Riverside School District ‘Happy Days’ Cast Q&A

Starting this weekend, The Riverside Beaver County School District will present its 2021 musical comedy – “HAPPY DAYS – The Musical”

We caught up with two of the leads for a Q&A session and also a special message to the Riverside actors from original cast member Donnie Most who played Ralph on the TV series (video at the end of the story):

Haylee Anderson

Part in Musical? Pinky Tuscadero

Current Grade? 12th

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in? I’ve been in seussical, drowsy chaperone, shrek, state fair, and last year I was the supporting lead, Hedy, in How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.

Favorite Song in this musical? My favorite song in the musical is definitely “The Pink is in Town” because it has a lot of fun dancing in it.

What interested you in this role? This role interested me because it is very different from my role last year, this year I get to be a tough and independent female character.

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume? I would say an iconic prop would be the booths we have for Arnold’s. They really reflect the time period and pull together the vibe that Arnold’s had in the actual show Happy Days.

What type of obstacles have you faced this year in trying to present an authentic performance with social distancing and facemasks as part of the mix? The biggest challenge is figuring out how to still practice my facial acting while being covered with a mask. Another issue is projecting our voices through the masks, but we are overcoming these obstacles pretty well in my opinion.

What’s the hardest part about your role? The hardest part about my role is playing a tough character, which is different from my normal self, but that’s what makes it fun.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show? My character is all about being independent and not relying on others, which is a mindset I’m embracing more after embodying this character.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical? I think the audience will like the music and era of the show. I also think it’ll help the adults reminisce their younger days when they originally saw Happy Days being aired.

What is unique about this musical? The musical is unique because though it’s shorter than our usual shows, it is still packed with a lot of exciting plot points and complex music. Also, since it’s based on a show, the audience will already feel a connection to our characters.

What other activities are you involved in? I am involved in competitive dance, cheerleading, and I am part of National Honor Society and Recycling club in school.

Future plans? My plans for the future include going to Pitt for biology and hopefully attending med school to become a dermatologist. Through this I hope to be able to continue doing theater on the side and possibly choreographing dance for fun.

Kaysen Conver

Part in Musical? Fonzie

Current Grade? 12th grade

Been in musicals/plays since? Yes I have, Anything Goes, Seussical, Shrek, State Fair, How to Succeed, and now Happy Days.

Previous leads/musicals you’ve been in? I was the transgender wolf in Shrek, I was part of a barbershop quartet in State Fair, Bud Frump in How to Succeed, and The Fonz in Happy Days.

Favorite Song in this musical? Snap is my favorite song in Happy Days. It’s a high energy number that is a lot of fun.

What interested you in this role? I loved the fact that everyone looked up to Fonzie and as a senior this year maybe some under class man can looked up to me and continue doing musical throughout their high school career.

What is an iconic prop in the musical or favorite part of your costume? The leather jacket has to be my favorite. Every time I put it on, I instantly feel as cool as The Fonz.

What type of obstacles have you faced this year in trying to present an authentic performance with social distancing and facemasks as part of the mix? This year we will not be having an orchestra due to Covid. We are using a program called Stage Tracks for the music. So, it’s definitely a big change. We always used to have a big practice where we went through all of the songs with the orchestra and make and corrections that were needed. This year we cannot do that. I still think it will go very well it was just a slight obstacle.

What’s the hardest part about your role? I think the hardest part about this role is the fact that so many people know who the Fonz is so it’s tough to take on that mantel. Of course, I’m putting my own spin on it so makes it a little bit easier and very fun.

Has your character taught you anything “life changing” or that will stay with you after the show? Being the Fonz taught me that’s okay to be wrong sometimes. Everyone makes mistakes and no one is perfect.

What do you think the audience will like about the musical? I think the audience will be able to connect with the characters and the plot a lot this year since Happy Days was a very popular TV show. Everyone knows The Fonz!

What is unique about this musical? Happy Days is unique because it’s only 1 act so there will be no intermission. However, the first act is quite long but it would just be interesting not having an intermission this year.

What other activities are you involved in? I play football and I just started playing tennis this year. However, musical is always been a passion of mine.

Future plans? I plan on attending WVU for business.

Special Message from Don Most:

Want to See the Musical?

Performances will only be available to see through live streaming. Live streaming tickets will be available for purchase beginning April 1st.

LIVE STREAM PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES:

• Thursday April 29th 7:30 p.m.
• Friday April 30th 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday May 1st 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday May 2nd 2:00 p.m. *MATINEE

All tickets for these livestream performances are $12.00 and can be purchased by going to www.showtix4u.com – when you go to the site just hit in “Riverside Beaver County School District” and then “Happy Days”

Please note there will be a limited amount of tickets to see the show in person. To inquire about these tickets please call or text 724-971-1985.