Happier days are coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center Jan. 23-25, when the Fonz, Pinky, Richie and one of TV's most famous families, the Cunninghams, take the stage in the new musical, "Happy Days".
I caught up with Felicia Finley, who plays Pinky (she's the blond in the middle of the photo), from her hotel in Milwaukee, where the Broadway musical is getting nightly standing ovations. Felicia is one of the actresses that reporters love to interview. All you need to do is say "hello" get your pen ready and write as fast as you can, asking her to take an occasional breath.
Her enthusiasm and opinions on every subject from our new president to the golden days of television to the future of Broadway and the importance of taking shows into America's smaller towns reveal a highly intelligent and motivated woman.
"Our hotel is across the street from the theatre," Felicia said. "I'm looking out my window at the falling snow, and it looks like fake crystals. It's beautiful."
Finley comes from the rural hills of North Carolina and now lives in New York City with her husband, Paul Stancato, who is currently touring the country with "The Lion King."
"Our paths sometimes cross, and we try to get together as often as possible," she said.
Finley, who is in her 30s, loves the role of Fonzie's girlfriend, Pinky.
"Do you know that Pinky wasn't on the TV series that long," she said. "She was Fonzi's only true girlfriend. Oops, I don't want to give the plot away."
While many of the cast members only know "Happy Days" from the reruns, Felicia was around for the original.
"There were only three networks then. No cable."
"I can't wait to get back to Providence," she said. "It's a small town with a big town feeling. I was there in 1999 in ëJekyll and Hyde' and I played in summer stock on the Cape."
Finley has an extensive theatrical background, having appeared on Broadway in "Aida," "Smoky Joe's CafÈ," "The Wedding Singer" and her favorite, "Sweet Charity" with Gwen Verdon, who she considers her mentor.
A history and science buff, Felicia went off in a variety of directions, telling me that I must go online to redorbit.com, where I'll learn about alternative universes, NASA, the oceans, comets, and a variety of interesting subjects, which she expounded about. She is also a proponent of animal rights.
Her hero is Gary Marshall, who created "Happy Days - A New Musical."
"He's a real family man. You can see it in the show. And in the way he treats and respects the cast. The cast is so great and so close. It's like living in a love bubble. And wait until you see Fonzie. He's played by the wonderful Joey Sorge. He's the daddy of two, and Paul Williams' music is great."
Finally, Felicia took a breath and convinced me that "Happy Days" was the musical to see this year. And I will be there opening night to meet this energetic, enthusiastic actress whose life and interests go way beyond the small stage, but who is devoted to her craft.
"Happy Days" will bring you back to those innocent days of the late '50s and early '60s, complete with the malt shop drive-in (Remember Arnold's?), as the gang teams up to save their favorite hangout from demolition by holding a dance contest and wrestling match. Bring the kids, and show them what life was like back in the "happy days."
"Happy Days - A New Musical" is at the Providence Performing Arts Center Jan. 23-25. Tickets range from $33-$60. Call 421-ARTS or visit the box office for tickets.
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