Based on the 1912 novel by Jean Webster, Daddy Long Legs is a musical composed by Paul Gordon (Music and Lyrics) and John Caird (Book). It tells the story of Jerusha Abbott, who has grown up in The John Grier Orphanage, and has no friends or acquaintances, to speak of. At 17, she has finished her education (such as the orphanage can provide) and lives there, doing chores and helping out. After board members have finished their evaluation, Jerusha is called in by the Headmistress. There she is informed that a benefactor has noticed her intelligence and depth, and wishes to send her to college, all expenses paid. Said benefactor usually only helps young men, but he’s so impressed, he makes an exception. She must mail him letters monthly, with progress reports. But she can never know his name, or expect replies.
Jerusha’s certain she saw her generous sponsor as he left the orphanage. Rejecting the cold formality of “Mr. John Smith”, she begins her first letter by dubbing him: “Daddy Long Legs”. The fact that this is also the name of an insect, sort of sets the tone for our story. Unlike other girls, Jerusha has no compunctions when it comes to appreciating bugs. She’s warm and earnest and forthcoming and has no use for propriety over sincerity. She’s sentient and astonished by the phenomenal and pleasant world that Jervis Pendleton (AKA John Smith) has opened for her. Jervis, by contrast, has begun to have second thoughts. Not because of anything his protege has done. He simply feels lost making sense of the female realm.
It speaks highly of a show that so thoroughly engulf us, considering there are two characters who connect only through one-sided correspondence. Personally I wondered how it was supposed to happen. A piece like this could easily be safe or predictable. But Director Derek Whitener is too brave for that. As we see their relationship evolve, the chemistry is positively intoxicating. I must point out here: I have never attended a single musical at Firehouse that wasn’t intrepid, professional, poised, brimming with energy and sublime content. Under the sharp direction of Whitener, Caitlin Martelle Jones (Jerusha Abbott) and Preston Lee Isham (Jervis Pendleton) give intuitive, invested, poignant performances that are deeply moving and consistently entertaining. Firehouse always comes through with remarkable, exhilarating plays and Daddy long Legs is no exception.
Firehouse Theatre presents: Daddy Long Legs, a streaming event featured from September 25th-October 11th, 2020. 2535 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, Texas 75234. 972-484-3121
www.thefirehousetheatre.com