Seafarer (Nicky Giblin-San Diego Rep), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Trevor Graydon-Sacramento Music Circus), Jekyll and Hyde (Title Role-Cabrillo Music Theatre-Ovation Award), I Love You, You’re Perfect... (Man #1), Anything Goes (Billy Crocker) and Miss Saigon (Chris). TV/Commerical-The One Minute Soap Opera, The Chronicle, Tom’s of Maine, Time Warner Cable. As always, love to his wife Jill without whom none of this would be possible... www.jillandrobert.com
	BRIAN C VEITH (Salesman, Ensemble) is thrilled to be working at Gateway on Sunset Boulevard and Sweeney Todd. Originally from California, he feels lucky to be spending his summer performing near the beach. Past shows include Little Women, Ring of Fire, Follies, Annie Get Your Gun and Secret Garden. Thanks to Mom, Dad, family (both real and theatre), everyone at Gateway and the cast and crew. Marymount Manhattan College graduate. For more, check out BroadwayDemo.com/BrianCVeith. Psalms 103:1-5 Bless the Lord!
	MEGAN WEAN (Dance Captain, Beautician, Ensemble) An Ohio Native and a proud graduate from Wright State University with a B.F.A in Musical Theatre/Dance, Megan is honored to be back at Gateway. Previous Gateway credits include A Christmas Carol and Happy Days. She was just recently seen on the National Tour of A Chorus Line. Some regional credits: North Shore Music Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse, Maine State Music Theatre, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, Beef and Boards, The Palace Theatre, The Barn Theatre. Love to Dad, Kandis and Scott. It will always be for you Mom!
	KAREN WEBB (Beautician, Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of the Sunset Blvd. cast, making it her sixth show with the Gateway family! Recent credits include: Singin’ in the Rain, Jekyll & Hyde, Nine (Westchester Broadway), Spamalot!, Will Rogers Follies, Hairspray, Hello Dollly, A Christmas Carol (Gateway Playhouse), Joseph..., Cats, and The Producers (Beef and Boards). Making her journey from Ga to NYC she wants to thank her family and friends, old and new, for their continuous support and inspiration. Enjoy the show y’all!
	CHELSEY WHITELOCK (Astrologer, Ensemble, U/S Norma Desmond) Sunset Blvd marks Chelsey’s seventh show at Gateway. You may have seen her in past Gateway productions Drowsy Chaperone, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Hairspray, Hello Dolly, Legally Blonde and Spamalot!. She was seen in the 30th anniversary national tour of Annie. Other favorite roles include Roxie in Chicago, Brooke in Noises Off, Ado Annie in Oklahoma! and Lois in Kiss Me Kate. “Love and thanks to the Gateway family, my wonderful husband Mikey and our adorable new additions Banzo and Chickpea.”
	JEffREY BUCHSBAUM (Musical Director) Though Jeffrey is thrilled Sunset Boulevard marks his 20th production at The Gateway, he does not know where the years have gone. Recent work includes Man of La Mancha on Hilton Head Island, Off-Broadway productions of On Second Avenue (2 Drama Desk nominations) and Tallulah’s Party with Tovah Feldshuh. Tours include A Chorus Line (Europe/National), Titanic, My One And Only, George M, Damn Yankees starring Jerry Lewis and Phantom of the Opera (Europe/ South America). Jeffrey conceived and arranged Broadway Rhythm in Macao, China and The Magic Of Musicals in Athens, Greece. He also directed the National tours of Camelot and Mame, and is the composer of the new musical, Tupperwise!, which is presently in development. He has taught at NYU and LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts. Jeffrey spent this season as assistant director and dramaturg on the new independent musical film, Welcome To Harlem, which will have its theatrical release this Thanksgiving at the Apollo Theater. Jeffrey is a voice teacher and vocal coach in Manhattan.
	DAVID ENGEL (Associate Choreography and Film Sequence Director) directed and choreographed The Andrews Brothers (Actor’s Theatre Of Indiana) and Forever Plaid (Moonlight Amphitheatre), I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (The Welk), Seussical (Moonlight). Other choreographic credits include Singin’ In The Rain (LA Ovation Nomination), More Magic (Canadian Tour), STAGE Benefit Los Angeles. He is an award winning actor, dancer and film editor
	LARRY RABEN (Director) returns to The Gateway after previously directing Mel Brooks’ The Producers. In NY, he directed last summer’s world premiere of Tony winnerJoe DiPietro’s Falling For Eve Off-Broadway at The York Theatre. Most recently he directed The Wedding Singer for Musical Theatre West. He won the LA Ovation Award for Best Direction for Singin’ In The Rain (Cabrillo Music Theatre). He wrote and directed Rodger & for Reprise!. A founding member of Coyote StageWorks in Palm Springs, he directed Greater Tuna (Desert Star Award Best Direction) and A Tuna Christmas. Other credits: Sweet Charity in Buenos Aires (Best director Ace nominee), Bark! (Inland Empire Award Best Direction), Always Patsy Cline (Welk), The Velveteen Rabbit (Promenade Theatre NY). Never Gonna Dance (with Tony winner Harriet Harris), The Thing About Men, and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. He was the assistant director on the original NY production of Forever Plaid and has directed numerous regional and international stagings as well as Plaid Tidings. He directed and co-authored Hollywood’s Heyday (Welk) and More Magic (Canadian Tour). Proud member of SDC.
	JOHN “JP” POLLARD (Production Stage Manager) returns for his third show of the 2011 Season here at Gateway, having previously stage managed the critically acclaimed productions of West Side Story and Legally Blonde – The Musical. JP got his start in the theatre over 30 years ago while working alongside the likes of Kaye Ballard, Imogene Coca, Cesar Romero, Betty Garrett and many others at Earl Holliman’s Fiesta Dinner Playhouse, in his hometown of San Antonio, TX. Since those early years, he has stage managed from the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between. Career highlights include the seven-month, SRO San Francisco run of The Search For Signs of Intelligent Life In The Universe starring Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress Lily Tomlin, four seasons at New Jersey’s own Paper Mill Playhouse, and an International tour of Grease which toured both Germany and Switzerland. In addition to theatre, he has also spent time as personal assistant to actress Sarah Jessica Parker. Proud Equity member since 1983. “My work, as always, is dedicated to my family and friends." www.johncourtneypollard.com
	ROBIN JOY ALLAN (Artistic Director) In her life bio, Robin includes 40 years performing, casting, teaching and directing, with much of that overlapping, taking her from one coast to the other and back. The films “When Harry Met Sally,” “Lord Of The Flies,” “Parenthood,” and “Ghost” are on her casting resume as well as one-hundred and thirty-nine Main Stage productions for Gateway. She feels blessed and hopes to continue to give back to the universe as much as she has been given. Robin lives in Brookhaven Hamlet with her amazing daughter Hayley and constant companions Lucy Dog, Mopsy and Momma Kitty.
	PAUL ALLAN (Producer) has been producing the seasons here at Gateway since the 1980’s. Paul’s grandfather (Harry Pomeran) was the first producer of Gateway in 1950, followed by his uncle (David Sheldon), his parents (Ruth and Stan Allan), and together with his sister Robin. Paul has been able to work in NYC on various shows in different capacities, run a touring company with shows traveling around the country and abroad, operate a sister theatre in Connecticut, act as consultant and facilitator for the restoration and reopening of the Patchogue Theatre, and maintain a set rental business - where Gateway scenery is used in theatres across the country after appearing on the Gateway stage. Paul appreciates, admires and honors his family’s dedication to the arts and is proud to help continue the legacy. Paul lives in Bellport with his wife Annmarie and their 2 children - Luke 6 and Alexa 4.

