Garry Marshall — who created and produced the original television show — directs the new musical version of his popular 1974-84 series at his Falcon Theatre in Burbank, California.
Following a run at the space earlier this year (Feb. 15-March 12), the "high flyin', sock hoppin' musical, based on the hit Paramount Pictures' television series" will play again June 23-Aug. 13 with pop singer and Broadway star Joey McIntyre as Fonzie.
"Happy Days [is] a brand new musical which I wrote with Oscar and Grammy Award-winning composer/lyricist Paul Williams, with a book based on my successful TV series," boasted Marshall in the company's season announcement.
"It's May 1959 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Fonzie is still the king of cool at everyone’s favorite malt shop, Arnold’s," reads show materials. "The school year is coming to an end and the rest of the gang, including Richie, Lori Beth, Potsie and Ralph Malph, are getting ready to graduate from Jefferson High School." The "musical celebration of nostalgia" will also feature appearances by Pinky Tuscadero and the Malachi Brothers.
McIntyre made his Broadway debut in Wicked in 2004 and has appeared on stage in tick, tick . . . BOOM! Off-Broadway and in the Los Angeles Reprise! mounting of Babes in Arms. The actor-singer also appears in the film versions of The Fantasticks and Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding. The cast will include returning cast members Joseph Leo Bwarie, Cynthia Ferrer, Christine Lakin, Philip Lightstone Matt Merchant, Jaclyn Miller, DeQuina Moore, Rory O'Malley, Robert Petrarca and Anna A. White with newcomers Fred Applegate, Ryan Matthew, Jackie Seiden, Matt Walker and Jay Brian Winnick.
Academy, Grammy and Golden Globe Award-winning composer Williams has provided music for the films "Bugsy Malone," "A Star Is Born," "The Muppet Movie" and the theme to TV's "The Love Boat" Among his songs include "Evergreen," "We've Only Just Begun," "Rainy Days and Mondays," "Just An Old Fashioned Love Song" and "Rainbow Connection." As an actor, he has appeared in the films "Phantom of the Paradise," the "Smokey and the Bandit" trilogy, "The Doors," as well as on Broadway in Tru.
Marshall — a producer, director and writer of film, television and theatre — has directed the films "Pretty Woman," "Frankie & Johnny," "Beaches," "Overboard," "Runaway Bride" and "The Princess Diaries" movies. He is also known for his successful television shows including "Happy Days," "Laverne & Shirley," "The Odd Couple" and "Mork & Mindy." In 1997, he founded the Falcon Theatre which run by his daughter Kathleen Marshall.
For tickets to Happy Days at the Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive in Burbank, CA, call (818) 955-8101. For more information, visit www.falcontheatre.com.
