“Goodbye gray skies, hello blue!… Happy days are here again with Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph and the unforgettable “King of Cool” Arthur “the Fonz” Fonzarelli. Based on the hit paramount pictures’ television series by Garry Marshall, Happy Days- a new musical reintroduces one of America’s best loved families, the Cunninghams, and the days of 1959 Milwaukee complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops, and jukebox sock-hoppin’.

The famed drive-in malt shop and number one hang-out, Arnold’s, is in danger of demolition, so the gang teams up to save it with a dance contest and tv-worthy wrestling match. With music and lyrics by Oscar winning composer, Paul Williams, this perfectly family-friendly musical will have you rockin’ and rollin’ all week long!”

 

MAY/JUNE 2010
SUN	MON	TUES	WED	THUR	FRI	SAT
16	17	18	19 8:00PM	20 2:00PM 8:00PM	21 8:00PM	22 3:00PM 8:30PM
23 2:00PM 7:00PM	24	25 8:00PM	26 11:00AM 8:00PM	27 2:00PM 8:00PM	28 8:00PM	29 3:00PM 8:30PM
30	31	June 1 8:00PM	2 8:00PM	3 2:00PM 8:00PM	4 11:00AM	5 3:00PM 8:30PM
6 7:00PM	7	8 11:00AM	9 2:00PM 8:00PM	10 2:00PM 8:00PM	11 8:00PM	12 3:00PM 8:30PM

 

