The Gateway to Award-Winning Theater

BY STEVEN CHAN

n attraction drawing tourists, visitors, and new residents to Long Island is its proximity to New York City, and unyielding—yet satisfying vibe.

While headed away from the entertainment center of the world and approaching mid-island, you begin to experience a sense of being hauled to a place that takes the best of the Big Apple and integrates it with an incredible landscape of farms and vineyards, further enhanced by a coastline of magnificent beaches and harbors.

Leaving behind the bothersome elements of the metropolis while embarking on an adventure that delivers the finest amenities is beyond satisfying. Gourmet cuisine, first-class entertainment, and the best in a long list of agricultural products are located minutes of all major routes heading towards the North Folk and Montauk.

A single visit makes it clear Long Island is a destination many have attempted to imitate, but no other location can duplicate its uniqueness.

Tree-lined streets, parks, and waterways make a scenic backdrop rain or shine; stylish shops, roadside stands, and high-fashion boutiques offer unmatched quality and intriguing energy that attracts tourists all year long.

One of the Island’s least-known gems (by new arrivals) is the Gateway Theater, aka Gateway Playhouse, and The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County; I too, had to learn by experience.

Nestled in the iconic village of Bellport, a mere hour from New York City, a short trip from one of the many convenient airports, or an enjoyable ride from the Cross Sound Ferry landing at Orient Point, the magic of Broadway is captured and delivered upon the south shore of Long Island where there is an atmosphere of charm and sophisticated exuberance.

The Gateway is an idyllic partner and attraction among the merchants, watering holes, salons, and markets. The Theater began as an idea and soon grew as tall and bright as the fields of sunflowers blanketing Long Island.

Sally Pomeran had the sense to dream and dream emphatically; she and a small group of actors wanted to provide towns what they longed for even if they might not have realized it; in her words, the people need an “above average, run-ofthe-mill stock play.”

According to written history obtained from the family, it was 1941 when Sally’s father, Harry C. Pomeran, bought the 70-acre farm in Bellport. His ambition was to run a hotel, so, Pomeran converted the location into a resort for Christian Scientists wishing for a summer vacation on the Island.

Along with the husband and wife team, brother David and sister Ruth were recruited to “plant vegetables, wash dishes, wait tables, and milk Daisy, the family cow…the property [also] housed two hundred chickens, hay, corn, and other farm essentials.”

The children’s contributions didn’t end at sundown; they entertained hotel guests with music and shows, and it wasn’t long before word had spread and locals came out in support.

Harry quickly realized a serious interest in the concept and decided to displace Daisy from the barn, and in 1950, the Gateway Playhouse raised the curtain to The Taming of the Shrew.

With success came greater demand, and more productions followed, giving Sally the incentive to do her senior thesis on turning the barn into a professional Theater.

The Gateway became known as a serious player in the arts and entertainment industry, presenting classics like Shakespeare and Moliere and contemporary productions such as Tennessee Williams and William Inge. It also began many acting careers; names who took the Gateway stage included Gene Hackman, Ulu Grossbard, Ken Howard, and Julia Migenes-Johnson.

The unofficial mission of the Gateway has always been to educate performers; often, the staff and players were students, albeit talented ones. Many lived and worked on-site and performed in the evening.

In early 1960 the Gateway earned a reputation as a notable Summer Stock Theater and Training Center. However, almost immediately, with Columbia Pictures choosing them to be their casting farm, everything changed. Gateway was training and providing a stage for perfecting talent. With the West Coast noticing its potential, professionals were coming in to run the Main Stage season.

By 1962 the production quality was reaching top-tier notoriety; scenery and costumes were manufactured on the grounds with more than 60 apprentices housed in dormitories during the summer.

For the remainder of the decade, the Gateway produced up to 16 shows per season, including a series of children’s shows; work never ceased.

In the 70s, summer stock waned, and the schedule dropped to 4-6 shows. At the same time, the Gateway found its stride and began producing musical productions. The result was renewed interest from audiences at a distance, with its reputation growing.

Throughout the 80s-90s, the family continued the operation, with a new generation joining and trying new opportunities; vast improvements to the footprint of the grounds, lighting, and sound equipment were made, with word of their efforts continuing to spread. Between 1990-2000, demand for sets and costumes came from all directions, so the Gateway touring company sent shows to 25 US cities and countries worldwide. According to an account of the Gateway’s success during the period, “Production of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Song and Dance enjoyed a 25-city national tour, and their version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music visited countries in the Far East including Malaysia, Singapore and—in a first for American musicals—South Korea. Other Tours produced internationally included Anything Goes, South Pacific, Camelot, and A Chorus Line.”

Nestled in the iconic village of Bellport, a mere hour from New York City, a short trip from one of the many convenient airports, or an enjoyable ride from the Cross Sound Ferry landing at Orient Point, the magic of Broadway is captured and delivered upon the south shore of Long Island where there is an atmosphere of charm and sophisticated exuberance.

In 1997, the company began renovating and restoring Patchogue’s derelict 1923 vaudeville house and movie theater, which reopened as The Patchogue Theatre For The Performing Arts, a short distance from Bellport.

During the last decade, the Gateway, striving for theater excellence, hit a pinnacle with the production of Broadway-quality musicals with Broadway stars. But, as with all business cycles, economics knows no friends, and the family had to tough it out. To survive, in 2011, the business— held close to the heart—went from a commercial entity to a non-profit regional theater. A new challenge, the same blood, sweat, and tears that went into building an incredible organization pivoted and is running strong for another act.

TODAY

The Gateway is one of three professional theaters on Long Island. Standing on acres of landscaped grounds, the modern-fitted playhouse with its rustic exterior invites guests to enjoy a specialized entertainment experience not found anywhere else.

And while the three generations poured themselves into the love of their lives, it wasn’t in vain, for they claim the honor of being one of the top 10 summer theaters in the United States.

The Gateway continues to attract the best professional directors, actors, and musicians, plus a flood of visitors to Long Island who expects quality entertainment.

Having recently learned about the Gateway and researched its illustrious history, as we go to press, I’m heading to Bellport for an opportunity to enjoy the highly acclaimed musical comedy with a long list of awards, The Wedding Singer. Attending one of the final performances, based on the 1998 Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore film, I am delighted for this opportunity, especially knowing the effort that goes into each production.

I’m also hoping to have an opportunity to attend their final production of the yearlong season, Clue. The classic whodunit murder mystery musical comedy is scheduled for March 17 - April 16, 2023.

Starring Sally Struthers, a two-time Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winner for her performances in the groundbreaking TV series All in the Family, and who starred in the Fox television series 9 to 5, along with her own CBS series Gloria, she is sure to bring the house down.

With an early spring, now is the perfect time to plan your trip to Long Island and reserve your seat at the Gateway. H For more information about the Gateway and its history or to contact the box office to reserve tickets, call 631-286-1133, or visit thegateway.org.

IT IS POSSIBLE!

BY STEVEN CHAN

Imagine you find or meet someone that steals your attention with a gaze, or you discover a profile that fits you like a glove, and you can’t swipe them away, only to realize they are outside your physical comfort zone.

You’ll ponder, “Should I take the risk?” and probably ask yourself, “Am I able to handle this type of relationship?”

Let’s face it; an LDR isn’t for everyone, especially if you desire daily face-to-face time.

When love knows no boundaries, and those you meet on dating sites leave you yearning for someone living hundreds of miles away, the essential skills necessary for maneuvering in this new territory in the hope of finding efficacy in a loving relationship are vital to learn, understand, and follow.

A primary obstacle practically all LDRs face is that regardless of how busy you are, the activities you enjoy, or the social events you attend, there will be a long list of occasions when you wish your love interest were beside you but is absent. It takes strong will and confidence in yourself and your partner to deal with these feelings.

If you attempt, and these types of relationships have benefits—until something more permanent is achieved, expect to be patient, tolerant, and most importantly— particular.

Let’s begin with the first quality you should look for in an LDR partner; trust. The ability to feel confident in another is essentially the epoxy that will hold you together; without it, you’ll be destined for emotional hell. Even the slightest indication of lying, cheating, and deception can quickly erode the most heartfelt emotional bond.

Of course, some involved in these relationships enjoy the distance because they are not serious about a long-term outcome. They find the sexual energy from time away from another creates an erotic wonderland of fun; these individuals may participate in a few ‘friends with benefits’ opportunities or open relationships. Both can be met with some success, although the key element when becoming involved is that each partner must be upfront about their intent.

We will address what is necessary to be involved and evolve in a committed LDR.

The objective for both partners wishing to form a serious relationship and move through the steps of traditional relationships involves connecting. It means that when you aren’t physically in contact, you are emotionally.

It is the Holy Grail for every relationship, but even more so when distance applies.

To know and understand a partner’s mental state, their level of intimacy, and becoming involved in their lives and routines means sharing details of daily experiences. Such effort will allow a flow of information and feelings to intertwine, building a lasting connection.

