Brief Happy Days review...

[Al Dente]

Posted: 7/31/06 at 11:17am

So, since I was bracing myself to see the worst thing since Selena the Musical or even better, The 10 Commandments, I have to say I was thrilled that, while it's no where near the greatest theater experience I've had, it's far from the worst. I don't know what that says about L.A. theater and/or theater in general but that's how I felt.

The show plays much like the sitcom itself, borrowing heavily from some of the more familiar episodic story lines (such as the Malachi brothers and Pinky Tuscadero's and Fonzie's romance). Paul Williams has written somewhat cheesy, yet undeniably hummable tunes (which is more than I can say for some recent Broadway fare). The cast is fine all around, not "amazing" (with the exception of Andy Karl) but certainly not "offensive". And as most were L.A. actors, they know how to give a convincing line reading with even the lamest of lines. The theater is small so it was packed and either there were many "friends" in the audience or L.A. being the sitcom town it is, really got the jokes. Carey Elwes was in attendance, in case anyone is interested.

Andy Karl made the show for me (surprise, surprise). He gets more and more engaging in everything I see him in. He had "Fonzie" down and his comic timing is flawless. His voice and dancing are stellar as usual but I really think he's ripe for the big leading man roles, both on and off screen. I find it hard to imagine Joey McIntyre in the role, for many reasons, but it's still too early to get into that now. Dequina Moore was also part of the ensemble.

All in all, a very digestable show. Much like fast food, easy going down, not the best thing for you but completely harmless in small doses.


Updated On: 7/31/06 at 11:17 AM

[jimnysf]

Posted: 7/31/06 at 11:40am

I hope this show dies in LA. The last thing Broadway needs is a TV sitcom being produced on stage. I'm sure Andy is fine in the show but I am not hoping to see him in this.

[ruprecht]

Posted: 7/31/06 at 5:13pm

While I don't think we're in ANY danger of this making it to Broadway, how much worse can it be than some of the recent shows that continue to trudge along on the boards as I type.

As for Andy Karl, I'm not surprised to hear that he's once again, a cut above. Get this guy a good role in a GOOd show already.

[NathanLaneStalker]

Posted: 7/31/06 at 5:49pm

Is Ernie Sabella still in it?

[Al Dente]

Posted: 7/31/06 at 7:36pm

Sabella was an earlier Arnold. The role is now being played by Brian Jay Winnick.