Theatre: “Daddy Long Legs”

Music and lyrics by Paul Gordon, book by John Cairo, based on the story by Jean Webster.

A musical based on a 1912 novel will make its Kansas premiere on the McPherson College stage. The McPherson College theatre department will present “Daddy Long Legs” on November 21-23 in Mingenback Theatre.

Veteran McPherson College actors J. Tanner Trigg and Liz Thornton take on the two roles in this full-length musical. It is a story about Jerusha Abbott (Thornton), the oldest orphan at the John Grier Home. She is gifted a college education by a tall shadowed figure that she nicknames, Daddy Long Legs (Trigg). Throughout her education, Jerusha writes letters to her anonymous philanthropist and shares her growth with the man she’s never met.

“This is what is called a chamber musical because it was written for a small venue,” Jd. Bowman, professor of theatre, said. “With only two cast members and three musicians, the story is simple and sweet with soaring melodies.”

Music and lyrics are by Paul Gordon and book is by John Caird, based on the novel by Jean Webster. The authors also collaborated on musical versions of “Jane Eyre” (1995), “Emma” (2006), “Sense & Sensibility” (2015), and “Pride & Prejudice” (2018).

Seating is limited for this production and reservations are recommended. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for each performance with shows starting at 7:30 p.m. All seats are $5 and tickets are available at the box office prior to the performance.

Season ticket holders receive a themed meal prior to each of the season’s performances. For more information on becoming a season ticket holder or to make a reservation, contact the box office at (620) 242-0444 or email at [email protected].

Cast and crew include:
Jerusha Abbott – Thornton
Jervis Pendleton – Trigg
Director – Jd. Bowman
Music Director – Jd. Bowman
Technical Director – Jen Pollard
Stage Manager – Lindy Reynolds
Piano – Jean Hendricks
Cello – Bruce Wagoner
Guitar – Jean Kennedy
Set & Light Design – Jd. Bowman
Costume Design – Jen Pollard
Props – Dani Wilcock