Daddy Long Legs musical
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
- Summary of *Daddy Long Legs***
*Daddy Long Legs* is a musical based on the novel of the same name by Jean Webster. The story follows Jerusha Abbott, an orphan who is given the opportunity to attend college by a mysterious benefactor named Jervis Pendleton, who uses the alias "John Smith." Jerusha nicknames her benefactor "Daddy Long Legs" due to his tall, imposing shadow. Throughout the musical, Jerusha and Jervis develop a deep emotional connection through their letters, leading to romantic feelings on both sides.
The musical features a range of songs that explore the characters' emotions and growth. Notable numbers include *The Oldest Orphan in the John Grier Home*, *She Thinks I'm Old*, and *All This Time*. Some songs were adapted or reworked across different recordings.
The Off-Broadway production received positive reviews, with praise for the performances of Megan McGinnis as Jerusha and Robert Adelman Hancock (or Paul Nolan) as Jervis. Critics noted the charm of the music and lyrics by Paul Gordon but were divided on the epistolary format of the libretto.
The original cast recording was released in 2010, followed by a Japanese cast recording in 2014. A later Off-Broadway cast recording was released in 2015 by Ghostlight Records.
While specific awards are not listed, the show was well-received for its imaginative storytelling and strong performances.
This musical offers a heartwarming tale of love, self-discovery, and the power of connection through letters.