	KELLI JOELLE BARTLETT (Ensemble) is delighted to be spending these Happy Days at the amazing Gateway Playhouse! A very recent graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts at CAP21, some of Kelli’s favorite roles include Fastrada in Pippin, Lulu in Cabaret and super cheerleader Brandy in CHEER WARS! (Richard Rogers Award). Much love to Jim & the entire BLOC family, Nana, and my wonderful family and friends.
	CHRIS COOKE (Ralph)  is excited to be performing at Gateway Playhouse for the first time.  Regional:  Oklahoma (Curly), High Society (Mike Conner), Little Shop of Horrors (Dentist), Joseph... Dreamcoat (Simeon), The Last 5 Years (Jamie).  National Tour:  Henry & Mudge (Dad).  Educational:  Carousel (Mr. Snow), All Shook Up (Jim), Tick Tick Boom (Michael).   He is also a graduate of Pace University’s musical theatre program.   Much love to his wife Kelsey, who’s away performing in Colorado, and their dog Millie. www.ChrisCookeOnline.com
	MELODY DAVI  (Ensemble)  grew up on “the Fonz” through Nick at Night marathons!   Melody has rocked around the country in the 42nd Street nat’l tour (Peggy Sawyer) as well the world (Hong Kong Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Belle).   Other favorites include the world premier of Tim Robbin’s Dead Man Walking, Trouble: A new Rock Musical (Hannah), Anything Goes (Bonnie), and A Chorus Line (Maggie).   Melody is also a published writer! Thanks to the Fam and the Man. www.melodydavi.com
	TIMOTHY GRADY  (Ensemble)  is thrilled to be making his Gateway Playhouse debut! Recent credits include 42nd Street at the Riverside Theater and Anything Goes with Arizona Broadway Theater. Others include Carousel (w/ Shirley Jones), The Music Man, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Grease!, and Will Rogers Follies. Tim is a recent Wagner College graduate (B.A. Theater Performance). He would like to thank his family and friends for all their support as well as the Gateway Playhouse for this opportunity!
	KEVIN GUTCHES  (Ensemble)  is thrilled to be making his Gateway Playhouse debut! He just recently got off the National Tour of Annie (Bundles, Rooster u/s). Other credits: The Full Monty (Ethan Girard), Jesus Christ Superstar (Priest/Apostle), Mystery of Edwin Drood (Deputy). Kevin also works as a performer and team member for Family Vacations and Nickelodeon Family Cruise. B.A. in Theatre/Speech from Wagner College. He would like to thank God and his family for their continued love and support.
	DARA HARTMAN  (Joanie)  Dara is thrilled to be a part of this cast! A native of California, Dara has lived, studied and performed in England, Norway, Australia and New York. Credits include: Footloose, Children of Eden, Scrooge, Our Country’s Good. In June 2009, she was featured in Town Hall’s Broadway’s Rising Stars. Dara is a recent graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy.
	JACK HOLAHAN  (Chachi)  NY: Play Ball! (Alice Tully Hall) National Tour: Angie in Gypsy (Phoenix Entertainment) Regional: Play Ball! (Vancouver, BC); Enchanted Carpet in Beauty and the Beast (Cohoes Music Hall); A Man of No Importance; A Bridge to Terabithia. Lead Tenor of NYC-based Vocal Band “The Perspective” (www.theperspectiveband.com). Thank you to Craig /Avalon Artists Team; my family and Jenny for all their love and support!
	BARRY JOHNSON  (Ensemble)  is happy to be returning home to Gateway Playhouse. His last appearance here was in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes starring Elizabeth Stanley. For ten years, Barry was a member of Geraldine Fitzgeralds’ Everyman Company, performing at venues including La Mama Experimental Theater Company and Brooklyn Academy of Music. He has also toured Manhattan clubs singing with his musical trio. Recent theater roles include; Adolph Freitag in Alfred Uhry’s The Last Night of Ballyhoo and the Judge in Hello Dolly.
	CHRIS LEBEAU  (Ensemble)  is delighted to be spending his first summer at the Gateway Playhouse! He hails from Holliston, Massachusetts and attended Syracuse University for Musical Theatre.   Tour: The Producers (Leo u/s); NYC Reading: Babes in Arms w/ Rosie O’Donnell (Dick); Regional: 42nd Street at Westchester Broadway Theatre, Crazy for You at The John W. Engeman, as well as All Shook Up and The Producers at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. He would like to thank his family and friends for their endless love and support.
	ROBERT McCAFFREY  (Potsie)  Thankful to be back at Gateway for their 2010 season. He was last seen at the Patchogue Theater last summer in Miss Saigon (Capt. Schultz) and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Ens u/s Freddy). NYC: Sweet Bird of Youth, Rimers of Eldritch, Is There Life After High School? Regional: Damn Yankees (Joe Hardy), Tommy (Capt. Walker), Forum (Hero), Deathtrap (Clifford), Wizard of Oz (Tinman), Cabaret (Max), I Love You, You’re Perfect… Born and raised in Farmingdale, LI. It’s good to be home…again! Thanks to Family, Reagan and NYS Unemployment.
	BAILEY MEANS  (Ensemble)  is thrilled to be performing with such an amazing cast at Gateway Playhouse!   Originally from Kansas, Bailey graduated from Friends University and has lived in New York for two years.   Her favorite roles include Shelby in Spitfire Grill, the Witch in Into the Woods, and Tammy in Debbie Does Dallas the Musical.   She would like to thank her wonderful family and friends for their love and support!
	NOEL MOLINELLI  (Pinky)  Loves Gateway! Off Broadway: Connie, Good News (Musicals Tonight); Robyn, The Four (Prospect Theatre Co.). Readings/Workshops: April, Poolside at the Hotel Bel Air (Barrington Stage); Click Clack Moo & If You Give a Pig a Pancake (TheatreworksUSA). Regional: Woman 2, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Westchester Broadway); Beehive (Maltz Jupiter); Julia Sullivan, The Wedding Singer (Gateway); Sissy, Urban Cowboy (Gateway and West Virginia Public); Natalie Haller, All Shook Up (Merry Go Round, SALT award Best Actress nominee); Gertie Cummings, Oklahoma! (MSMT); CLOC 2000. JMU grad. Thanksamillion to Fam and Friends for Love and Faith, and to entire Gateway Family for the opportunity! “D and P, you make me The Luckiest! I love you eternally.”