Reviews Coming soon

Production Photos Coming Soon

Cast

Norma Desmond	LONI ACKERMAN*	Download the Playbill 4 Meg PDF File
Joe Gillis	ROBERT J. TOWNSEND*
Max Von Mayerling	JOEL ROBERTSON*
Betty Shaefer	GAIL BENNETT*
Cecil B. DeMille	PHILIP HOFFMAN*
Artie Green	ANDREW PANDALEON*
Sheldrake	STEVE LUKER*
Manfred	ROBERT ANTHONY JONES*
Salesman	STEVE LUKER*, NATHAN ANDERSON, DEREK BASTHEMER, PEYTON CRIM, JOEL INGRAM, MATTHEW NOWAK, BRIAN C. VEITH
Astrologer	CHELSEY WHITELOCK
Masseur	CAITLIN FISCHER
Beauticians	KAREN WEBB, MEGAN WEAN
Analyst	RACHEL RHODES-DEVEY
Doctor	KRISTINE BENNETT
Ensemble	NATHAN ANDERSON, DEREK BASTHEMER, KRISTINE BENNETT, PEYTON CRIM, CAITLIN FISCHER, KEVIN GUTCHES, JOEL INGRAM, MATTHEW NOWAK, RACHEL RHODES-DEVEY, BRIAN C. VEITH, MEGAN WEAN, KAREN WEBB, CHELSEY WHITELOCK
Dance Captain	MEGAN WEAN

