Photo Flash: First Look at Hilary Maiberger and Derek Carley in DADDY LONG LEGS at TheatreWorks

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley presents an enchanting musical romance for the holidays, Daddy Long Legs, created by John Caird (Book) and Paul Gordon (Music & Lyrics). Based on the novel by Jean Webster, this tuneful yuletide treat from the director of Les Miserables, and the composer of Jane Eyre and Jane Austen's EMMA, tells the tale of a spirited orphan girl who is sent to a prestigious college by a mysterious benefactor. Her heartwarming journey to independence, education, and romance during the suffragette-era in New England is chronicled in a wealth of witty letters and glorious songs.

Set in New England in the early 1900s, Daddy Long Legs follows the story of Jerusha Abbott, a talented orphan girl who is sent to a prominent university by an anonymous sponsor. In exchange for her tuition, Jerusha agrees to write her mysterious benefactor a monthly letter. Having only glimpsed his elongated shadow, Jerusha whimsically dubs him "Daddy Long Legs." The monthly correspondence between the two chronicles Jerusha's journey to becoming a delightfully liberated and self-confident American woman. Daddy Long Legs received its world premiere at TheatreWorks in 2010 (co-world premiere with Rubicon Theatre Company and Cincinnati Playhouse) before going on to national and international productions in London, Tokyo, and Canada. It made its New York debut last season, where it became the first ever Broadway or off-Broadway production to be live-streamed.

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley has assembled a remarkable cast for this production. Hilary Maiberger will make her TheatreWorks debut as Jerusha Abbott. Maiberger recently starred as Belle in the national and international tours of Beauty and the Beast. She also appeared at regional theatres across the United States in roles including: Clara in The Light in the Piazza, Eliza in My Fair Lady, Nellie in South Pacific, Jo in Little Women, and Cinderella in Cinderella.

Derek Carley will make his TheatreWorks debut as Jervis Pendleton. He appeared in the first national tour of Flashdance The Musical. His work on regional stages include roles in Titanic, Miss Saigon, Big,Gay Bride of Frankenstein, and Single Wide. Carley recently was seen on ABC Television's new crime and legal drama Notorious.

Director Robert Kelley is TheatreWorks' Founder and Artistic Director and has served as artistic head of the company since its inception in 1970. He has directed more than 170 TheatreWorks Productions, including many world and regional premieres. In 2003 he was honored with the Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Paine Knickerbocker Award for Lifetime Achievement. He received BATCC Awards for Outstanding Direction for his productions of Into the Woods, Pacific Overtures, Rags, Sweeney Todd, Another Midsummer Night, Sunday in the Park with George, Jane Eyre, and Caroline, or Change. He recently directed the record-setting production of Jane Austen's EMMA, as well as The Country House, Fallen Angels, Sweeney Todd, Marry Me a Little, Cyrano, and Outside Mullingar.

Daddy Long Legs will be presented by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley November 30-December 31 (press opening: December 3) at Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. For tickets ($35-$80) and information the public may visit TheatreWorks.org or call (650) 463-1960.

Photo Credit: Kevin Berne