Happy days are here again. Palace Theatre Executive Director Bev Ford announces the theatre’s season will open with a local production of “Happy Days, A New Musical” on July 10, 11, and July 16, 17, and 18, 2021.

Director, Clare Cooke will hold auditions for the upcoming summer production on Monday, May 17 and Tuesday, May 18 by appointment only.

The Palace Board of Directors and theatre staff, along with Cooke and the artistic team, are thrilled to bring a new musical comedy to Marion, Ohio. “Happy Days,” based on the hit television series of the same name, reintroduces one of America’s best loved families to a whole new generation of kids and parents. The show will return to the days of 1959 Milwaukee complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops and jukebox sock-hoppin’ fun. With Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph and the unforgettable “king of cool,” Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli, this family friendly musical takes audiences on a rock and roll trip down memory lane.

AUDITION DETAILS: Interested participants must make an appointment in advance to audition. Auditioners will be placed in groups of 10. Each group audition will last approximately 45 minutes. Auditioners are asked to enter through the rear loading dock door at their group scheduled appointment time. From there, they will proceed to the Pavilion where they will be checked in and given further instruction. Upon check in, participants will be given an individual time slot to audition. All auditions will take place on the Palace stage. Rehearsals begin at the end of May. Performance dates July 10, 11, 16, 17, and 18.

CAST AGES: Male and female teens ages 12 years and up. Young Adults age 20+. Adults age 40+. View character descriptions below.

WHAT TO BRING: Face masks are required inside the building and audition space will be sanitized between groups. Those interested in a principal role are asked to come prepared to read from the script and should also be prepared to sing a one-minute Broadway-style audition tune. A pianist will be provided. No CDs please. All auditioners should come dressed in casual clothing and shoes appropriate for performing choreography.

TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION APPOINTMENT: Please send a preferred day and time appointment slot to tickets@marionpalace.org. Please indicate a 1st and 2nd choice appointment date and times. Appointments will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Audition times are at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm & 8pm on Monday, May 17 and Tuesday, May 18, 2021.

Ticket sales for this production will be announced at a later date.

CAST OF CHARACTERS
Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli – the King of Cool. Sexy, funny and loaded with charisma. Older than the other kids.
Richie Cunningham – High School student, Fonzie’s best friend, All-American, honest and reliable.
Howard Cunningham – Richie’s dad, the quintessential Midwestern head of household. A man in his 40’s who is also in the local order of Leopards.
Charles “Chachi” Arcola – Fonzie’s cousin who tries to be just like him. Probably 15-16 and he likes Joanie. Plays with a yo-yo.
Pinky Tuscadero – Fonzie’s love interest, sexy, confident, tough and a body to die for. Motorcycle daredevil. (no motorcycle riding in the show, though)
Marion Cunningham – Richie’s mom, warm, naïve and wise. She is in her 40’s.
Joanie Cunningham – Richie’s younger sister, 15-16 years old, lovable, precocious and has a big crush on Chachi. Twirls a baton.
Lori Beth Allen – Sweet, lovely, “girl next door” type. Richie’s girlfriend, high school student.
Ralph Malph – High school buddy of Richie’s. He is the class clown.
Warren “Potsie” Webber – Richie’s high school buddy, not very cool but tries hard to be. He is a little bit of a nerd.
Pinkette Lola – backup singer/dancer for Pinky Tuscadero.
Pinkette Tina – backup singer/dancer for Pinky Tuscadero.
Bully/Ensemble – big tough guy
Leopard Manny Moon/Ensemble – Howard’s Leopard Lodge brother and principal of the high school
Myron “Count” Malachi/Ensemble – one-half of The Malachi Brothers, Fonzie’s nemesis, greaser type, overly dramatic, in his 20’s. As Count, he does show fancy wrestling moves.
Elvis/Ensemble – Elvis Presley circa late 50’s.
Leopard Mac Gates/Ensemble – Howard’s Leopard Lodge brother
Jumpy Malachi/Ensemble – other one-half of The Malachi Brothers, filled with nervous energy, greaser type, in his 20’s. As Jumpy, he does show fancy wrestling moves.
James Dean/Ensemble – the 1950’s movie icon
Arnold Delvecchio/Ensemble – A man in his 50’s, owner of Arnold’s Malt Shop, member of the Leopard Lodge.
Ensemble Boys – dancers/singers to play teenagers, rebels, etc.
Ensemble Men – Dancers/signers to play adult men and parents
Nerd Girl – nerd daughter of Principal Moon.
Ensemble girls/ladies – dancers/singers to play teenagers as well as Car Hop & Calendar Girls
Car Hop Girls – young ladies who can dance on roller skates. Proficiency on roller skates a must.
Calendar Girls – Teenage girls to adolescent ladies who can act sexy. May do the splits.
Ensemble Women – Dancers/singers to play adult women and parents