'Happy Days' comes to Phil

'Happy Days' comes to Philharmonic Center for the Arts March 3-8 COURTESY PHOTO Goodbye gray skies, hello blue! "Happy Days - A New Musical" is coming to the Philharmonic Center in Naples from March 3-8 at 8 p.m. and March 7-8 at 2 p.m.

Based on the hit Paramount Pictures' television series, "Happy Days - A New Musical" reintroduces one of America's best-loved families, the Cunninghams, and the days of 1959 Milwaukee. This time capsule is complete with familiar friends Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph, Joanie and Chachi, Pinky Tuscadero and, of course, the king of cool: Arthur "The Fonz" Fonzarelli.

Arnold's, the famed drive-in malt shop, is in danger of demolition, so the gang teams up to save it with a dance contest and TV-worthy wrestling match. Complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops and jukebox sock-hoppin', "Happy Days'' brings back the nostalgia of the 1950s in a perfect family show.

The new musical was created by Garry Marshall, who created, wrote and produced some of television's most beloved situation comedies, including "Happy Days," "Laverne and Shirley," "Mork & Mindy" and "The Odd Couple." He has also directed 16 movies, among them "Pretty Woman," "Beaches," "Overboard," and "Runaway Bride."

Academy Award winning composer Paul Williams brings a new energy to the 1950s genre. His diverse style of songwriting has given the world pop hits recorded by The Carpenters and Barbara Streisand.

He also composed the song "The Rainbow Connection" for "The Muppet Movie."

For information, call 597-1900 or go to www.thephil.org.