Theatre News

Ben Freeman and Cheryl Baker join cast of Happy Days musical

Ben Freeman, currently appearing in Wicked, will play The Fonz in the musical adaptation which tours the UK next year

Cheryl Baker, Ben Freeman and Heidi Range
Cheryl Baker, Ben Freeman and Heidi Range

Casting has been announced for next year’s tour of Happy Days – A New Musical, which kicks off at the Chuchill Theatre, Bromley from 11-18 January 2014.

Emmerdale and Wicked star Ben Freeman will take on the iconic role of ‘The Fonz’ in the UK premiere production, alongside Cheryl Baker as Mrs Cunningham and the previously announced Heidi Range as Pinky Tuscadero.

The show will be directed and choreographed by Andrew Wright, who won the 2013 WhatsOnStage Award for Best Choreographer for his work on Singin’ in the Rain.

The rest of the cast includes: Lucy-Jane Adcock, Charlie Allen, Henry Davis, Ray Gardner, Emma Harrold, Grace Holdstock, Katie Monks, Eddie Myles, James Paterson, Edwin Ray, Sam Robinson, Andrew Waldron, Scott Waugh and Jason Winter.

With a book by the sitcom’s original creator Garry Marshall and songs from Paul Williams, plus the famous theme tune, the show features the “King of Cool” Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli and a host of other characters as they battle to save their favourite diner from demolition.

Henry Winkler, the original Fonz from the television series, will serve as creative consultant, working alongside the director in “creating the Happy Days’ world of 1959 America and guiding the cast in creating their ever so familiar characters, especially that of ‘The Fonz’.”

The full tour schedule can be found at www.happydaysthemusical.co.uk