Thursday, Jul 26, 2012    Text size: 

NEW YORK — The “Fonz” is headed to Broadway — playing a porn star.

Actor Henry Winkler, best known for his TV portrayal of the rebellious ‘70’s sitcom “Happy Days” character Arthur Fonzarelli, will star in “The Performers,” a new romantic comedy by David West Read.

Winkler takes on the role of aging porn star Chuck Wood who gets involved with the love problems of a young couple.

Starring alongside Winkler is Cheyenne Jackson who also portrays a porn star.

The show is described by the producers as where “sex, love and Barry Manilow intersect" and is set at the "Adult Film Awards" show in Las Vegas, according to USA Today.

Winkler's chracter — a seasoned adult pro — gives Jackson, his girlfriend and another couple advice about the pitfalls of love.

Previews begin Oct. 23 and the production opens Nov. 14 at the Longacre Theatre in New York.

Evan Cabnet, who also directed Read’s play, “The Dream of the Burning Boy,” will direct the new production.

Winkler’s last Broadway stint was in Neil Simon's "The Dinner Party."

Jackson is a Broadway regular who had roles in the revival of "Finian's Rainbow," "All Shook Up" and "Xanadu."