The Fonz is back and is as cool as he ever was. Many years after the fabulous tv sitcom had expired- the show ran continuously from 1974 to 1984- the show’s creator, Gary Marshall, together with his mate, singer songwriter Paul Williams, came up with a musical version of the show which premiered in the States in 2007. Presently the St George Theatre Company is  presenting Marshall’s musical to Sydney audiences for the first time.

Some shows one cannot fathom as a musical. HAPPY DAYS, thankfully, is not in this category. Set in the fifties the show tied in with the emergence of rock and roll music and Williams faithfully obliges with a score of over twenty rock and roll songs. During the show we are even given  brief cameos of the King himself, played by Ste Casimiro, as well as the Rebel without a Cause Jimmy Dean, played by Kendall King.

So, how does Marshall’s musical rate? I don’t imagine that  it’s going to suddenly be taken up by a mogul theatre producer and make an appearance at the Lyric Theatre. The plot, something relating to everybody getting together to raise funds to stop Arthur’s treasured diner being demolished, is just basically the contrivance, the scaffolding, to get the show’s main characters up and running.

And the bliss, yes that’s not too strong a word, is to once again revisit that wonderful world again. The show celebrates a much simpler time, when many women had stay at home lives, bringing up their families, like the saccharine sweet Mrs Cunningham, and the men were the breadwinners, faithfully  going to work every morning, like straight-laced Mr Cunningham and his beloved Hardware store which is made fun of in a wry, light-hearted way.  And young people were not ensconced with their computers and ipads but used to hang-out at the local diner and spend time with their friends over a few malts, and maybe share a dance or two…. Happier times?!

Jan Mahoney’s production is on the money and the large cast get behind her well, delivering accomplished performances.Boshko Maksimovic as Fonz, Ryan Connell as Richie Cunningham and Ashli Marin as Fonz’s flame, Pinky, lead the cast. The big company numbers were a  highlight and made one feel like getting up and dancing. The show ended a nice touch with an empty stage and the spotlights falling on an old jukebox planted in the middle of the stage.

Try and catch HAPPY DAYS- A New Musical before it finishes. St George Theatre Company’s production of HAPPY DAYS- A New Musical- has three performances to go,- Friday July 26 at 8pm and Saturday July 27 at 2pm and 8pm at the Hurstville Entertainment Centre, 16t Macmahon Street, Hurstville.