New on HBO MAX is Happiness, New Zealand’s first musical television series.
Happiness tells the story of Charlie (Harry McNaughton), an emerging Broadway director whose star was momentarily on the rise in New York, working with Sally Field until an NDA-level incident sees it all come crashing down.
Returning home to Tauranga, New Zealand, for a quick visit to his mum Gaye (Rebecca Gibney), who surprises Charlie with a Backstreet Boys flashmob welcome home.
Gaye wants her son to join her in the local amateur theatre society’s show ‘Pizzazz’, written by high school teacher Gloria (Marshayla Christie). With Visa issues keeping him in the country longer than expected, he’s soon sucked back into the theatre world where he was once a star.
Tensions rise with the society’s director Adrian (Peter Hambleton), who is suffering through auditions for the upcoming musical ‘The Trojan Horse.’
The theatre group’s lead cast includes leading lady Jacqui (Jessie Lawrence), as well as the reluctant-to-perform sparkie Connor (Henry Auva’a), who has a natural talent.
With just six 30-minute episodes, Happiness is a delightful series full of wonderful characters, some truly fabulous original songs, and great performances all round.
Grab a ticket to a show not-to-be-missed.
4 stars
Happiness is now streaming on HBO MAX.
