LUCID FORGE

Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Hollywood legend Garry Marshall. For those unawares, Marshall is the man behind legendary television series like Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, and The Odd Couple. He's also directed films like Beaches and Pretty Woman. Marshall has a long list of accomplishments; his latest is a stage adaptation of Happy Days, now on in Toronto.Marshall was a delight to speak with. He played to the camera, gave thoughtful answers, and exuded genuine warmth.

In a time of carefully-controlled appearances and handling celebrities with kid gloves, Marshall proved himself an old-school pro in the world of journalistic meet-and-greet. Regalled in a busy Toronto diner, amidst the lunching crowds, Marshall graciously spoke with assembled reporters, shook hands, posed for photos, and took his time with everyone. It was a mark of true class and near-forgotten gentility.

The musical adaptation of his hit television series brings back all the silly, fun joys of the program, complete with corny innuendos, and an enduring innocence. Fonzi, Pinky, Richie, Potsi, Ralph, Chachi, Joanie, Marion, Arnold -all the characters are there, this time belting their hearts out. The singing/dancing addition works well with them because frankly, Happy Days was, and remains, a happy series. In a time of extreme uncertainty and hardship, it's a welcome piece of frothy escapism, as sweet as a chocolate malt.