Understudies

Norma Desmond	CHELSEY WHITELOCK
Joe Gillis	ANDREW PANDALEON*
Max Von Mayerling	ROBERT ANTHONY JONES*
Betty Shaefer	RACHEL RHODES-DEVEY
Cecil B. DeMille	MICHAEL EDWARD BAKER*
Artie Green	JOEL INGRAM
Sheldrake	MICHAEL EDWARD BAKER*
Manfred	KEVIN GUTCHES

Muscians

Conductor/Keyboard I	JEFFREY BUCHSBAUM
Keyboard	JOHN MURPHY
Keyboard	JUSTIN F. FISCHER
Keyboard	KATIE DUKE
Reed I	MICHAEL KENDROT
Reed II	MITCHELL KAMEN
Drums	KEVIN MORAN

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Board of Directors 

President	Paul Allan
Vice-President	Bob Durkin
Secretary	Gale Edwards

Administrative

Executive Producer	Ruth Allan
Producer	Paul Allan
Associate Producer	Jeff Bellante
General Manager	Dom Ruggiero
Company Manager	Michael Baker
Director of Development/ Assistant to the Producer	Scot Patrick Allan
Administrative Assistant	Lauren Windsor

Artistic

Artistic/Casting Director	Robin Joy Allan
Associate Casting/Artistic Director	Jessica Harrison
Director/Choreographer	Larry Raben
Assistant Director/ Assistant Choreographer	David Engel
Musical Director	Jeffrey Buchsbaum
Assistant Musical Director	John P. Murphy
Costume Design	Trevor Bowen
Lighting Designer	Doug Harry
Scenic Design	Todd Ivans
Sound Consultants	Dominic Sac, Cody Spencer
Wig Design	David Brian Brown
Resident Wig Designer	Trent Pcenicni
Production Photographer	Jeff Bellante
Musical Contractor	Jeff Hoffman

Box Office

Box Office Manager	Laurie Parr
House Manager	Joanne Famiglietti
Box Office Staff	Beth Harrison, Nadine Hazard, Diane Koerber, Christina Montaldo, Don Rebar, Kyle Reitan, Francesca Welhous

Production

Production Manager	Brian Loesch
Production Stage Manager	John "JP" Pollard
Technical Director	Mo G. Guiberteau
Wardrobe Supervisor	Marianne Dominy
Master Electricians	Rev. Jose "El Jefe" Santiago
Sound Engineer	Adam Shubert
Media Supervisor	Spencer Padilla
Scenic Artist	Keeley Dorwart
Props Master	Robert Bursztyn
Assistant Production Manager	Justin Hoffman
Assistant Master Electrician	Matthew Daurio
Assistant Stage Manager	Lindsay Sigler
Assistant Technical Director	Dennis R. Berfield
Shop Foreman	Charlie J. Bell
Technicians	Alix Claps, Mark Frederick, Don Hanna, Maxx henry, Greg Marullo, Elizabeth Nosewicz
Flyman	AJ Lebenns
Wigs & Makeup Supervisor	Trent Pcenicni
Wardrobe Assistant/Sticher	Natalie Ferris

Interns

Company Management Intern	Cassandra Levey
Assistant Stage Management Interns	Emma Slaney & Bethany Sortman
Electrics Interns	Keelia Liptak, Justin Michel, Kenneth Nicholas
Sound Interns	Zach Ireson
Wardrobe Interns	Samantha Abbott, Amber Mallon, Grace Czerniawski
General Technician Interns	Rob Brey, Max Fehr, Eddie Massari, Sean McConaughey, Michael Vultaggio

Facilities

Facilities Manager	Mark Frederick
Concessions and Hospitality Manager	Blake Armitstead
Cleaning Contractor	Elio Sanchez, Maria Sanchez
Grounds Maintenance	HTM Landscaping Company
House Staff	Ethan Bellante, Julia Bellante, Ryan Hudak, Ajay Persaud, Jonathan Smaldone, Kevin Spellman, Ed Wacera
General Counsel	Ann L. Nowak