	TRUDI POSEY  (Marion)  Trudi last appeared at Gateway in Swingtime Canteen. She has also been in productions of Swingtime at The Cape Playhouse, The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, and several other theatres. She recently played Gwendolyn Pigeon in The Odd Couple, Lorraine Sheldon in The Man Who Came to Dinner, and Sister Robert Anne in Nunsensations. Other favorite roles include Kaye Goodman in Nightclub Confidential, Agnes in “I Do! I Do! , and Rennabelle in Radio Gals. Trudi has been in premieres of Howlin’ at the Moon at La Mama E.T.C. 7 Ages at The Hudson Guild, and the world premiere of Move at the Royal Carre Theatre in Amsterdam, Holland. Look for Trudi in Please Give starring Catherine Keener and Oliver Platt.
	ANDREW PANDALEON  (Richie)  Andrew is thrilled to be making his debut appearance at Gateway Playhouse. Past credits include: The Glass Menagerie (Jim), Jerry Finnegan’s Sister (Brian), the original production of Play It Cool (Will), Into the Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince), History Boys (Scripps), and Laughter On the 23rd Floor (Brian). Andrew is a graduate of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television and attended Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL. He also studied at The Piven Theater and was a member of their renowned “Young People’s Company.” Thank you to Mom and Dad for your unending love and support.
	LESLIE TAYLOR  (Ensemble)  is honored to be part of the Happy Days cast at Gateway Playhouse! Off Broadway: Erotic Broadway. Regional: Hairspray (The Marriott Theatre), The Producers (The Palace Theatre), A Fireside Christmas (The Fireside Theatre), Kiss me Kate (Light Opera Works), Cats (Theatre at the Center). Leslie has also danced for the New Year’s Eve Ball, featuring Lady Gaga.Leslie holds a BA in musical theater at Columbia College Chicago, and graduated in dance at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Colin, Monkey, and my endlessly supportive friends. For Thomas.
	VINCE TRANI  (Arnold)  Last seen at Gateway as Gangster #1 in Kiss Me, Kate, Vince is delighted to be back.   A veteran of over ninety productions, Vince appeared in the Los Angeles Civic Light Opera’s revival of Kismet.   He sang Faust in the First National Tour of Ken Hill’s Phantom of the Opera. Favorite roles include Doc in West Side Story, Thersites in Troilis and Cressida, Cholet in Phantom, Lips in Romeo and Bernadette, Max in The Sound of Music, Amos in Chicago and Sancho Panza in twelve productions of Man of La Mancha.   Most recently, he created the role of Doc in Snow White – An Enchanting Musical for Disney Entertainment Productions.
	JOHN ROCHETTE  (Count Malachi)  returns to Gateway after playing Sammy in the Wedding Singer last season! Other favorite credits include Kippy in Take Me Out, Frank in Rocky Horror, Jerry in The Buddy Holly Story, Drummer in this year’s NY Musical Theatre Festival’s F@#king Up Everything, and Center Blue Man in NYC’s Blue Man Group.  You might have seen him playing various sleezy roles on Guiding Light, All My Children, and One Life to Live. Or perhaps raised a beer with his band Ben Hope & the Uptown Outfit.  Either way, thanks for coming out.  JohnRochette.com
	SCOTTY WATSON  (Howard)  This is Scotty Watson’s first show for Gateway Playhouse and he couldn’t be happier. Scotty was the dis-embodied head of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton in the Off-Broadway musical Walmartopia!   He is an alumni of The Second City and served as an alternate in Cirque du Soleil’s Mystere.   On TV Scotty has dressed up as David Crosby, a human heart and Carmen Miranda…but with dignity. He has done feature films with Ed Asner, Eric Stoltz and Gerard Depardieu. Scotty Watson teaches improvisation for Artistic New Directions. In fact, he was recently nominated by his peers as one of the 10 best improv teachers in America in a poll by Improvisation News. If you wanna see him in swim trunks, he teaches at two Improv Retreats in the Catskills every summer…www.artisticnewdirections.org CAEA since 1991, he proudly joined AEA May 2007. His favorite food is pie.   His favorite person is his wife Carol Lempert.   His blog is scottywatsoncomedian.blogspot.com
	MEGAN WEAN  (Lori Beth/Dance Captain)  Megan is thrilled to be making her Gateway Playhouse debut!  She graduated from Wright State University with a B.F.A in musical theatre/dance.  Some favorite regional credits include: Hairspray (Brenda, Ogunquit Playhouse); Thoroughly Modern Millie (Ruth, Maine State Music Theatre); CATS (Rumpleteazer, The Palace Theatre); Show Boat (Ellie, Beef and Boards); West Side Story (Minnie, Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre); Annie (Lily St. Regis, LaComedia); Singin’ In The Rain (Kathy, Prather); and The Graduate (Elaine Robinson, The Barn Theatre).  Thanks and much love to God, Mom, Dad, Kandis and Scott.
	ELI ZOLLER  (Fonz)  Gateway Playhouse debut! Off-Broadway: Carmelina (York Theatre Co.), Letters From India (Musical Reading, Urban Stages). Regional: Dream A Little Dream: The Nearly True Story Of The Mamas And The Papas (Florida Stage), The Buddy Holly Story (Seven Angels Theatre) (Westchester Broadway Theatre), The Mikado, Urinetown The Musical (Weston Playhouse), A Chorus Line (Porthouse Theatre). Eli is also an accomplished music director and orchestrator. B.F.A. Musical Theatre, University of Michigan. Many thanks to everyone at Judy Boals, and a special shout to Mac Demy and everyone in The Broadcast! Undying love to friends, family, and teachers. “For my sisters, Sasha and Lilly; the coolest of the cool!”
