'Rock of Ages,' 'Escape to Margaritaville' kick off Gateway's 75th season

Mullets, margaritas and mystery are on the bill as The Gateway in Bellport gears up for its 75th season, which kicks off in May.

"We're the longest-running professional theater on Long Island with a rich history and deep roots in the community," said Paul Allan, the theater's executive artistic director. "There is so much media to consume these days, and since coming to the theater and experiencing a live show is such a unique experience we picked a schedule that would appeal to a broad demographic and all age groups."

Big hair will be in full display in the season-opener "Rock of Ages," the '80s hair band musical about a young rock singer and a waitress/aspiring actor pursuing their dreams in L.A., which runs from May 3 to June 2. The volume is sure to be cranked up as the cast performs the songs of Journey, Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi and more.

"Cheeseburger in Paradise" is on the menu for the following show, "Escape to Margaritaville," the Jimmy Buffett musical that's set for June 21 to July 21. 

The jukebox musicals continue with the Tony Award-winning "Beautiful — The Carole King Musical," which is on tap from Aug. 9 to Sept. 8. The show, which covers King's career successes as well as her marital woes, features dozens of her hits including "It's Too Late," "One Fine Day" and "I Feel the Earth Move."

There's no business like snow business with Gateway's holiday offering "Irving Berlin's White Christmas" (Nov. 29-Dec. 29). The slight plot about a song-and-dance team romancing a sister act serves as a great excuse to present more than two dozen Berlin classics including "Sisters," "Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)" and the title number.

Mystery comes in the form of the next entry (Jan. 17-Feb. 23), which the theater is keeping a "secret." "We can’t wait to announce our TBA show which will be a huge surprise and a definite crown pleaser," Allan said.

The final show of the season is also mysterious and spooky and altogether ooky as "The Addams Family" moves in from March 14 to April 13.

For tickets and more information on all six shows, call 631-286-1133 or go to thegateway.org.