Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse set to retain ‘Scariest Haunt’ award

(Bellport, NY) — “Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse” — Long Island’s #1 Haunted House — returns to Bellport for its fourth season of scares.

This Halloween attraction has been referred to as “the Broadway of Haunted Houses,” thanks to its unique roots in the professional theatre. Produced by the non-profit Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County, a cast of nearly 60 professionally trained actors prepare and rehearse each character that inhabits the haunt.

Conceptual meetings begin in February and continue through Gateway’s summer season, resulting in an original story, unique characters and new design each year. After the final show of the summer, dozens of theatrical carpenters, electricians, costumers, props builders and make-up artists work around-the-clock to transform the Gateway Playhouse’s century-old hotel and estate into a winding maze designed to confuse and terrify.

Since its first season in 2009, the “Haunted Playhouse” has received thousands of visitors and rave reviews from numerous publications, including The New York Times’ “T Magazine.” In 2011, the event was named to USA Today’s “Top Ten Haunted Houses in New York” and was voted the “Scariest Haunted House on Long Island” in a News12 poll.

“Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse” is open Oct. 5-7, 12-14, 18-21, 24-28 and Oct. 30-Nov. 3. The attraction operates Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm-midnight; other nights are from 7pm-10pm. Refreshments are available. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

For younger audiences, “Gateway’s Not So Scary Adventure for Kids” begins Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 13-28 from 12pm-4pm. Children receive a guided, well-lit, Halloween-themed tour that introduces fun characters along the way. Admission includes activities such as face painting, balloons and an inflatable pumpkin bouncer. Recommended for ages 10 and under.

For more information, visit www.hauntedplayhouseofhorrors.com or call 631-286-1133.