IF YOU GOWhat: "Happy Days - A New Musical."When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays through July 22.Where: Tennessee Valley Theatre, 184 W. Jackson Ave., Spring City, Tenn.Admission: $12.Phone: 423-365-PLAY (7529).Website: www.tennesseevalleytheatre.com.
From 1974 to 1984, Garry Marshall introduced a generation of viewers to the 1950s and '60s through the television series "Happy Days."
Tonight, the Cunninghams are back, along with the rest of the gang, this time onstage at the Tennessee Valley Theatre in "Happy Days - A New Musical."
Written by Marshall, with music and lyrics by Paul Williams, the musical returns to 1959 Milwaukee, where the famed drive-in malt shop, Arnold's, is in danger of demolition. To save it, Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph and Fonzie devise a way to save it - with a dance contest and wrestling match.
In addition to Richie's family (Howard, Marion and Joanie), the musical provides major roles for Pinky Tuscadero, Fonzie's true love, and the villainous Malachi Brothers, characters that were bit parts in the television show.
The musical toured nationally in 2009 before being made available to community theaters.
Chris Beam is directing Tennessee Valley's production. Musical direction is by Angela Garrison and Buster Irving.