Directed by Philip Wm McKinley, Fella will begin performances March 4, 2006, with an official opening set for March 7. The limited engagement will play through March 25. The New York City Opera production will be conducted by George Manahan. The creative team will also feature Michael Anania (set design), Ann Hould Ward (costume design), Robert Wierzel (lighting design) and Peggy Hickey (choreography).

The Most Happy Fella, features book, music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and is based on Sidney Howard's "They Knew What They Wanted." The musical, which premiered on Broadway in 1956, features such tunes as "Standing on the Corner," "Joey, Joey, Joey," "Big D," "Somebody, Somewhere" and "My Heart Is so Full of You." The musical concerns “an aging vineyard owner named Tony [who] courts a pretty young waitress, Rosabella, through the mail and wins her over with a marriage proposal with a picture enclosed. Afraid of rejection, though, he has sent a picture of his handsome foreman. Rosabella discovers the ruse, but true love brings about a most happy ending.”

Paul Sorvino has appeared on Broadway in Bajour, Mating Dance, An American Millionaire, Wheelbarrow Closers and The Championship Season, earning a Tony Award nomination for his work in the latter. His film credits include "Dick Tracy," "Goodfellas," "Nixon," "Romeo + Juliet," "The Cooler" and "That Championship Season."

New York City Opera productions are presented at the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center (63rd Street and Columbus Avenue). Tickets, priced $16-$120, are available by calling (212) 721-6500. Visit www.nycopera.com for more information.