The Pursuit of Happiness

Sebastian Arcleus, Stephanie J. Block, Matt Cavenaugh, Jen Cody, Hunter Foster, Joanna Gleason, Deven May, Jenny Powers, Chris Sarandon, Susan Stroman and more celebrate the opening of Lincoln Center's new musical.

By Joseph Marzullo,Brian Scott Lipton • Mar 31, 2009 • New York

The new Off-Broadway musical Happiness premiered on Monday night at Lincoln Center's Mitzi Newhouse Theater. Celebrating after the show were director and choreographer Susan Stroman (center) with Michael Korie and Scott Frankel, who wrote the score.

Tony Award winner John Weidman wrote the show's book, about a group of New Yorkers trapped in an unusual subway car.

Stephanie J. Block, who returns to Broadway next month in 9 to 5, joined husband Sebastian Arcelus, who plays uptight lawyer Zack in the show.

Tony winner Joanna Gleason, who plays conservative radio show host Arlene Slater, partied with her husband, Chris Sarandon, who appeared in Lincoln Center's production of The Light in the Piazza.

Matt Cavenaugh, who plays Tony in the current Broadway revival of West Side Story, was on hand to congratulate girlfriend Jenny Powers, who plays would-be fashionista Gina.

Shrek star Jen Cody was the guest of husband Hunter Foster, who portrays mysterious trainman Stanley in the musical.

Fred Applegate, who worked with Stroman in The Producers and Young Frankenstein, and James Moye are two more talented members of the Happiness cast.

Pearl Sun and Robert Petkoff play Neil and Cindy, a pair of doctors who deal with their cultural differences in the charming number "Family Flashcards."

Patrick Cummings, who plays multiple roles, and Ken Page, who plays flamboyant decorator Maurice, are two more standouts in the show's large cast.

Phyllis Sommervile is an audience favorite for her portrayal of Helen, an elderly woman who remembers her happier days in a World War II USO canteen.

Ana Maria Andricain, Lina Silver, and Miguel Cervantes are a happy off-stage family.

Sun and cast member Holly Ann Butler give a warm welcome to opening night guest Deven May, who's currently starring in the Las Vegas production of Jersey Boys.

For TheaterMania's review of Happiness, click here.