'Happy Days' to Run at La Mirada Theatre Starting 10/31

Bob Boyett, Nice Productions, Inc., McCoy Rigby Entertainment, CBS Corporation, Tom Miller and La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts  present the second production of La Mirada Theatre’s 2008-2009 season of shows, the launch of the national tour of Happy Days -A New Musical, book by Garry Marshall, music and lyrics by Paul Williams, directed by Gordon Greenberg, Music Arrangement and Music Supervision by John McDaniel and Choreographed by Michele Lynch.  Happy Days - A New Musical will begin performances on Friday, October 31 (with a press opening on Saturday, November 1) and will run through Sunday, November 16 at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue.

Goodbye gray skies, hello blue – Happy Days – A New Musical launches its national tour at La Mirada Theatre in October 2008.  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 ‘50s in a perfect family entertainment.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

Garry Marshall (Book) 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 (Music and Lyrics) brings a new energy to the ‘50s 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.” 

The cast of Happy Days - A New Musical includes Joey Sorge as Fonzie, Cynthia Ferrar as Mrs. Cunningham, John Massey as Mr. Cunningham, Steven Booth as Richie Cunningham, Chris Fore as Potsie, Felica Finley as Pinky, Barry Pearl as Arnold, Eddy Rioseco as Chachi, Whitney Bashor as Joanie, Molly Alverez as Lori Beth.  Also featuring Justin Duval, Gabrielle Hatchett, Matt Merchant, Jaclyn Miller, Jill Morrison, Leah Sprecher Jeff Summer and the Troubadour Theatre Company’s Matt Walker.

Happy Days - A New Musical has assembled an award-winning design team. The set design is by Walt Spangler.  Lighting design is by Jeff Croiter. The costume design is by David C. Woolard.  The sound design is by Julie Ferrin.  Hair and wig design is by Judi Lewin.  
 
Happy Days - A NEW MUSICAL will begin performances on Friday, October 31 (with a press opening on Saturday, November 1) and runs for three weeks through Sunday, November 16.  Performances will be 7:30pm on Tuesday through Thursdays; 8pm on Fridays; 2pm and 8pm on Saturdays; and 2pm and 7pm on Sundays. There will be no performances on Saturday, November 1 at 2pm and Sunday, November 2 at 7pm. Tickets are $40 and $48 and can be purchased at La Mirada Theatre’s website, www.lamiradatheatre.com.  Student, Senior, Children and group discounts are available.  For more information, call the La Mirada Theatre Box Office at (562) 944-9801 or (714) 994-6310.

 LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, now in its fourth decade, has been hailed by the Los Angeles Times as "one of the best Broadway-style houses in Southern California."  This beautiful state-of-the-art theatre has been producing quality productions for its Southern California audiences since 1977.  The theatre has produced several national tours and is the recipient of many accolades including Ovation and Emmy Awards and Tony Award nominations.  The theatre is located at 14900 La Mirada Boulevard in La Mirada, near the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue. Parking is theatre-adjacent and free. For further information 562-944-9801or visit  www.lamiradatheatre.com

McCoy Rigby Entertainment combines the talents of musical theatre star Cathy Rigby with Tom McCoy's extensive production and theatrical experience and has become one of the nation's premier theatrical production companies. Credits include Tony-nominated Broadway shows, long-running national tours, multiple-award-winning Los Angeles stage productions, and hit TV specials.

The number of major theatrical awards garnered by McCoy Rigby Entertainment includes 3 Ovation Awards, 25 Drama-Logue Awards, 3 Backstage Garland Awards and 3 Tony Award nominations, 20 Ovation nominations and 8 NAACP award nominations for the touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar.  In addition, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awarded McCoy Rigby Entertainment an Emmy for Best Scene Design as part of four nominations for the A&E network production of Peter Pan.  www.mccoyrigby.com

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