“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 at www.dearborntheater.com. MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted.

“The Most Happy Fella” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI).

Richard Miller

Congrats to Dearborn Fire Chief Richard W. Miller who today was appointed state fire marshal by Gov. Rick Snyder.

The state fire marshal leads the Michigan Bureau of Fire Services within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and also serves as a member, or ex-officio member, of the State Fire Safety Board, Fire Fighters Training Council and State Board of Mechanical Rules.

“Richard Miller is a great fit for this post,” said Snyder. “He brings extensive training and more than 30 years of experience, and I am confident he will continue to ensure utmost quality and efficiency when it comes to safeguarding Michigan citizens and property from fire related emergencies.”

Miller has served as Dearborn’s fire chief since 2010. He began his career as a firefighter with the Dearborn Fire Department. He has held several positions with the department, including fire inspector, fire lieutenant, fire captain and senior battalion chief. Miller holds professional certifications for driver’s training, tactical and pump operations, hazardous materials, fire officer I, II and III and others from Michigan’s Fire Fighters Training Council. He has served on the Michigan State Fire Safety Board since August 2011.

He received an associate degree in fire science from Henry Ford Community College, a bachelor’s degree in fire science and occupational safety and health from Madonna University and attended Eastern Michigan University’s School of Fire Staff and Command. Miller replaces Ronald Farr, who resigned in 2011.

Miller will serve at the pleasure of the governor and his appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

Dearborn’s curbside yard waste program is set to kick off for the 2012 season on March 12 and last through December 14.

Beginning the week of March 12, residents can put yard waste in properly marked containers at the curb on their trash collection day, weather permitting.

Residents are reminded to place the yard waste materials in the proper containers at least three feet away from their trash cart and recycling cart. Do not set yard waste in the street.

Containers can be yard waste paper bags or your own 20 – 32 gallon container that is clearly marked with a yard waste sticker. These are available for free at Dearborn Public Libraries, the Public Works Yard and the Mayor’s office.

The city is reminding residents to not put yard waste into plastic bags or cardboard boxes as it will not be picked up.

This convenient nine-month service provides residents the opportunity to get a jump on spring cleanup and dispose of materials left over from the fall.

Yard waste includes grass clippings, weeds, leaves, shrubs and brush trimmings.

Before placing yard waste into containers, remove dirt from the roots and remove root balls from shrubs. Brush and shrubs must be less than three inches in diameter, be four feet or less in length, tied with a heavy cord or rope and weigh no more than 35 pounds.

Do not mix fruit, vegetables or animal droppings with yard waste. Remember sod and dirt are not yard waste and will not be collected.

To arrange for a special pickup of unbundled or improperly bundled brush or for more information, call the Department of Public Works at 313.943.2085.