Feb 01 2010
Good show!
Saw the premiere of the musical version of “Daddy Long Legs” from Theaterworks last night. The book (by John Caird) and the music (by Paul Gordon) were delightful. This is a two character play, told mostly (except for the opening few minutes and the final five or so) through letters. While that sounds like it could be a real snorer, having both characters on stage at all times, yet having each set in their own setting (mostly) allows for a lovey give-and-take between them of which neither is aware.
Megan McGinnis steals the show, and our hearts, from the opening minutes when she (as Jerusha Abbott) sings “The Oldest Orphan in the John Grier Home.”
Robert Adleman Hancock, as JervisPendleton, does a very good job with a somewhat trying role as the nameless benefactor (whom Jerusha calls “Daddy Long Legs”) as well as the ardent suitor (well, “ardent” by 1910 standards!) of Ms. Abbott.
The pace is quite good, the conflicts are very believable and the ending is satisfactory. What more can you ask? Plus, the music, while nothing memorable, is done in the style of light operetta which, of course, was the precursor to musical comedy and was having it’s heyday at the turn of the 20th century.
All in all this was a highly entertaining evening reflecting well on all involved. See it if you can.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.