Gateway Playhouse, Patchogue Theatre Stage Musicals, More This Summer

The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County, which comprises both the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport and Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, has a lively summer mainstage season of great musical theater featuring iconic music and stories.

Kicking off the mainstage season is Rock of Ages at the Gateway Playhouse. This popular jukebox musical tells the story of two people who fall in love on LA’s Sunset Strip and is set to the music of the 1980s. With hits like “Don’t Stop Believin,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “We Built This City” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” Rock of Ages is a nostalgic, funny show with a wide appeal. Rock of Ages runs from May 20–June 6.

Gateway shifts gears for its second show, trading in hair bands for the Great American Songbook with Nice Work If You Can Get It. Featuring songs like “Someone to Watch Over Me,” this love letter to the golden age of American musicals is a romantic comedy set in the 1920s about a wealthy playboy and a tough-talking lady bootlegger. Anyone who loves a Gershwin tune should check this out. Nice Work If You Can Get It runs at the Gateway Playhouse from June 10–June 27.

The fun continues with Sister Act, the hit musical adaptation of the Whoopi Goldberg film classic. Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a down-on-her-luck lounge singer who goes into witness protection after seeing a crime. The catch? She’s sent to a convent! Deloris quickly infuses the traditional, quiet convent with energy when she takes over the choir and brings out the big voices in the nuns. Sister Act runs from July 1–July 18.

The fun continues at the Patchogue Theatre with Billy Elliot. Based on the classic film about a boy from a blue-collar town who discovers a gift for ballet, Billy Elliot features music by Elton John. This intense, dance-centric show has a powerful story and riveting show-stoppers, telling a story about transcending your perceived limits and following your dreams. Billy Elliot runs from July 22–August 8.

Finishing off the exciting mainstage season is Saturday Night Fever, based on the iconic film. This rags-to-disco tale is set to hit songs like “Stayin’ Alive,” “More Than a Woman,” “Night Fever” and more. Fans of the John Travolta film will get a kick out of this high-energy show. Saturday Night Fever runs from August 26–September 12 at the Gateway Playhouse.

In addition to the mainstage season, the Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County will also present several special events. Head to the Patchogue Theatre from August 12–16 for Ballroom with a Twist, as pro dancers from Dancing with the Stars and finalists from So You Think You Can Dance perform in a spectacular dance show.

Most of these shows are family friendly, but there’s also an entire season of children’s theater on offer. On June 21, bring the kids to see Curious George at the Gateway Playhouse. And on August 14, The Amazing Max performs at Patchogue Theatre. Famous illusionist Max Darwin will delight with his signature magic, comedy and audience participation.

Subscriptions are available for the mainstage season. The Gateway Playhouse is located at 215 South Country Road in Bellport. The Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts is at 71 East Main Street in Patchogue. For more information, go to pacsc.org.