Happy Days Comes to PPAC January 23rd - 25th

Happy Days - A New Musical is coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) January 23 - 25, 2009.  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.

Happy Days - A New Musical features a book written by the TV series' creator Garry Marshall. Music and Lyrcis are 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 Julie Ferrin, Sound Design by Jay Hilton and Hair and Wig design by Mark Adam Rampmeyer.

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, Marshall has 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. 

Academy Award winning composer Paul Williams has given the world pop hits recorded by The Carpenters ("We've Only Just Begun" and "Rainy Days and Mondays", "I Won't Last a Day Without You" among others) and Barbara Streisand ("Evergreen" - the love theme from "A Star is Born"), and "The Theme to the Love Boat."  His timeless standards have been recorded by Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, R.E.M and Kermit the Frog ("The Rainbow Connection").   

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."

Happy Days - A New Musical will be at PPAC January 23 - 25, 2009.  Performance times are Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. 

Tickets range from $33-$60 and can be purchased at PPAC's Box Office window, or by calling (401) 421-ARTS Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; or visit www.ppacri.org to purchase tickets any time. 

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