Cheryl Baker as Mrs Cunningham, Ben Freeman as The Fonz, Heidi Range as Pinky Tuscadero in Happy Days – A New Musical. Picture: Paul Coltas
A week ahead of their opening at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley, the producers of the UK tour of Happy Days – A New Musical invited selected press in for an exclusive peak at rehearsals in progress. It is difficult not to feel the excitement emanating from the Churchill at the moment. The set designed by Tom Rogers is gradually being edged onto the stage and here and there glimpses of shiny motorcycles and a genuine 1950s jukebox catch the eye.
Deep in the bowels of the Churchill, the energy pulses at an even higher level as the cast is in the throes of the final rehearsal period. Although it is disappointing that there isn’t a leather jacket or circle skirt in sight (yet!), director/choreographer Andrew Wright is confident enough to showcase four routines from the show, that have been put together over the last few weeks.
These include the company number led by Ben Freeman as the Fonz called ‘Ordinary Hero’, the showstopping entrance of Heidi Range as Pinky Tuscadero with ‘The Pink Is In Town’, the high octane ‘Run’ featuring the characters Ralph (Andrew Waldron), Richie (Scott Waugh), Potsie (Jason Winter) and Chachi (Eddie Myles) and some astounding basketball skills and, of course, the title number ‘Happy Days’.
Despite the lack of swirling skirts and the spartan nature of rehearsal rooms in general, the excitement was palpable as the company flew about the stage bringing to life Wright’s lively choreography and Garry Marshall’s evocative musical numbers. Introducing the press to the cast and creative team was producer Amy Anzel, whose enthusiasm for the Happy Days musical and determination to create a production for the UK were chronicled on Channel 4’s The Sound of Musicals.
Paul Vale
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y_SNP7cpO0&feature=youtu.be
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