Based on the classic novel, which inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire, Daddy Long Legs is a beloved tale in the spirit of Jane Austen, The Brontë Sisters, and “Downton Abbey.” Daddy Long Legs features music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominated composer/lyricist, Paul Gordon (Jane Eyre), and Tony-winning librettist/director, John Caird (Les Misérables), and is a “rags-to-riches” tale of newfound love.
Jerusha Abbott is the “Oldest Orphan in the John Grier Home” until a mysterious benefactor decides to send her to college to be educated as a writer. Required to write him a letter once a month, she is never to know the benefactor’s identity – so she invents one for him: Daddy Long Legs. Although she knows that he will never respond to her letters, she grows more and more fond of this elusive and kindly “old” gentleman. But another relationship soon begins to develop in Jerusha’s life. Jervis Pendleton is the well-do-do, “youngish” uncle of one of Jerusha’s roommates, who introduces her to a world of literature, travel, and adventure. Through her correspondence with Daddy Long Legs and her growing intimacy with Jervis, Jerusha’s letters chronicle her emergence as a delightfully independent “New American Woman.” Yet, there is one startling fact that Jerusha has yet to uncover – a fact that will change her life forever.
Jerusha Abbot
A young girl of 18 years, who grew up and is now the oldest orphan at the John Grier Home. She is witty and intelligent with a natural talent for writing. She receives funding for college from the anonymous benefactor that she dubs Daddy Long Legs.
Gender: Female
Age: 18 to 30
Vocal range: Bb5-G3
Jervis Pendleton
“Daddy Longlegs,” aka Mr. John Smith, the beneficiary, is 30-something. He is an unwed aristocrat and “black sheep” of a wealthy family who is a shy, highly educated, and an East Coast philanthropist.
Gender: Male
Age: 30 to 45
Vocal range: G#4-G3