You have one of the essential tools in your pocket; don’t be afraid to use it; send a text when they least expect one. Yes, everyone is busy, but nothing beats a quick text showing interest and sharing a thought. Not enough can be said about being considerate and letting your special person know you’re thinking about them.

If you intend to grow together, make a call— twice a day. Starting and ending your day with a conversation shows your effort and concern. It’s a great way to lift someone’s spirits, exchange knowledge, or get a laugh. This exchange is meaningful because long messages can be misinterpreted; being able to qualify or add greater detail to a written conversation can avoid an argument.

Humans interact with all their senses, and hearing a familiar voice adds to emotional well-being. The tone and sentiment of listening can relax and provide a sense of caring.

While you may not be able to touch, you can try Facetime; seeing your partner and their expressions adds another level to the conversation.

Evening discussions often occur with couples living together or close by; it is at the end of the day when loneliness creeps up, causing a sense of loss. Providing feelings of security and comfort, even with an abbreviated talk, will show you are trying to stay in tune with your partner.

Depending on the distance, be sure you meet up as often as possible, weekly or twice a month, for as much time as possible, which helps create a lasting relationship that begins to feel reliable. Ideally, spending a week or more with each other yields great dividends and will allow each partner to see what a life together could look like. Of course, one of the partners will need a career offering increased flexibility and the ability to fund travel expenses. And, one last suggestion; an impromptu visit is always welcomed, even if only overnight.

Everyone likes to have a goal or an event planned; looking forward to a satisfying experience and knowing that there is a specific time and place you get your next relationship ‘fix’ can be thrilling. The process of waiting for the day to meet has significant value; it offers you the time and opportunity to check the days, knowing exactly when and where the next connection will take place. It’s a good idea to plan a new meeting or event as one ends.

It is well known that traveling together will allow the chance to see your significant other in a different light. Everyone has idiosyncrasies, preferences, and styles when going away. Being together, outside of familiar surroundings, builds upon the foundation of any relationship. Newly discovered traits will abound, and your interactions will bring surprising turns. Also, increased reliance on each other should strengthen your connection.

Relationships are not all about sex; we use mind-play so as not to be crude, but the intercourse of thoughts and feelings is relevant and should be explored.

Asking questions and sharing information about feelings, preferences, and desires are all part of the loving equation; listening and hearing how your partner feels can be satisfying to them. Sometimes they may feel disconnected, but you can offer assurance by turning a negative emotional state into a positive one.

Nothing creates a burst of sunshine or brightens someone’s day when getting an unexpected delivery. The thrill of a package arriving unannounced at the doorstep fills the person with warmth and appreciation.

Being creative doesn’t hurt either; a special pizza, sushi, or dessert delivery won’t go unnoticed. One word of caution, try to time the delivery so that your person is available to receive your offering.

To the naivete, this is what younger people have been up to for a very long time, and it never mattered if they were at a distance or not.

When love knows no boundaries, and those you meet on dating sites leave you yearning for someone living hundreds of miles away, the essential skills necessary for maneuvering in this new territory in the hope of finding efficacy in a loving relationship are vital to learn, understand, and follow.

sends you a message, you should approach the subject sooner rather than later.

It could be imaginary, but then again, intuition is a gift. Clear the air, or at least try to find closure. Regretfully, it happens much too often.

Second to communication is to make the person you want a relationship with feel validated. It begins with making them believe they are essential to your well-being.

Sexting has been an active pursuit for a long time, and sex toy manufacturers have caught on.

Many LDRs have found their relationships rewarding through the use of video and ‘toys’ to get through long periods of absence. Couples are using vibrators working through apps controlled by a partner hundreds of miles away; this keeps the passion burning until a meeting can be consummated.

It is only a matter of time before one of you feels uncomfortable and needs to discuss infidelity.

Don’t feel it is in your mind or overreact, but if it is a concern or your gut

Taking the time to extend an effort to show concern and put them above friends and sometimes the family will bring you closer. Before making arrangements, visits, or taking time away from what very little you have to share, make them the priority and have the discussion. Agreeing ahead of time will prevent discourse or feelings of neglect.

A word of caution, creating an emotionally distant environment is far worse than the miles apart; any move towards withdrawal will instantly become apparent. Once these three elements are depleted, there isn’t much hope for a future.

If everything is going well, don’t limit the possibilities; begin to develop a plan of action; where will you two live? What will daily living look like? And, address expectations and how existing support systems will fit into your new lifestyle. The rest is up to you, Godspeed. H