The Arizona Theatre Company’s new musical “Daddy Long Legs” has been a considerable success since its opening night in late December.
With the combined talents of writer and director John Caird, the Tony Award-winning director of “Les Misérables” and “Nicholas Nickleby”, and Tony-nominated composer Paul Gordon, the charming and lighthearted musical portrays a girl’s struggle for identity and a man’s discovery of what it means to love.
Based on the beloved 1912 novel by Jean Webster, “Daddy Long Legs” tells the story of how Jerusha Abbott, the eldest orphan in the John Grier Home is offered a college education by a generous trustee. The benefactor’s only request is that she must write to him regularly - except that he won’t respond and she’ll never know his identity.
Actors Robert Adelman Hancock and Megan McGinnis have performed the production together over 220 times and find that they discover a new facet about each of their characters with every performance.
McGinnis was attracted to the part of Jerusha Abbott because of the character’s fire, passion and wit.
“(She) is such a great character to play, because she is so human,” McGinnis said. “Her journey is filled with mistakes and faults, yet she is so optimistic and open about life.”
Hancock, who plays benefactor Jervis Pendleton, said he has never worked on a play that is so satisfying for both the audience and the actors.
“I hope that people are moved by the simple, yet powerful message that the character of Jerusha reiterates throughout the show about finding happiness in the present moment,” he said.
Through the exchange of letters, the two-actor musical shows how the written word can alter life perspectives. Jerusha transforms into a worldly woman, while the benefactor learns to open his heart.
Winner of three esteemed Ovation Awards including Best Book, Best Score and Lead Actress in an Original Musical, “Daddy Long Legs” has been celebrated for its unique storytelling, endearing innocence and engaging sentiment.
Audience members can look forward to enjoying a story of two people who find themselves, and through the discovery, find each other. The inventive romantic musical continues until Jan. 15 at the Herberger Theater Center with ticket prices ranging from $37 to $74.
Reach the reporter at mgrichar@asu.edu
