BWW Reviews: HAPPY DAYS, King's Theatre, Glasgow, February 24 2014
Producer Amy Anzel stepped onstage before the curtain went up to introduce this performance on its opening night in Glasgow. She explained a little of the background of bringing Happy Days to the stage and seemed slightly nervous in asking the audience to show their support if they enjoyed the show.
Happy Days has a fairly high profile cast featuring Cheryl Baker, Heidi Range and Ben Freeman. With the original Fonz actor Henry Winkler as creative consultant, being based on a well-known tv series plus being featured on Channel 4's series The Sound Of Musicals - it seemed as though they were guaranteed a sell-out crowd.
The theatre was absolutely packed and Happy Days went down brilliantly. Although they encourage the audience to get out of their seats for the finale/curtain call, I'm sure they would have received a standing ovation regardless.
For me, the standout performance was Heidi Range as Pinky Tuscadero. She gave the strongest vocal performance by far and she made the character seem effortlessly cool. I found The Fonz a little irritating and soon tired of his catchphrases, collar adjustments and inability to communicate without his thumbs. However, I never watched the original series and I understand that this is part of his "charm"! Special mention should also go to Emma Harrold who was excellent in the role of Joanie Cunningham.
The music was pleasant enough but, aside from the title track, mostly forgettable. A couple of the songs sounded like they had been lifted from Grease but they did the job in moving the story along.
Happy Days is a high energy, fun and entertaining night out. While the soundtrack probably won't be branded a classic, it is upbeat and it works when combined with a talented cast, excellent choreography and great costumes.
Happy Days is on tour around the UK.
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