	PAUL ALLAN  (Producer)  …has been producing the seasons here at Gateway longer then he cares to count. Not that he regrets any of it though – it just sometimes hard to believe the number of shows, performers, staff, technicians, etc. he has come in contact with over the years, and the number of personal and professional friendships that developed and remain strong today. Paul’s grandfather (Harry Pomeran) was the first producer of Gateway in 1950, followed by his uncle (David Sheldon), his parents (Ruth and Stan Allan), and together with his sister Robin. Gateway has always been a family business, and each era has brought significant challenges particularly in the 80’s and 90’s when shows became more complicated and technically challenging. Additionally, the grounds changed, the buildings were modernized, and the facilities updated. In the most recent decade, the caliber of the artistic staff, performers, musicians, and technicians has risen to a level equaling and sometimes surpassing many Broadway shows. It has been difficult to find time to do other projects outside of Gateway seasons, but over the years Paul has been able to work in NYC on various shows in different capacities, run a touring company with shows traveling around the country and abroad, operate a sister theatre in Connecticut, act as consultant and facilitator for the restoration and reopening of the Patchogue Theatre, and maintain a set rental business - where Gateway scenery is used in theatres across the country after appearing on the Gateway stage. Paul appreciates, admires and honors his family’s dedication to the arts and is proud to help continue the legacy. Paul lives in Bellport with his wife Annmarie and their 2 children - Luke 5 and Alexa 3.
	KEITH ANDREWS  (Director/Choreographer)  is extra pleased to be back at Gateway after previously directing and choreographing the Playhouse’s productions of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, starring Joe Piscopo, The Wedding SInger, My Way (the Sinatra Tribute), Cold as Ice, Urinetown, The Full Monty and last year’s Holiday Spectacular on Ice.  He has also directed the National Tours of The Full Monty and Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh. Other recent directing/choreography credits include: Dames at Sea, Breaking Up is Hard to Do, Barnum, Pump Boys and Dinettes, Little Shop of Horrors, The Pirates of Penzance, Big River, Forever Plaid and Suds, to name a few. As a choreographer, Keith has recently worked on the world premiere of Love, Incorporated and has received an Innovative Theater Award for Best Production of a Muscial and nomination for Best Choreography for his work on the new show-Like You Like It.  On the ice, Keith has directed and choreographed Home for the Holidays- a Celebration on Ice, starring 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist- Evan Lysacek, and Silver Medalists- Charlie White and Meryl Davis, as well as two productions of Stars, Stripes and Skates, a benefit on ice to help survivors and families of 9/11.  As a performer, Keith has toured all over the world with shows such as: West Side Story, Mame, Jesus Christ Superstar and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. In educational theater, Keith directs and choreographs student industry showcases at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC as well as having directed many musicals at the USDAN Center for the Performing Arts, here on Long Island. Keith once again thanks Robin, Paul and Ruth for everything–and Antoinette too. KeithAndrewsonline.com.
	ANTOINETTE DIPIETROPOLO  (Assistant Director/Choreographer)  is thrilled to be back at Gateway and working with Keith again. Her choreography was last seen in Annie at the MUNY in St. Louis starring Beth Leavel and John Schuck. She was also Director/Choreographer of Ragtime at Lyric Stage where the show was nominated in 14 categories for the Theatre League Awards Including Best Director. With Ragtime she also Won Best Choreographer for the Theatre Triangle Awards starring Michael Rupert, Julia Murney & Norm Lewis at North Carolina Theatre. She was the Director/Choreographer for Chicago, Annie and Jesus Christ Superstar at the Fort Salem Theatre. Co-Created and Choreographer of a piece called Powerhouse that was performed at the Joyce SoHo. Along with Keith Andrews she has also had the privilege to be an associate and /or assistant Director choreographer with Martin Charnin, Liza Gennero, Micheal Grief, Stafford Arima and Marcia Milgrom Dogde.
	MARCIA MADEIRA  (Lighting Designer)  is thrilled to be back at Gateway working with Keith Andrews, Spencer, Jose and Brian. Her favorite designs here include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Thoroughly Modern Millie, 42nd Street, Sugar, On The Town, West Side Story, Swing, and The Fantasticks! Currently she is preparing the ice show for The Allure of the Seas, the newest largest RCCL cruise ship debuting in November, 2010. Previously Ms. Madeira received a Tony nomination and won the Drama Desk Award for the original NINE directed by Tommy Tune with Raul Julia. Other Broadway designs include: My One and Only with Tommy Tune and Twiggy; and The Music Man with Dick van Dyke directed and choreographed by Michael Kidd.
	JASON A. QUINN  (Production Stage Manager)  Broadway: A Tale of Two Cities, Cabaret, Phantom of the Opera, Urban Cowboy, Candide with the NY Philharmonic, pre-Broadway engagements of Annie Get Your Gun, and In My Life. National Tour: Tommy Tune’s Dr. Dolittle. Off-Broadway: Striking 12, Criss Angel Mindfreak, Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding, Rooms: A Rock Romance, Stomp, Roundabout’s Howard Katz, Beyond Glory, The Overwhelming, productions for Lincoln Center, Chicago’s Second City and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Select industrials include the re-opening of the Statue of Liberty, GLAAD Media Awards, US Open, Clinton Global Initiative; events for Miller Light, VH1’s Save the Music, the NY Yankees, and the NFL. Jason is a credited contributor to several books on event management and has served as a professor and guest lecturer at several universities in the northeast. For Hunter.

