Please keep Gateway shows going

As Gateway artistic director Paul Allan says, “We’re the anchor of the village.”

Anchors provide support. But that’s what this iconic 76-year-old theater, offering consistent Broadway talent, also needs right now: support from donors to keep performing.

“I don’t think Bellport residents realize we’re in trouble,” Allan said, mentioning a $285,000 deficit. “And we need funds to continue our shows.”

While a short walking distance from the business Main Street on South Country Road, Gateway performances affect the village’s economic viability, especially restaurant attendance, the Main Street shops, and even the art galleries.

“On nights of the shows, we’ve heard from restaurateurs that people line up and literally can’t get in,” Allan said. “So, they would suffer if we closed.”

The not-for-profit has notable admirers, including Bellport Village’s mayor Maureen Veitch. “I absolutely support the Gateway,” she said. “They are an integral part of this community and its history.”

At a recent Recession Monday night, as customers flowed in, The Bellport chef Dave Green related their management’s support.

“The presence of The Gateway Theater has been a crucial part of not just the success of our restaurant, but also the success of many other businesses in the village of Bellport,” he said, adding that the theater brings in a huge amount of arts-loving patrons from all over New York, not just locally. “These people eat at our restaurants and shop in our stores. And the addition of the Haunted House in the autumn months has further brought in an entirely new clientele to experience the village, and restaurant.”

Bellport Chamber co-president LuAnn Thompson pointed out the artistic addition. “The theater completes the art experience in Bellport Village,” she said. “We have galleries and fine unique stores. But if people come out for the day for a Gateway show, they will shop and dine here.”

Allan noted that The Gateway has a $5 million budget; their payroll is $2.5 million. “$500,000 goes towards royalties for performance rights,” he added.

“We issue 450 W2’s each year,” he said. “There are a lot of employees, including the actors, musicians, directors, set and lighting designers and technicians. There are 12 full-time Gateway employees on the premises; box office staff totals 15, paid on an hourly basis.”

The overhead, he said, is the killer.

“As for the general overhead, summer electricity costs $20,000 a month, $15,000 the rest of the year. There’s $150,000 to $200,000 for insurance, and we have a six-acre property to maintain with three buildings.

“It all adds up. If we can bring in $5 million in overall ticket sales, then, with the overhead expenses, there’s nothing left.”

Their leads and directors have significant Broadway, national and regional tour credits, ensuring quality shows. While Broadway shows have high-end ticket prices, Gateway tickets are kept at reasonable rates and discounts are offered for advance signups.

“Jersey Boys” and “Beautiful” were blockbusters, Allan said, but “it’s a numbers game. Even if we sell at 70 percent, we’re breaking even.”

As for the Suffolk County SMART Small Business Downtown Grant awarded for $1,450,000  for the 3,300-square-foot lobby addition, that funding is strictly for the renovation. The Gateway must spend the money first on improvements, then get reimbursed.

An uplifting performance or two, or several, should be on everyone’s calendar these days. As Allan stressed, “We need people from the arts.”