"Happy Days" Extended At Goodspeed
- Performances Now Run Through July 4 -

Sunday, Monday, Happy Days!

Goodspeed Musicals, the only two time Tony Award-winning theatre in the country, has announced that "Happy Days: A New Musical " will extend its run at the East Haddam, Connecticut, theater for seven additional performances. Richie, Fonzie, Ralph, Potsie will now be on stage in the tuneful celebration of 50’s nostalgia through July 4. Goodspeed, nestled on the banks of the Connecticut River, is an easy ride from Boston

The plot is as follows: Fonzie, the Cunningham family and the whole gang from Milwaukee face their latest challenge -- finding a way to save their favorite hangout, Arnold’s, from having to shut its doors forever. When the kids rally to host a dance contest and a neighborhood picnic featuring a wrestling match, they find themselves out-manned.

The show is, of course, based on the hit Paramount Pictures television series created by Garry Marshall ,who also wrote the book for the new musical. Music and lyrics are by Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe-winning Hall of Fame songwriter Paul Williams. The production is directed by Gordon Greenberg and choreographed by Michele Lynch. Emmy and Grammy award-winner John McDaniel is Music Supervisor for the show.

The cast features Joey Sorge (at left as Fonzie, with Leah Sprecher and Mia Price), who has appeared on Broadway in "The Drowsy Chaperone," "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and as Young Buddy in "Follies." Richie Cunningham is being played by Rory O’Malley who recently made his Broadway debut in "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." Sandra DeNise who performed in the National Tours of "Jersey Boys," "Hairspray" and "Rent" is spirited Pinky Tuscadero. In the role of Mrs. C is Cynthia Ferrer who originated the role of Kathy Selden in the First National Tour of "Singin’ in the Rain." Kevin Carolan, who has performed on Broadway and off-Broadway in musicals ranging from "Big River" to "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" is Howard Cunningham.

The cast also includes Stanley Bahorek as Ralph Malph, Billy Tighe as Potsie, Savannah Wise as Joanie, Lannon Killea as Chachi, Bob Amaral as Arnold, Hanna-Liina Vosa as Lori Beth and Matt Merchant as Count Malachi.

Veteran producer, director and writer Garry Marshall has created, written and produced some of television’s most beloved situation comedies, including “Happy Days,” “Laverne & Shirley,” “Mork & Mindy,” and “The Odd Couple.” His plays include "Shelves" and "The Roast," which he co-wrote with Jerry Belson. In addition, he co-wrote "Wrong Turn at Lungfish" with Lowell Ganz, which he then went on to direct in Los Angeles, Chicago, off-Broadway with George C. Scott, and at the Falcon Theatre starring Hector Elizondo. He has directed 15 movies, among them “Pretty Woman,” “Beaches” and “Overboard.”

Paul Williams has written such timeless hits as “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Rainy Days and Mondays” and “An Old Fashioned Love Song.” His songs have been recorded by such musical icons as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, and Tony Bennett. In addition, his compositions, "The Rainbow Connection” (from “The Muppet Movie”) and “Evergreen” (from “A Star is Born”) are included on the American Film Institute's list of the top 100 movie songs of all time.

Dedicated to the preservation and advancement of musical theatre, Goodspeed Musicals produces three musicals each season at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT, and additional musicals at The Norma Terris Theatre in nearby Chester.

For tickets and information, call 860-873-8668 or visit www.goodspeed.org.

-- OnStage Boston

Production Photos: Diane Sobolewski