The Southampton Press

"Happy Days" offers a high-spirited launch to Gateway Playhouse season

By LEE DAVIS

May 25, 2010

 

Ah, the universality of innocence, rock songs that contained melody in their hearts and mischievousness rather than violence, the days of jukeboxes and juke joints. All of this and more decorates and pervades the stage of the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, opening its 62nd season and kicking off the regional professional theater schedule with brio in “Happy Days,” the new musical version of the ancient television sitcom.

Just about as substantial as its source, and less than blessed by a Garry Marshall and Paul Williams book that ladles on the satire with a payloader, “Happy Days” is best when it’s dancing, which it does most of the time, and it’s particularly good in the wildly boisterous title tune, and the second act opener, “Run.” And this best comes courtesy of the high spirited, dynamite dancers that director/choreographer Keith Andrews puts through a series of supercharged, high flying paces at the drop of a 
song cue (and sometimes without).

Despite its undistinguished but honestly 1950s-redolent score by Paul Williams, ”Happy Days” is an unfailingly happy show, beautifully cast and danced and sung. And it’s impossible, except for some momentary dips in its second act, not to love the show and every shining face that gleams and every stupid shindig that’s socked over the footlights at what, on opening night, was a highly receptive audience, a lively preview of audiences to come that will undoubtedly fill the Gateway for the show’s run. Who can resist the glow of a fond memory in this beastly, battered age?

The uncredited set is a re-creation of the sitcom, down to Fonzie’s lair, the Cunningham kitchen (with oversize jars of mayonnaise and lots of Wonder Bread), Arnold’s carhop/juke joint, Fonzie’s car repair shop, complete with part of an obviously big finned Cadillac, Fonzie’s motorcycle, and a combination wrestling ring and public park. Most of it is kept wide open for the wide-ranging dancers, who re-create everything from airborne sock hops to a tap dancing sendup of ’50s television commercials.

The singing is right out of the decade, and is particularly lassoed by a sweet singing, tightly harmonizing backup quartet, merrily monickered the Dial Tones. The four doo wop singers are Fonzie’s buddies, Richie Cunningham (Andrew Pandaleon), Ralph Malph (Chris Cook), Potsie (Robert McCaffrey) and Chachi Arcola (Jack Holahan). Their fusing with Fonzie in “Maybe It’s Time to Move On,” which closes the first act, is a sure memory grabber. And, oh yes: Along the way, there are the requisite Elvis Presley and James Dean impressions.

