A musical “rags-to-riches” tale of newfound love with music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominated composer/lyricist Paul Gordon (Jane Eyre) and book by Tony-winning librettist John Caird (Les Misérables). Based on the classic novel by Jean Webster (which also inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire), Daddy Long Legs is a beloved tale in the spirit of Jane Austen and the Brontë Sisters. Jerusha Abbott is the oldest orphan in the John Grier Home, until a mysterious benefactor sends her to a prestigious women’s college to be educated. Required to write him a letter once a month, she is never to know his identity — so she invents one for him: “Daddy Long Legs.” Runs Feb .21 through March 11, Thursdays, Fridays and, Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. International City Theatre in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 330 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. For tickets and info call (562) 436-4610 or go to InternationalCityTheatre.org.
Daddy Long Legs
Reviews
Jones is a vibrant, impetuous, and eminently lovable Jerusha. She anchors the production with a solid vocal performance and brings the audience with her every step of the journey. Nicandros is an interesting casting choice. He does not, by any stretch of the imagination, resemble a Daddy Longlegs. He is an undeniably compelling performer, but one with darker hues, both vocally and emotionally, than is the norm for this role. Still, you can't take your eyes off him, and you definitely believe he's Jerusha's soulmate.
Seamlessly directed by DuPrey, with music direction by Bill Wolfe (who also plays piano richly and assuredly), the whole production is a pleasure to experience...While the story of Daddy Long Legs has been adapted into a number of films over the years (including versions with Shirley Temple and Fred Astaire), this production highlights its poignant sentiments. Artistic direction and the actors' talents combine to create an immersive, unusual and riveting emotional experience that will carry you away on its long legs.
Ably directed by Mary Jo DuPrey — but with indispensable musical direction by Bill Wolfe... this unique love story unfolds in two hours time on an accommodating set designed by Ellen Lenbergs and with detailed turn-of-the-century costuming by Kim DeShazo.
"Daddy Long Legs" proves old fashioned in ways both good and bad, but it shouldn't be neglected.
This production is an idyll in the canon of musical theater. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and it follows Webster's book much more carefully than several other adaptations, including the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron. Touches of humor and the right amount of romantic tension make this production a durable choice for ICT's 33rd season of Hope, Humor, and Heart.
Despite its heavy-handed direction, there is much to love in this appealing romance of minds and hearts. If you are coming to the musical for the first time, doubtless you will be swept away as I was originally by its inherent charm.
Overall, “Daddy Long Legs” is a highly recommended and intimate production presented by the International City Theatre, now in its 33rd season, which reminds us that love can never be paid for or negotiated. Acts of charity occur independently of romance, and this musical, which melds Webster's historical novel with sprinkles of modern sensibilities, serves as both a reverence for the past and an eye toward a collaborative future where romance develops out of respect as opposed to duty or ulterior motives.
This version of Daddy Long Legs is a chamber piece that is almost an opera, with spoken words seamlessly leading into song and back again, with song accounting for ninety percent of the action...Produced by Artistic Director caryn desai, Daddy Long Legs is a triumph for ICT, and fully deserves the spontaneous standing ovation rendered by the audience on the evening I saw the show.
Without a doubt, “Daddy Long Legs” is an impeccable musical comedy with a brilliant cast, befitting its slot as the opening performance of the International City Theatre's 33rd season.
...“Daddy Long Legs” is a beautifully lyrical tale grounded in the realities and complexities of human nature and the human heart.
Jones is a vibrant, impetuous, and eminently lovable Jerusha. She anchors the production with a solid vocal performance and brings the audience with her every step of the journey. Nicandros is an interesting casting choice. He does not, by any stretch of the imagination, resemble a Daddy Longlegs. He is an undeniably compelling performer, but one with darker hues, both vocally and emotionally, than is the norm for this role. Still, you can't take your eyes off him, and you definitely believe he's Jerusha's soulmate.
Seamlessly directed by DuPrey, with music direction by Bill Wolfe (who also plays piano richly and assuredly), the whole production is a pleasure to experience...While the story of Daddy Long Legs has been adapted into a number of films over the years (including versions with Shirley Temple and Fred Astaire), this production highlights its poignant sentiments. Artistic direction and the actors' talents combine to create an immersive, unusual and riveting emotional experience that will carry you away on its long legs.
Ably directed by Mary Jo DuPrey — but with indispensable musical direction by Bill Wolfe... this unique love story unfolds in two hours time on an accommodating set designed by Ellen Lenbergs and with detailed turn-of-the-century costuming by Kim DeShazo.
"Daddy Long Legs" proves old fashioned in ways both good and bad, but it shouldn't be neglected.
This production is an idyll in the canon of musical theater. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and it follows Webster's book much more carefully than several other adaptations, including the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron. Touches of humor and the right amount of romantic tension make this production a durable choice for ICT's 33rd season of Hope, Humor, and Heart.
Despite its heavy-handed direction, there is much to love in this appealing romance of minds and hearts. If you are coming to the musical for the first time, doubtless you will be swept away as I was originally by its inherent charm.
Overall, “Daddy Long Legs” is a highly recommended and intimate production presented by the International City Theatre, now in its 33rd season, which reminds us that love can never be paid for or negotiated. Acts of charity occur independently of romance, and this musical, which melds Webster's historical novel with sprinkles of modern sensibilities, serves as both a reverence for the past and an eye toward a collaborative future where romance develops out of respect as opposed to duty or ulterior motives.
This version of Daddy Long Legs is a chamber piece that is almost an opera, with spoken words seamlessly leading into song and back again, with song accounting for ninety percent of the action...Produced by Artistic Director caryn desai, Daddy Long Legs is a triumph for ICT, and fully deserves the spontaneous standing ovation rendered by the audience on the evening I saw the show.
Without a doubt, “Daddy Long Legs” is an impeccable musical comedy with a brilliant cast, befitting its slot as the opening performance of the International City Theatre's 33rd season.
...“Daddy Long Legs” is a beautifully lyrical tale grounded in the realities and complexities of human nature and the human heart.