Sally Struthers returning to Bellport's Gateway for 'The Full Monty'

Sally Struthers, who slew Long Island audiences two years ago as Mrs. Peacock in The Gateway's production of "Clue," is about to return to the scene of the farcical crime.

The Emmy Award-winning actor will play Jeanette Burmeister in the Bellport theater's newly announced spring show "The Full Monty," which will run from March 13 to April 12. Struthers' character is a flamboyant retired show-biz veteran who plays piano and coaches a group of unemployed and out-of-shape steel workers who turn to stripping to make ends meet. (Spoiler alert: Jeanette keeps her clothes on.) It's a role Struthers, 78, has played several times in regional theater.

"The Full Monty," which had previously been performed at The Gateway in 2005, takes over the slot that was supposed to be filled by the Long Island regional theater premiere of "Dear Evan Hansen." The Gateway's executive artistic director Paul Allan said in a Newsday interview that due to a rights issue, the show was canceled.

In finding a replacement, "The Full Monty" seemed like a natural choice. "It was on our list of possible shows to bring back. It keeps coming up every year," Allan said. "It was a combination of that and Sally being available. It's also one of Sally’s favorite roles."

Struthers, who is best known for her TV role as Gloria Stivic in the groundbreaking '70s sitcom "All in the Family," is a Gateway veteran. In addition to "Clue," she appeared there in “9 to 5” (2012), “Nice Work If You Can Get It” (2015) and “Anything Goes” (2016).

For tickets to "The Full Monty," go to thegateway.org.