Paul Sorvino to Star in Title Role of Frank Loesser's The Most Happy Fella at NYCO in March

Actor Paul Sorvino is set to star as winemaker Tony Esposito in the title role of the New York City Opera's production of Frank Loesser's The Most Happy Fella, which will play at the New York State Theater from March 4 through 25 of next year.

Philip William McKinley will direct the production, with company music director George Manahan leading the City Opera orchestra.

Featuring a book, music and lyrics penned by American-songbook luminary Frank Loesser, The Most Happy Fella premiered on Broadway in 1956 and ran for 676 performances. It went on to receive six Tony nominations that year, including a nod for "best musical."

Sorvino, who was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in The Championship Season, has also performed in shows including Bajour, Mating Dance, An American Millionaire, Wheelbarrow Closers and Skyscraper. He has acted in movies including Dick Tracy, Goodfellas, Nixon, The Cooler and Romeo+Juliet.