Happy Days-A New Musical at Academy of Music March 24 - 29
FEBRUARY 18, 2009
Photo: Gerry Goodstein
Goodbye gray skies, hello blue — Happy Days – A New Musical will make its Philadelphia premiere at the Academy of Music for a limited engagement March 24 – 29, 2009. The press opening is Tuesday, March 24 at 7:30pm.
Part of the Broadway Series, tickets are now on sale ranging in price from $25 to $77.50 with a limited number of VIP premium seats available for $100. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad and Spruce Streets (open daily 10am to 6pm) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad & Locust Streets (open during performances only). Groups of 15 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947.
Performances include: Tuesday – Thursday evening at 7:30pm; Friday & Saturday evening at 8pm; Sunday evening at 6:30pm; matinees Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 1pm.
Based on the hit Paramount Pictures' television series, Happy Days – A New Musical reintroduces one of America's best loved families, the Cunninghams, and the days of 1959 Milwaukee. This time capsule is complete with familiar friends Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph, Joanie and Chachi, Pinky Tuscadero and of course, the king of cool: Arthur "The Fonz" Fonzarelli.
Arnold's, the famed drive-in malt shop, is in danger of demolition, so the gang teams up to save it with a dance contest and TV-worthy wrestling match. Complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops and jukebox sock-hoppin,' Happy Days – A New Musical brings back the nostalgia of the 50's in a perfect family entertainment.
Garry Marshall has created, written and produced some of television's most beloved situation comedies, including Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, Mork & Mindy and The Odd Couple. He has directed 16 movies. Among them are Pretty Woman, Beaches, Overboard, The Princess Diaries 1 & 2 and Runaway Bride. As an actor he's played many memorable roles, including 'Mr. Harvey' in his sister Penny Marshall's A League of Their Own and 'Irwin' in his son Scott Marshall's debut feature, Keeping Up with the Steins. In 1995, Marshall wrote his autobiography with his daughter Lori, called Wake Me When It's Funny. And in 1997, he built a theater in Burbank, California, with his daughter Kathleen, called the Falcon Theatre.
Academy Award-winning composer Paul Williams brings a new energy to the 50's genre. His diverse style of songwriting has given the world pop hits recorded by The Carpenters ("We've Only Just Begun" and "Rainy Days and Mondays" among others) and Barbara Streisand ("Evergreen" – the love theme from A Star is Born), to the frothy confection, "The Theme to the Love Boat." He also composed the song "The Rainbow Connection" for The Muppet Movie.
Happy Days – A New Musical features a book written by the TV series' legendary creator Garry Marshall. Music and Lyrics by the Academy Award-winning composer Paul Williams. Directed by Gordon Greenberg, Music Arrangement and Music Supervision by John McDaniel and Choreographed by Michele Lynch. Set design is by Walt Spangler, Costume design by David C. Woolard, Lighting design by Jeff Croiter, Sound Design by Jay Hilton and Hair and Wig design by Mark Adam Rampmeyer.
Happy Days – A New Musical is produced by Robert Boyett Theatricals in association with McCoy Rigby Entertainment. Robert Boyett is one of the original producers of the successful TV series, Happy Days with Garry Marshall.
During the 2009 Broadway Series, where theatrical presentations in Philadelphia are presented at the Academy of Music and the Forrest Theatre, productions will include: Riverdance – Farewell Tour (Mar. 31 – Apr. 5); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (April 7 – 12); Movin' Out (May 15 – 17); and Spring Awakening (June 23 – 28).
All performances of the Broadway Series are supported by CITI. Promotional support is provided by WPVI-TV 6, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News. American Airlines is the Official Airline of the Kimmel Center's Broadway Series.
> index of news releases
> For more information, and to request high resolution images for press use, send us a message online.