Search - Paul Williams, Joey Sorge, Felicia Finley :: Happy Days (2007 Original Cast Recording)

A Broadway and Tony Award-bound musical

Roger-On-the-Old-Traps | Texas | 02/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It has been observed that people may not remember what one *says* or what one *does*, but they will never forget how one makes them *feel*. Hold that thought. I'll come back to it. When I first heard that veteran producer, Garry Marshall, had written a stage treatment of his popular TV sitcom, "Happy Days," and that he had asked Hall-of-Fame songwriter, Paul Williams, to compose music and lyrics, I was intrigued, to say the least. In my humble opinion, which I prefer (to borrow Jack Benny's phrase), Paul Williams is the greatest songwriter of my generation. I have been a fan of Williams' songwriting since 1970. While he has written lyrics for some of the world's greatest composers, my favorite Williams' songs were those to which he had written both lyrics and music. My only reservation was how a stage musical about graduating teenagers in the 1950s could survive the inevitable comparisons to "Grease." Having listened to nothing except "Happy Days - A New Musical" since the CD was released last week, I am delighted, and I am confident enough to predict that the Marshall/Williams collaboration will make it to Broadway and, furthermore, that it will ultimately win a Tony Award as Best Broadway Musical. This seems only fitting, seeing that Williams has already received Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe and Academy Awards for his songwriting achievements. While I have yet to see the stage production, one gets a pretty complete understanding of Marshall's story line through Williams' lyrics. One thing this production is not: Superficial. Though thoroughly entertaining, there are many interesting issues touched upon that will inspire thoughtful reflection and consideration long after the final ovations have subsided. One is left with a new appreciation of the beloved characters we all came to know through the long-running TV series, how well conceived and developed they were, and how they have held up through the years. The greatest triumph for this Marshall/Williams collaboration is how the audience will be left *feeling* when it is over. They will feel exhilerated! This is a CD that one will long to hear over, and over, and over again. Bravo!"

Very Happy Days indeed!

Robert Rotenberry | Orange County, CA | 02/19/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sunday, Monday, Happy Days, Tuesday, Wednesday, Happy Days. Joey Sorge stars in Happy Days. Ayyy, The Fonz is back.



What a fun treat getting this CD was. I have been an acting/theatre teacher for 24 years now. From 1983-87 Joey Sorge was my student. In addition to having him as a student in my classes, I directed him in numerous comedies, dramas and musicals. Notable roles included Og, the leprechan in "Finian's Rainbow", Rooster in "Annie" and Danny Zuko in "Grease." There was no doubt in my mind he could be a musical star. He starred as Conrad in my production of "Ordinary People" winning an award for Best Actor in the Maryland High School Theatre Festival.



As his career progressed- two years in "Forever Plaid" in Las Vegas, Sondheim's "Saturday Night" off Broadway (he is on that CD too) and "Follies" on Broadway. After appearing in the Broadway production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" he starred as Jimmy in the National Tour. Then for the last 2 years he had appeared in "The Drowsy Chaperone". Finally a role that is the culmination of all these years of experience, the iconic Fonz in "Happy Days." This cast album features the Papermill Playhouse production. It will be produced at the Goodspeed Opera House this spring before starting on a national tour in California next fall. See it.



This album with music and lyrics by Paul Williams (Academy Award Winner for "Evergreen" with Barbra Streisand). The incredible Garry Marshall who created the TV show wrote the musical. It has the best of both worlds- the characters we love (from the Cunninghams to Arnold) and some new plot twists and fun songs. It is a delight and a fun stroll down memory lane.



For me is it cool to hear Joey Sorge sing whenever I want. These days not being able to see him or talk to him, it is a great to see how far he has gone in these 24 years."