As usual, the Gateway’s casting/artistic director Robin Joy Allan has assembled a cast that seems to be born into the roles. Vince Trani, as Arnold, the juke joint owner, has an impressive voice and, to match, an equally impressive pot belly; Trudi Posey and Scotty Watson are the ’50s standard addled parents to a grimace and an outburst; Dara Hartman is a bubbly, funny Joanie Cunningham, as Andrew Pandaleon is a funny Richie, the combination narrator and Fonzie buddy, and Megan Wean is charming as his lean, blonde and dancing date.

John Rochette as the villainous Count Malachi and Kevin Gutches as his dopey brother Jumpy are suitably sinister, and made moreso by the intense red lighting by Marcia Madeira, whose lighting design, aided by Marianne Dominy’s period wacky costumes, bathes the show in nostalgic primary colors.

Noel Molinelli is a feast for tired eyes as Pinky, the traffic stopping, redheaded super sexpot and love interest of Fonzie. She wears her abbreviated costumes with brash beguilingness and sings up a storm, first solo in “The Pink’s in Town,” then mellow mood with Fonzie in “Dancing on the Moon.’

And Eli Zoller, for all his black leather, is an appealing Fonzie, a true hometown hero who vanquishes the villains and gets his girl at the finale.

“Happy Days” will get no prizes for its depth. But it’s a delightful piece of mindless fluff to accompany the arrival of the softness of spring.

Shows are every night but Monday and in several matinees a week through June 12; the box office number is 286-1133.

Long Island Advance

Fabulous musical has audience rockin’ and rollin’
By JESSIE BIELE

May 27th, 2010

Sunday, Monday, Happy Days…Tuesday, Wednesday, Happy Days…

If you grew up in the 1970s you’re sure to recall the iconic theme song. Happy Days kicks off Gateway’s 2010 season with a bang. This brand-new musical about teens growing up during the 1950s makes its New York debut at the Gateway. Fans of the ABC series are sure to enjoy this musical adaptation, so put on your saddle shoes and varsity jackets and join the gang at Arnold’s.

The play opens with Richi Cunningham (Andrew Pandaleone) standing on stage and reminiscing about his senior year of high school. The monologue gives way to the first musical number, “Happy Days,” where we are introduced to the cast of characters including Lori Beth, Ralph, Potsie, Chachi, Joanie and, of course, the Fonz. Richie is a naïve and optimistic high school senior with dreams of becoming a big-time reporter and leaving Milwaukee, but his girlfriend, Laurie Beth (played by Megan Wean), is pressuring him to propose. After she asks Richie when he’s getting her a ring, Richie, Potsie, Ralph, and Chachi lament about the complex nature of girls in “The Thing About Girls.”

When the gang’s favorite hangout is threatened by a construction company with plans to build a mall, the group rallies together to save Arnold’s from demolition by holding a dance context to raise money. Meanwhile, the Leopards decide to hold a televised picnic and wrestling match to raise money for the shop. The Leopards enlist the hilarious Malachi brothers (Jumpy and Count) to fight in the wrestling match, as Mr. Cunningham (Scotty Watson) convinces Fonzie to wrestle against them so he can earn the respect of his peers by winning a plaque from the Leopards.

Happy Days has the perfect mix of comedy, drama and romance. The town is shaken with the return of Pinky Tuscadero (Noel Molinelli), Fonzie’s former love who tours the country on her motorcycle. Pinky and the Pinkettes march into town with matching pink leather jackets, aviator sunglasses and hot pants in “The Pink’s in Town.” You can feel the tension as Pinky and Fonzie reunite and play it cool with one another, but there’s an underlying current of longing. On the other hand, tomboy Joanie (Dara Hartman) falls hard for Chachi (Jack Holahan); with Pinky’s guidance, she gets over her shyness and dances with Chachi at Arnold’s. On the other hand, Fonzie wonders if it’s time to move on and leave Milwaukee in “Maybe It’s Time To Move On”, as Mrs. Cunningham (Trudi Posey) airs her frustrations about being a 1950s housewife in “What I Dreamed Last Night.”

The musical numbers are lively and reflect the dancing styles of the 1950s. In “Message in the Music”, the scene where the dance contest takes place, you can see the cast swing dance as the male cast members flip the girls in the air. Jokes throughout the play are witty, for example, when Mr. Cunningham complains about gas prices skyrocketing…to 12 cents a gallon. Choreographer and director Keith Andrews does a superb job of ensuring that the actors perform true to their characters. Eli Zoller, the Midwestern actor who plays Fonzie, wears the Fonz’s leather jacket and skinny jeans with confidence. Let’s face it¬ – he exudes coolness, even with his Greek chorus of sexy carhop girls joining him in numbers like “Snap.” Molinelli fits the role of Pinky well, with her pinup girl looks and sassy attitude.

