MNfusion: New Century Theatre Revives "Happy Days" In New Musical

It's seems to be a theme of the Hennepin Theatre Trust's this season – pop culture of the past.

In January the State Theatre traveled back to the 1950s with "I Love Lucy: Live on Stage," coming up at the end of the month, the Orpheum will step into the '60s with "Jersey Boys" and this Friday the New Century Theatre will also rewind to '50s with a musical version of the 1970s show "Happy Days."

For those not familiar, which is far and few between, the show focuses on the Cunninghams, the idyllic '50s family. Episodes outline shenanigans of Howard, Marion, Joanie and Richie and their upstairs neighbor Arthur "The Fonz" Fonzarelli, all set in Milwaukee.

Playwright, and the shows original creator, Garry Marshall incorporates the most charming elements of the show in the musical, which has the gang hosting a dance competition to save their local malt shop. Jeepers!

(It's tough to find something more stereotypically '50s than that last sentence.)

While the show is making its premiere in Minnesota, many of the actors are not new to area's stages.

Minneapolis actress Quinn Shadko, for instance, takes the stage as Fonzie's love interest Pinky Tuscadero.

She took a moment to chat with me about the show and her experience playing Pinky.

You grew up in Minneapolis, but attended undergrad in Texas and grad school in New York. This won't be your first show since returning, but tell me how did it feel to come back to Minnesota and work on stage here?

It felt great! I wasn't just coming home, but also was becoming an active member of an unparalleled arts community and an incredible place to live on the whole.

It helps that the Twin Cities has such a vibrant theater scene. So, tell me a little bit about the show. "Happy Days" is rather iconic show, many people are familiar with the Cunningham family and their antics. How does it feel taking on such a beloved show?

It's very fun. Of course there's a little pressure associated with portraying beloved personas, but it's wonderful to be able to add an extra layer to the characters through music. The musical score is wonderful.

What is your favorite song  from the musical?

My favorite song would have to be the Act 2 opener, "Run." It's a funny, rousing number where the boys (in wonderful harmony) rally to take action against the evil Malachi brothers. Ralph proposes taking the coward's way out as Richie, Potsie and Chachi teach him to be a "warrior" not a "worrier!"

What is your favorite part about playing Pinky?

Pinky's attitude is my favorite thing about her. She is confident, smart and her outlook is pretty revolutionary for a young female character in the 1950s. I like to think that Pinky and I are both strong and want to make our marks on the world, but still enjoy infusing everyday life with a healthy dose of sass! Pinky is perhaps more of a "bad girl" than I am, but playing the role has helped me connect with my inner rebel and risk-taker.

Pinky wasn't considered one of the main characters in the TV show. How does expanding Pinky's role in the musical help the story of "Happy Days?"

Expanding Pinky's role in the musical helps further develop and empower the women in the story. She's the female counterpart to Fonzie and is the only character who provides a real challenge to the Fonz, whether calling him out on his mistakes or touching his heart. In the show, Pinky expresses competing desires: to remain independent and focus on her career, and to settle down and have a family. That balancing act is something that so many women can relate to, then and now.

Definitely. Going off of that, the original show aired more than 30 years ago, beginning in 1974. How else do you think audiences will still be able to relate to it? 

I do think audiences will be able to relate today. Teenage angst is teenage angst, no matter what the decade. The circumstances may be different, but the universal issues remain the same. Also, for those who lived during the 1950s, or loved watching the TV show in the 1970s, the nostalgia of the era will no doubt kick in.

What can audiences expect will stay the same? What elements of the musical will differ from the show?

Audiences can expect familiar characters, toe-tapping songs and dances, over-the-top antics and a little romance. Because it was written so long after the original run of the television series, the musical is almost like an ode to "Happy Days," complete with inside jokes and possibly a little winking and nodding.

What was your favorite "Happy Days" episode?

There is something to love about every episode of "Happy Days" I've seen. Naturally, the three-episode arc "Fonzie Loves Pinky" in Season 4 was my favorite. But I also love the episode where a young Tom Hanks, dressed in his karate whites, picks a fight with Fonzie at Arnold's.  Of course, the Fonz teaches Hanks a thing or two!

"Happy Days" opens at the New Century Theatre on Friday, April 24. It runs through May 17. Tickets cost $30. For more information, show times or to purchase tickets, visit the New Century Theatre online.