PCPA Presents DADDY LONG LEGS, 8/1-19

By: Kelsey Denette Jul. 13, 2012

From the Tony and Olivier Award-Winning Director of Les Misérables and the creators of Jane Eyre, PCPA presents the musical hit, Daddy Long Legs, with music and lyrics by Paul Gordon and Book by John Caird. It will play in the Marian Theatre August 1 – 19, then in the open air Solvang Festival Theater August 23 - September 9.

Daddy Long Legs is a coming of age story about an orphan girl and an anonymous benefactor who provides her with the financial means for her independence and education. There are two conditions, she is to never know who he is, and she must write him every month. The story unfolds through a series of letters between Jerusha, and Jervis, her mysterious sponsor, whom she has nicknamed Daddy Long Legs.
This musical adaptation of Jean Webster's 1912 popular novel explores the nature of friendship and independence and how that changes forever, giver and recipient.

Variety called it "A wholesome tuner in tune with the times." Stage Scene LA called it "An exquisite gem of a musical…enthralling, entertaining, and moving love story." The Santa Barbara Independent reviewed its world premiere at Ventura's Rubicon Theatre, "Skillful storytelling, enticing songs, and superb performances."

Daddy Long Legs is one of numerous adaptations that have been inspired by Jean Webster's novel, including the popular1955 Hollywood musical of the same name featuring Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron as well as films from 1919 with Mary Pickford, 1931 with Janet Gaynor, 1935 with Shirley Temple in Curly Top, as well as Dutch, Japanese, and Korean films produced as recently as 2005.

In 2008, Caird and Gordon approached Rubicon Theater to workshop their new project. Over two weeks and two public performances and much rewriting, Daddy Long Legs was ready to kick off Rubicon's 2009-2010 season with subsequent dates secured for San Francisco and the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Since last September the show has been produced at the Gem Theatre in Michigan, Cleveland Playhouse in Ohio, Arizona Theatre Company, Merrimack Theatre in Massachusetts, and the Skylight Theatre in Wisconsin.

Paul Gordon, in an interview with the Ventura County Star in 2009, said that his goal was to connect with and "amplify the emotional complexity of the novel which he and Caird consider an American classic that is ripe for rediscovery." - www.vcstar.com

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