This “Happy Days” will have nothing to do with Richie, Potsie or the Fonz.
Samuel Beckett’s “Happy Days” will be presented by (un)Apologetic Productions at 8 tonight through Saturday and July 20 and 21 at Art Works in Johnstown, 413 Third Ave. in Cambria City.
The play is a comic exploration into the nature of human existence, co-dependence and the unwavering effort to maintain optimism through the uncertainty and absurdity of life.
“Beckett always does something unusual,” said Randy Jeffreys, who will direct and star as Willie.
“I directed ‘End Game,’ too, and he always puts his characters in unreal situations. This one is about universal truths and meanings.”
The two-person play also stars Kate Davis as Winnie, Willie’s wife.
“I only have five or six lines in the whole play, which lasts for more than an hour,” Jeffreys said.
“You don’t really see my character until the end. You only see the back of his head at the beginning.
“Kate has 98 percent of the lines. It’s really a one-woman show, and I needed a strong actress.”
Jeffreys added he wouldn’t have taken on the role of director if he had the major role in the play.
The play opens with Winnie being buried in a large pile of dirt, which represents life swallowing her.
“She talks about her bleak situation,” Jeffreys said.
“The title ‘Happy Days’ refers to her determination to put a positive face on everything. She’s eternally optimistic.”
On the surface, the play seems dark and bleak, but underneath, the characters keep trying, and that comes through to the audience.
“The audience can expect an optimistic play,” Jeffreys said.
“Winnie can keep her head above the water, or the dirt, when everything is crumbling about her.”
Lindsay Marie St. Clair is stage manager.
Bruce Standley is technical director.
Paula Carroll is actor and dialect coach.
Play
What: “Happy Days” presented by (un)Apologetic Productions.
When: 8 tonight through Saturday and July 20 and 21.
Where: Art Works in Johnstown, 413 Third Ave. in Cambria City.
Tickets: $8 to $10 at the door.
Information: 535-2020 or 248-5138.
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