Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard... an Extravagant Smash Hit!

"An evening of absolute brilliant chemistry and electricity...."
Roy Bradbrook of the Hampton's Dan's Papers



Loni Ackerman and Robert J. Townsend Star as Norma and Joe


The grandeur and illusions of old Hollywood come to life in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard!

Based on Billy Wilder's classic film noir, this Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of silent screen superstar Norma Desmond who's star has faded since the rise of the 'talkies' in 1940s Hollywood. Desmond mounts her return to stardom by enlisting the talents of struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis, with tragic consequences.

In a 1995 New York Times interview, Lloyd Webber described Desmond as "without any doubt the most bravura role I've ever written. It's a big, central role, and it requires actresses of a certain stature to play it.”

Loni Ackerman easily inhabits that stature with a resume that includes the roles of Grizabella and Eva Perón in the original Broadway productions of Cats and Evita, respectively.

Ackerman is joined by Robert J. Townsend as Joe Gillis and Joel Robinson as Max von Mayerling, Desmond's butler and first husband. Townsend was a member of the original Broadway productions of Cats and Les Misérables.

Gateway’s production is directed by Larry Raben, who returns to The Gateway after directing 2008's The Producers. Jeffrey Buchsbaum joins him as music director. Buchsbaum has served as music director for many Gateway productions, including last season's Hairspray. - Don Rebar

The First Annual 'Gateway to the Future' fundraising Gala is a huge success!


Broadway's Luann Aronson, Bradley Dean, Dan Cooney, Kingsley Leggs, with Scot Patrick Allan, Bellport Historical Society's Margaret Munson, and the Hampton's Dan's Papers Roy Bradbrook celebrate together to the 'Gateway to the Future'


The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County would like to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone who made our first annual gala, Gateway to the Future, a tremendous success!

In addition to raising funds for the PACSC, we took a moment to contemplate our long history. Ruth Pomeran Allan and Sally Pomeran Harris were handed a Certificate of Achievement by the new Board of Directors followed by a look back on the history of the theater. It was thrilling to have many Gateway alumni take the night off from their Broadway shows to return and entertain our audiences once again. Thank you Luann Aronson, Dan Cooney, Bradley Dean and Kingsley Leggs.

Those in attendance also caught a glimpse into the PACSC's bright future as student actors performed scenes from The Who's Tommy: Student Edition. The education of these young artists is so important. If history repeats itself, not only will they carry on the legacy of Gateway and the PACSC, but could also be entertaining future generations on the Great White Way itself.

From interviews on the red carpet by the hysterical Cognac Wellerlane, to moonlit jazz rhythms provided by “A Black Tie Affair,” the evening of July 23 was one that we will never forget.

That being said, we can't wait until next year!

In this issue:

• Sunset Boulevard
• Gateway to the Future Gala
• Now on Stage!
• Dora the Explorer
• Become a member
• Audition Workshop

Now On Stage:


Thru Aug 30




August 24 - September 11


Dora, Diego and their team of exploring friends are back on stage right here in Bellport!
THREE WEEKS ONLY!

Friday and Saturdays in August




One day Audition Workshop with NYC Casting Directors!



August 14 and 15!

Now enrolling

Announcing our Panel for the 2011 Summer Audition Workshop:

Victoria Kress from Don Buchwald and Associates, Jaime Mishner from Innovative Artists, Casting Director Jessica Kelly from Chrystie Street Casting, Wright Talent Management owner, Charlie Wright, Laurie Smith from Smith Talent, and Dave McKeown from Shirley Grant Management.