LIVE ON STAGE: Daddy Long Legs
Schedule
Thu Feb 06 2025 at 07:30 pm to 10:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
4337 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL, United States, Florida 34470 | Silver Springs, FL
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Sincerely yours: The musical DADDY LONG LEGS is live on stage February 6-23 at Ocala Civic Theatre.Jerusha Abbott (Megan Taylor) is the self-proclaimed “oldest orphan in the John Grier Home.” And it’s true: Raised in a New England orphanage, she has just come of age in 1908. Jerusha laments her lonely life until she learns that a mysterious benefactor – who wishes to be known only as Mr. Smith – is intrigued by her essays and is sending her to college. The conditions: She must become a writer, and for the duration of her schooling she must write letters to him – which he will never answer, or reveal his identity.
All Jerusha knows of “Mr. Smith” is his tall, long-legged shadow she glimpsed as he departed the orphanage, just before she learned of her good fortune. She also believes him to be old (maybe even bald!) – hence the affectionate nickname she gives him in her letters: “Daddy Long Legs,” like the spindly insect.
However, Mr. Smith, a.k.a. Daddy Long Legs, is really shy philanthropist Jervis Pendleton (James R. Taylor III) – who, as luck would have it, is not at all elderly. In fact, he is quite wealthy, rather good-looking, and happens to have a niece attending the same college as Jerusha.
Jervis and Jerusha meet and have tea when he visits his niece, and Jerusha finds herself quite charmed by her friend’s young uncle – which she confides to her benefactor in her letters. But when she meets another young gentleman who captures her fancy, Jervis is more alarmed than charmed by this news.
As the years pass and Jerusha’s graduation approaches, she longs to meet her benefactor. She also struggles with conflicting feelings about all the men in her life, both known and still rather unknown. Meanwhile, Jervis finds himself caught in the spider’s web of his own design. Dare he reveal himself and his feelings? How can he let her fly free – without losing her forever?
DADDY LONG LEGS is based on the 1955 film with Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron, which was inspired by the popular 1912 novel by Jean Webster. The stage adaptation sparkles with wit and romance in a lovely turn-of-the-century setting. Charming and clever, this delightful two-person musical reveals “the secret of happiness.”
Director/choreographer is Greg Thompson. Music director is Jason Bartosic. Scenic designer is Mihai Ciupe. Costume designer is Amanda Jones. Lighting designer is David Castaneda. Sound designer is Alexa Morgan. Props designer is Courtney Curtis. Co-stage managers are Courtney Curtis and Izzy Cooper. Music director intern is Hunter Leary. Sound design intern is Cadi Mulligan.
DADDY LONG LEGS is live on stage from February 6-23 at Ocala Civic Theatre. There will be 15 performances: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $35 for adults and $17 for ages 18 and younger. This show is rated G. Buy tickets online any time at www.ocalacivictheatre.com. To buy tickets through the OCT box office, call (352) 236-2274 or visit Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS: College of Central Florida • 352 Today
DADDY LONG LEGS
Music and Lyrics by Paul Gordon
Book by John Caird
Based on the novel by Jean Webster
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Where is it happening?
4337 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL, United States, Florida 34470, 4337 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470-5001, United States,Ocala, Florida, Silver SpringsEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
