HORMEL THEATRE
Music and Lyrics by Paul Gordon
Book by John Caird
The summer season at The Phoenix Theatre Company continues with the charming two-person musical Daddy Long Legs, running June 23 through July 18 in the Hormel Theatre.
The heartwarming Cinderella story introduces audiences to a witty young woman and her mysterious college benefactor. This award-winning, off-Broadway hit musical offers gorgeous, soaring melodies, creative stage design and intricate costuming created by The Phoenix Theatre Company’s on-staff artisans.
Daddy Long Legs follows Jerusha Abbott, who has grown up in an orphanage but is sent to college by a mysterious benefactor, who she dubs "Daddy Long Legs" after seeing his elongated shadow. In her quest to be a writer, the benefactor requires just one thing of Jerusha - that she write to him monthly, even though he will not respond. Jerusha’s letters paint a moving portrait describing her new-found experiences with life outside the orphanage, and the development of her mind and spirit. Through the letters, Jerusha emerges as a fiercely independent, intelligent woman, who is destined to find love where she least expects it.
“Set in turn-of-the-century New England, the show demonstrates the delicate roller coaster of a developing relationship,” said Robert Kolby Harper, Daddy Long Legs director. “Throughout the play, audiences will marvel at the evolution of the characters and the unfolding of the relationship through letters. The show truly represents the dance of figuring out the next move in a budding new relationship and discovering new and surprising things about yourself in the process.”
Paul Gordon, known for transforming Jane Austen novels into musicals, wrote the music and lyrics. The book and direction is by Tony® award-winner John Caird (Les Misérables). Based on a classic novel which inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire, Daddy Long Legs is a beloved tale in the spirit of the Brontë Sisters and most recently Downton Abbey and appealing to audiences of all ages.
Audiences will adore James Gish as benefactor, Jervis Pendleton. Gish has starred in several productions at The Phoenix Theatre Company including starring roles in My Way, West Side Story, Newsies and Jersey Boys. Kathlynn Rodin portrays Jerusha Abbott. Audiences will remember Kathlynn from last season’s production of Sondheim on Sondheim.
Cast:
Jerusha Abbott: Kathlynn Rodin
Jervis Pendleton: James D. Gish
Jerusha Abbott (understudy): Brianna McClure
Jervis Pendleton (understudy): J.T. Ziervogel
Director — Robert Kolby Harper
Music Director — Randi Ellen Rudolph
Scenic Designer — Aaron Jackson
Props Coordinator — Stephan McLaughlin
Costume Designer — Connie Furr ◊
Hair & Makeup Designer — Josh Lutton
Lighting Designer — Ashton Corey
Sound Designer — Ryan Peavey
Video Designer — Dallas Nichols
Director of Production — Karla Frederick
Company Manager — Alex Koszewski
Stage Manager — Katie Ringwood*
COVID Compliance Officer — Kate Leonard
Piano/Conductor — Randi Ellen Rudolph
Guitar — Megan Marshall
Cello — Cameryn Baum
Dance Captain — Kathlynn Rodin*
