Happy Days at the Sunderland Empire Review
Happy Days
A New Musical
Sunderland Empire
14-19 April 2014
Reviewed by Rhys Black
Happy Days the Musical is a new musical to the scene created by Gary Marshall, with the added help of Henry Winkler (aka The Fonz) as a creative consultant. The show is centred around Arnold’s diner, the heartbeat of the local town, as the local community tries to save this local institution from being taken over by a large corporation intent on knocking it down and building a shopping mall in its place.
Whenever a musical based on a popular programme/movie is made which uses all original songs (apart from the iconic “Happy Days of course!) you are always a bit sceptical as to how successful it will be. I needn’t have worried! The songs were very well written and fit into the storyline perfectly, and also incredibly catchy – you could imagine them being played in Arnold’s diner during the TV show! The choreography is also worth a mention as it was brilliantly done, including lots of tapping, twirling and spinning! That teamed with the original songs made the basis of an excellent show.
The sets used throughout are outstandingly constructed and reflect what small town America looked like in the 1950’s. The cast seamlessly change the sets between the diner, the open Road, Fonzie’s garage, and the Cunningham’s house.
Ben Freeman, who plays “The Fonz”, captures his character perfectly. Throughout his performance he walks, talks and acts like Fonzie – from his carefree attitude, ladies man reputation, right down to his trademark ‘aaaye’. He is also a very talented singer mixing this with the smooth reputation of his character.
This show is a romantic comedy however – Andrew Waldron, who plays Ralph, provides a lot of the top comedy in the show. He steals more than a few scenes and was a real highlight throughout the evening.
Overall this musical is fantastic and possibly the best I have seen in years, all ages can join in and enjoy this production, well worth the 5/5. This show is definitely around to stay.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £12.90 to £43.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 3022.
Sunderland Empire, High Street West, Sunderland, SR1 3EX | 0844 871 3022
