DEARBORN, Michigan – “The Most Happy Fella,” a Frank Loesser musical, will be performed by Friends of the Opera of Michigan (F.O.T.O.) at Dearborn’s Ford Community & Performing Arts Center on March 30 and 31 at 8 p.m.
Based on a Sidney Howard play titled They Knew What They Wanted, Loesser wrote the book, music and lyrics for “The Most Happy Fella,” a story about a romance between an older man, a much younger woman and a case of mistaken identity.
When the show first opened on Broadway in 1956, critics referred to it as a “missing link between Broadway and opera.” Loesser called it a musical comedy and songs like “Standing on the Corner” and “Joey, Joey, Joey” became part of the popular music culture. “The Most Happy Fella” enjoyed a 14-month Broadway run and many revivals over the years including one by the New York City Opera at Lincoln Center.
The F.O.T.O. cast is led by baritone Quinto Milito in the role of Tony. Other principal roles will be performed by: Katherine Kujala (soprano) as Rosabella; John Hummel (baritone) as Joe; Annie Klark (mezzo soprano) as Cleo; Elizabeth Mitchell (mezzo soprano) as Marie and Steven Patterson (baritone) as Herman. Cameo appearances will be made by Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. and internationally known tenor Carlos Seise.
“The Most Happy Fella” is under the direction of James Pinard. Other production team members include: Patricia Damian, choreographer; Steve SeGraves, Music Director and William S. Harrison, Conductor.
Tickets priced at $29 and $24 are on sale now for the March 30 and 31 performances at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center Box Office, 15801 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. or one hour prior to scheduled performances. Contact the Box Office at 313-943-2354 for phone orders. Tickets can also be purchased online anytime. MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted.