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. The show began previews Feb. 15 for a run through March 12.
"Kicking off 2006 will be the world premiere of Happy Days, 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 his 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.
Sabella (Sweet Charity, Guys and Dolls, "The Lion King") is also featured in the cast that includes Audra Blaser (The Ruby Sunrise, "The Book of Daniel"), Ryan Bollman ("The NeverEnding Story III"), Joseph Leo Bwarie ("The Princess Diaries 2"), Wayne Duvall ("O Brother, Where Art Thou?"), Cynthia Ferrer (Yankee Doodle Dandy!), Christine Lakin ("Reefer Madness," "Step by Step"), Philip Lightstone (Bare, Fame: The Musical), Heather Lindell (Hairspray, "Days of Our Lives"), Matt Merchant, Jaclyn Miller, DeQuina Moore (Little Shops of Horrors), Rory O'Malley (Santa Claus is Comin' to Motown), Robert Petrarca, Paul C. Vogt ("MADtv") and Anna A. White (White Christmas). 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.
