Northlight Theatre Presents DADDY LONG LEGS 9/16-10/24

Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans announce the new musical Daddy Long Legs, directed by John Caird, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning director of Les Misérables, with music and lyrics by Paul Gordon, composer of Jane Eyre. The world-premiere production features Megan McGinnis and Robert Adelman Hancock, with musical direction by Laura Bergquist. Daddy Long Legs runs September 16 - October 24, 2010 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie. The press opening is Saturday, September 25, 2010.

This charming musical love story from the Tony and Olivier Award-winning director of Les Miserables and the creators of Jane Eyre is presented in association with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Rubicon Theatre Company, TheatreWorks, David Elzer and Executive Producer Michael Jackowitz.

Jerusha Abbott's prayers seem answered when the generosity of an anonymous gentleman allows her to move from orphanage to university. Through her grateful letters, Jerusha shares her life with her mysterious benefactor as she grows into an intelligent, independent New American Woman and discovers a budding romance with a wealthy young suitor. Yet there is one startling fact that Jerusha has yet to uncover-one that will change her life forever.

"It's a great honor to bring the world class talent of John Caird and his collaborators to Northlight audiences and to bring this warm and dynamic new musical to Chicago," says Artistic Director BJ Jones. "Northlight has built a tradition of producing small musicals with heart and savvy and Daddy Long Legs is certainly one of these."

Tony Award-winning director John Caird (Les Misérables, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Jane Eyre), who also wrote the book, helms the production. Caird's new adaptation of this story is based on the Jean Webster novel of the same name. And though the stage production has stayed true to the basic storyline, the character and voice of Daddy Long Legs is completely new.

Composer Paul Gordon has had an eclectic and successful career in theater, film and pop music. He was nominated for a 2000 Tony Award for composing the music and lyrics to the Broadway musical Jane Eyre directed by John Caird. He has written several number-one pop songs and is the recipient of nine ASCAP awards.

Tony Award nominee and Olivier Award winner David Farley (2008's Sunday in the Park With George and A Little Night Music with Catherine Zeta-Jones) is the set and costume designer. The production team includes lighting designer Paul Toben, sound designer Cecil Averett, associate director Nell Balaban and music supervisor/additional orchestrations Brad Haak. The stage manager is Rita Vreeland.
The production features live music with musical director/conductor/pianist Laura Bergquist and an orchestra TBA.

John Caird (Director, Book Writer) is a Tony Award-winning Director for Les Misérables and Nicholas Nickleby. He also wrote and directed the Broadway phenom Jane Eyre, for which he received an Outer Critic's Circle Award nomination and three Tony nominations. He has directed at theaters throughout Europe, Japan and the U.S. Broadway: Stanley (Tony nominee). International: Macbeth (Almeida Theatre); Hamlet, Candide, Peter Pan, The Seagull (with Judi Dench), Stanley and Humble Boy (National Theatre); The Merry Wives of Windsor, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Twelfth Night and Dance of Death (Royal Dramatic Theatre, Sweden); A Midsummer Night's Dream (New National Theatre, Japan); Jane Eyre and The Beggar's Opera (Nissay Theatre, Japan). Television & Film: The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, As You Like It, and his adaptation of Henry IV for the BBC. Additional work includes The Siegfried and Roy Spectacular in Las Vegas, numerous operas including Don Carlos and Aida at the Welsh National Opera, and a book about directing called Theatre Craft. Mr. Caird is an Honorary Associate Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company and Principal Guest Director at the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm.

Paul Gordon (Music, Lyrics and Orchestrations) is a Tony-nominated composer and lyricist who earned three nominations for 2000's Jane Eyre. Regional credits include Emma (TheatreWorks and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis). Mr. Gordon's other works include Lucky Break, Death: The Musical and Analogue and Vinyl. He is currently working on Little Miss Scrooge, a contemporary retelling of the Dickens classic. He has written several pop songs for artists including Alanis Morrissette, Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson and Dionne Warwick and is the recipient of nine ASCAP Awards.

