In the scene pictured here Fonzie (played by junior Josh Tankersley, left) and Richie Cunningham (played by senior J.T. Garnett) discuss strategies for saving their community's beloved diner "Arnold's" from being torn down by mall developers - just before the dawn of the 1960s.

Catch phrases such as The Fonz’s iconic, “Aaaaaay,” and Richie’s favorite, “Sit on it,” became popular once again. Poodle skirts, leather jackets, jeans with a rolled cuff and having a malted at Arnold’s all were a way of life for Americans, as well as a world audience, to reflect on the past, notes Patrick Schuttrow, director of the WCHS production.

The Malachi Brothers: "The Malachis"

The Dial Tones: "The Thing About Girls"

The Leopards: "The Plaque"

Pinky and Fonzie: "Dancing on the Moon"

The characters were like old, familiar friends. But as with any television show, the laughter ended one decade after it had begun.

"However, there is good news!" Schuttrow says. "The laughter, good times and happy days are back once again."

This time, it is in a musical composed in 2008 by Garry Marshall (creator of the original television show) and famed composer, Paul Williams.

Happy Days – The Musical takes place in Milwaukee in 1959. Richie Cunningham (played by J.T. Garnett) is a senior preparing to leave for college. His future looks exciting, but he finds himself reflecting on the people who have made his life up to this point what it is. His family, Howard Cunningham (Tanner Johansen), Marion Cunningham (Madeline Murray) and Joanie Cunningham (Anabella Niewiadomski) is at the heart of helping Richie to prepare for his future.

In one plot line, the Cunninghams, along with others, are instrumental in working to save the local diner, Arnold’s, which is threatened by expanding businesses looking to demolish Arnold’s and make way for a mall. Arnold Devecchio (portrayed in a cameo appearance by WCHS alumnus, Tyler Abbott) is heartbroken until he learns of the scheme to save the staple of high school social life.

Richie’s friends are numerous and all of the favorites from the original television show are there. Arthur Fonzarelli, "The Fonz" (Joshua Tankersley) sweeps in to save the day with Fonzie’s endearing charm and soft heart. Potsie Webber (Jeremy Bentle) and Ralph Malph (Adam Wallace) are as goofy as ever. Teenage heartthrob and Joanie’s love, Chachi Arcola (Braden Tankersley) learns how to be cool from his cousin, The Fonz. Even the arch-nemesis of Fonzie, the Malachi brothers (Zen Zupin and Joshua Davis) are back to threaten in their own over-the-top style.

Fonzie’s old flame, Pinky Tuscadero (Taylor Smith) also returns under the guise of judging a dance contest, but she and Fonzie face the dilemma of whether they are really meant for each other ... or not. Richie’s girlfriend, Lori Beth (Lorrin Alexander) presses for commitment to their relationship prior to Richie’s departure for college.

A host of other cast members help bring this musical celebration of life to the WCHS stage with original songs like Snap, Heartbeat, “Maybe It’s Time To Move On, What I Dreamed Last Night, Legend in Leather, and Ordinary Hero. And yes, the popular television theme show song, Happy Days, is there as well.

Director, Patrick Schuttrow, says of this musical, “I have heard it best described as a clean-cut version of Grease. It has exciting songs, iconic characters and a wholesome storyline. Just like the television show, it is true family entertainment for all ages.”

He adds, “This cast has persevered through a treacherous winter schedule. Weather interfered with rehearsals cutting a great deal of rehearsal time out. Between that and other scheduling conflicts necessitated by the weather schedule, it often felt like only baby steps of progress could be made. But, as with anything, we tried to face the scheduling conflicts with creativity and patience to keep our goal in focus. It has made for some intense rehearsal time to complete all the facets of the show in time to rehearse and clean everything such as choreography, scene changes, etc., but the students have learned a great deal through the experience, and I look forward to seeing their efforts pay off when they make this show come to life onstage. The sense of accomplishment that students feel on performance nights, the smiles on their faces, lessons in problem-solving and time management; that is why everyone involved in the show works so hard to create this opportunity for them."

Schuttrow says he is blessed to have many people who have helped out with the show in a variety of capacities.

"Nancy Allman is once again our costume designer and works exhausting hours to put all the finishing touches on not only costumes, but several props as well," he said. "Karen Fritz, Sharon Fritz, Cyndi Garnett, Stephanie Smith all have helped out with organizing make-up and hair designs, schedules, finding props, etc. Neil Field and Dr. Rex Allman have worked countless hours to bring the set to life. Bob and Sue Rosenbaum of Rosenbaum Photography helped us out with a publicity photo session and made our publicity banner and photos with awesome quality. Several other parents and community members have contributed in so many ways by helping with props, sets, etc. It is truly a community experience.”