Will Harold win the coveted plaque from the leopards? Will Fonzie admit he was wrong and come back to take on the Malachis? Will pinky Tuscadero and Fonzie reunite for good? Does Richie propose to Laurie Beth? You’ll have to watch the play to find out.

Happy Days will run at the Gateway Playhouse in Bellport until June 12. For tickets and information, contact Gateway at 286-1133 or visit www.gatewayplayhouse.com

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Cast

Richie Cunningham	ANDREW PANDALEON*	Download the Playbill 9 Meg PDF File
Arnold	VINCE TRANI*
Potsie	ROBERT MCCAFFREY
Ralph Malph	CHRIS COOKE*
Chachi Arcola	JACK HOLAHAN
Joanie Cunningham	DARA HARTMAN
Howard Cunningham	SCOTTY WATSON*
Marion Cunningham	TRUDI POSEY*
Sam Cicero, Jumpy Malachi, Leopard Manny, James Dean	KEVIN GUTCHES
Laurie Beth	MEGAN WEAN
Fonzie (Arthur Fonzarelli)	ELI ZOLLER*
Leopard Mac	BARRY JOHNSON
Pinky Tuscadero	NOEL MOLINELLI*
Count Malachi, Elvis	JOHN ROCHETTE*

Ensemble

KELLI JOELLE BARTLETT, MELODY DAVI,TIMOTHY GRADY, KEVIN GUTCHES, BARRY JOHNSON, CHRIS LEBEAU, BAILEY MEANS, JOHN ROCHETTE*, LESLIE TAYLOR, MEGAN WEAN

Understudies

Richie	Robert McCaffrey
Arnold	Michael Baker*
Potsie	Chris LeBeau
Ralph	Robert McCaffrey
Joanie	Kelli Joelle Bartlett
Howard	Michael Baker*
Marion	Claire Ward
Fonz	John Rochette*
Pinky	Megan Wean
Count Malachi/Elvis	Timothy Grady

Muscians

Conductor/Keyboard I	Andrew Austin
Keyboard II	Paul Feyer
Reeds	Mike Kendrot
Trombone	Gary Jones
Drums	Eddie Balsamo
Guitar	Ralph Agresta
Trumpet	Rich Cruz

Administrative 

Executive Producer	Ruth Allan
Producer	Paul Allan
Associate Producer	Jeff Bellante
General Manager	Gale Edwards
Company Manager	Michael Baker
Assistant Company Manager	Keith Llewellyn
Assistant to the Producer	Thomas DeJosia
Administrative Assistants	Sarah Innes, Mia Mulvey

Artistic

Artistic/Casting Director	Robin Joy Allan
Director/Choreographer	Keith Andrews
Asst. Director/Choreographer	Antoinette Dipietropolo
Musical Director	Andrew Austin
Lighting Designer	Marcia Madeira
Associate Casting/Artistic Director	Jessica Harrison
Production Photographer	Jeff Bellante
Musical Contractor	Jeff Hoffman
Sound Consultants	Dominic Sac, Cody Spencer

Box Office

Box Office Manager	Laurie Parr
House Manager	Joanne Famiglietti
Group Sales	Claire Ward
Box Office Staff	Ashley Cooke, Nadine Hazard,Diane Koerber, Christina Montalato, Don Rebar, Kyle Reitan, Linda Unger, Francesca Welhous

Production

Production Manager	Brian Loesch
Production Stage Manager	Jason Quinn
Technical Director	Jeff Taylor
Wardrobe Supervisor	Marianne Dominy
Master Electricians	Spencer Padilla, Jose Santiago
Shop Foreman	Mark Frederick
Sound Engineer	Shane Bourgeois
Assistant Production Manager	Taylor Milne
Assistant Stage Manager	Megan Danielson
Assistant Technical Director	Steve Haase
Sound Technician	Don Hanna
Technicians	Charlie Bell, Dennis Berfield, AJ Lebbens, Joseph Loesch, Alex Olsen, Brendan Smith
Wardrobe Assistants	Cee-Cee Swalling, Vanessa Pynn, Patrick Herb
Wigs	Tim Conway