Megan McGinnis (Jerusha Abbott) appeared on Broadway as Eponine in the revival of Les Misérables. She originated the role of Beth March in the Broadway musical of Little Women, played a year-long run as Belle in Beauty and the Beast and was featured in the original cast of Parade directed by Howard Prince. Other Broadway credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie and the revival of The Diary of Anne Frank. National touring credits include James Joyce's The Dead (Lily) and The Sound of Music (Liesl). On screen, Ms. McGinnis has appeared in Anywhere But Here, A Goofy Movie, Wings, Dear John, Sister, Sister and Blossom (recurring). Her recordings include Little Women, Parade and Sutton Foster's Wish. Ms. McGinnis received her BA in English from Columbia University.

Robert Adelman Hancock (Jervis Pendleton) starred as Sky on the National Tour of Mamma Mia! Other credits include COLLEGE The Musical at the New York Musical Theatre Festival, James Joyce's The Dead at the Court Theatre, The Fantasticks at the Utah Shakespearean Festival, the original cast of Route 66 at the Milwaukee Rep), Forever Plaid (Barrymore nomination) at Delaware Theatre Company, Muscle with Pegasus Players, A Christmas Carol at Westport Country Playhouse and Fiddler on the Roof at Rubicon Theatre Company. On television Rob has appeared on Guiding Light. Mr. Hancock has performed as a soloist with the Tokyo Philharmonic and is a member of The Music Theatre Company of Chicago. For more information, visit www.robhancock.com

Tickets for Daddy Long Legs, $35-55, are available by phone, 847.673.6300, or online at northlight.org. Young Adult tickets (25 and under) are $10 (one per person with valid ID).

The Box Office is located at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Boulevard, in Skokie. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm, and Saturdays 12:00pm-5:00pm. On performance days, the box office hours are extended through showtime. The Box Office is closed on Sundays, except on performance days when it is open two hours prior to showtime.

Curtain times are: Tuesdays at 7:30pm (September 28 and October 19 only); Wednesdays at 1:00pm and 7:30pm (except October 13); Thursdays at 7:30pm; Fridays at 8:00pm; Saturdays at 2:30pm (except September 18) and 8:00pm; Sundays at 2:30pm and 7:00pm (except September 26, when it will begin at 6pm, and October 3 and 24).

Northlight introduces two new special event series in conjunction with each production and announces the return of Backstage with BJ. All events are free for subscribers and ticket holders.

Casual Friday is an informal evening of conversation and socializing for the after-work crowd. The evening includes a pre-show cash bar, mingling with artists, and a short presentation and Q&A, followed by the evening's performance at 8:00 pm. Casual Friday for Daddy Long Legs will be held September 24 at 6:30 pm. No reservations required.

Salon Series is a series of panel discussions led by local experts for audience members to gain deeper insight into each of the five plays-including historical context, playwright background and influences and much more. Salon Series is held at noon prior to select Sunday matinee performances. The Salon for Daddy Long Legs will be held at 12:00 pm on October 10. No reservations required.

Backstage with BJ is a mid-day discussion with Artistic Director BJ Jones, featuring special guest artists, actors, directors and designers, offering behind-the-scenes insight into each production while it is still in rehearsal. Backstage with BJ for Daddy Long Legs will be held September 17 at 12:00 pm and will last approximately one hour. Reservations are required, specialevents@northlight.org or 847.679.9501 x3555.

Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community.

Now in its 36th season, the organization has mounted over 165 productions, including more than 33 world premieres. Northlight has earned 145 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 28 Awards. As one of the area's premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality.

Box Office: The Box Office is located at 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie.
847.673.6300; northlight.org

Special events: Casual Friday, September 10 at 6:30 pm
Backstage with BJ: September 17 at noon
Salon Series, October 10 at noon

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