This was my first time at the Goodspeed Opera House. I grew up with summers spent in Old Saybrook on the water but was blown away by the picturesque town of East Haddam. Going over the little bridge to the Theater made me proud to be a resident of Ct.
We were greeted at the door by teenagers (I'm thinking from the local high school theater group) dressed in character of the 50's. Poodle skirts and hoola hoops for the girls and soda jerk outfits and mega phones for the guys, asking us to help "Save Arnolds" which was the theme of the story. Inside the theater is very small giving any seat in the house the perfect view. We were in row 7 center thanks to my Corporate sponsor friend. I was star struck with the sightings of Garry Marshall the shows writer, Paul Williams who wrote the music and lyrics, Charles Groden, and John McDaniel. I did find out on Saturday afternoon from my friend that Scott Haney WAS there that evening as we talked about. Don't know how I missed him. Our seats were near the "House Seats" so there were others that looked familiar but not sure who they were. Enough about the rubber necking!The show opens on a street in Wisconsin with Ritchie Cunningham reminiscing about what we are about to see during the next 2 hours. The cast includes. Ritchie, Fonzie (drool.... dribble) Chachi, Potsie, Ralph, Joanie, Mr. and Mrs. C, Pinky Tuscadaro and a fantastic ensemble. The scenery was outstanding. It is amazing what they can do with such a small stage (It is about half the size of Southington HS's.) The character of Fonzie was amazing. His voice wasn't exactly like the original which was ok because there's only ONE real Fonz, but his mannerisms were eerie. The scenes with Fonzie and Pinky were my favorite with their sarcasm banter and beautiful singing. Pinky's voice was UNBELIEVABLE!.
With the size of the theater, I know that Fonzie was singing to me when he looked out into the audience (a girl can dream can't she?). The ensemble's singing and dancing made you want to get up and dance in the aisles. Mrs. C and the girls do a tap dancing number that was awesome. Great music (all new tunes) dancing, HUMOR and energy. There's always a little message and this one's was strength and friendship (duh). A must see fun evening for all ages. Hate to spoil it but Arnold's gets saved from the new Mall project but you'll have to go and see it to find out who's the hero!
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