Review: DADDY LONG LEGS at GSP is an Enthralling New Musical

Daddy Long Legs, a romantic and poignant new musical, is now onstage at George Street Playhouse (GSP) through December 24th. The Playhouse continues its successful season with a brilliant production of this charismatic story based on the classic novel of the same name by Jean Webster that also inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire. The show enjoys superb direction by the GSP's Resident Artistic Director, Michael Mastro, music and lyrics by Paul Gordon and Brad Haak, a book by John Caird, and musical direction by Darren R. Cohen. Daddy Long Legs features the remarkable talents of Ben Michael and Elise Vannerson who are making their GSP debuts. Treat yourself, your family, and friends to a show that promises to please. It is an uplifting piece of theatre for this holiday season.

In Daddy Long Legs, Jerusha Abbott has lived in an orphanage her entire life. Her dreams come true when an anonymous donor, the young aristocrat Jervis Pendelton, finances an opportunity for her to attend a university and become a writer. Jerusha nicknames her mentor "Daddy Long Legs" and shares her collegiate and personal experiences with him in letters that are honest, insightful, and often humorous. In a short time, a bond develops between the two and Jervis carefully arranges opportunities to see Jerusha who blossoms into a bright, independent woman. The couple's budding romance is especially complex because Jervis keeps his charity to her a secret. Daddy Long Legs is an appealing, thoughtful show about humankind, economic diversity and empowering women to discover their gifts and seek opportunity.

The outstanding acting and vocal talents of Ben Michael as Jervis Pendleton and Elise Vannerson as Jersusha Abbott make this show shine bright. They share an onstage chemistry that makes this Daddy Long Legs captivating and they deliver the show's finely crafted prose and charming score with impeccable timing. Michael and Vannerson slip seamlessly from the show's dialogue into songs you will long remember that include "Who Is this Man" by Jerusha; "The Color of Your Eyes" by Jerusha and Jervis; "My Manhattan" by Jerusha and Jervis; "The Man I'll Never Be" by Jervis; "Graduation Day" by Jerusha and Jervis; "Charity" by Jervis and "All This Time" by Jerusha and Jervis.

We applaud the musicians that perform the show's beautiful score. They include Darren R. Cohen on piano, Luke McGinnis on guitar, and Sam Quiggins on cello.

The Creative Team has brought Daddy Long Legs to life on the New Brunswick Stage with scenic design by Alexis Distler; costume design by Esther Arroyo; lighting design by Christopher J. Bailey and sound design by Ted Crimy. The Production Stage Manager is Jane Pole and casting is by McCorkle Casting, Ltd.

Daddy Long Legs is a rich, rewarding theatrical event that will appeal to a broad audience of metro area theatergoers. See it now while it is on the George Street Playhouse Stage.

Tickets for Daddy Long Legs start at $20 and full and partial season ticket packages are now on sale. The show runs for a total of 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission. George Street Playhouse is located at 9 Livingston Avenue in the heart of New Brunswick's vibrant entertainment and dining district with convenient parking and mass transit options. Call the Box Office at 732.246.7717 or visit www.gsponline.org for ticketing and more information.

Photo Credit: T. Charles Erickson