The Happy Time (musical)

The Happy Time.

The Happy Time is a stage musical based on the play of the same name by Samuel A. Taylor.

Cast

• Robert Goulet - Jacques Bonnard
• Michael Rupert - Bibi Bonnard
• David Wayne - Grandpere
• Julie Gregg - Laurie Mannon

Plot

Jacques Bonnard is a prize-winning photographer who travels the world. He returns to his 1920s French-Canadian village, after five years away, seeking the happy time of his childhood. His cantankerous but lovable father Grandpere, two brothers and their wives, and their children all welcome him. His stories of his travels have a profound effect on his nephew Bibi, who is having trouble at school and going through an especially rough puberty, inspiring the boy to want to live life to the fullest. Jacques goes to a nightclub and takes Grandpere and Bibi, where they are entertained by the dancers. After their night on the town, Bibi begs Jacques to stay.

When Bibi takes Grandpere's "naughty" pictures to school and is discovered, his stern father Philippe forces him to apologize to his school-mates. Bibi is embarrassed and upset and tries to cajole Jacques into taking him away when he leaves. Although Jacques at first agrees, thinking that Bibi will be a companion, he quickly realizes that this would not be good for Bibi.

Meanwhile, Jacques finds it difficult to commit to his former sweetheart Laurie. The couple finally realize that they have opposite ideas about life and the future, with Laurie understanding that Jacques is emotionally a boy, like her students. Grandpere, Jacques and Bibi playfully sing an ode to "A Certain Girl". Jacques finally realizes that he returned home searching for family and love, and understands that he must set out alone again.

Musical numbers

Act I

• "The Happy Time" – Jacques Bonnard and Family
• "He's Back" – Family
• "Catch My Garter" – Six Angels
• "Tomorrow Morning" – Jacques, Grandpere, Bibi, and Six Angels
• "Please Stay" – Bibi and Jacques
• "I Don't Remember You" – Jacques
• "St. Pierre" – Glee Club, Laurie Mannon, and Jacques
• "I Don't Remember You" (Reprise) – Laurie and Jacques
• "Without Me" – Bibi and Schoolmates
• "The Happy Time" (Reprise) – Jacques

Act II

• "Among My Yesterdays" – Jacques
• "The Life of the Party" – Grandpere, Six Angels, and Schoolboys
• "Seeing Things" – Jacques and Laurie
• "A Certain Girl" – Grandpere, Jacques, and Bibi
• "St. Pierre" - Bibi, Laurie, and Glee Club
• "The Happy Time" (Reprise) – Jacques and Company