On & Off Broadway

'Daddy Longlegs'

Reviewed by Elyse Trevers

Posted

It doesn't matter if the ending of Daddy Longlegs, the new Off-Broadway musical at the Davenport Theatre, is inevitable; it only matters that it's entertaining. Based on the 1912 book by Jean Webster, the charming tale is written in letter form and has generated movies and stage plays, most notably the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron. The simple romantic story tells of Jerusha, an orphan who is sent to college by an anonymous benefactor willing to pay her college tuition and living expenses. In a pompous nine-point contract, he sets out rules, namely that she must write him a monthly letter detailing her life and schooling. However, he notes that he will not respond to her or answer her questions. Although he calls himself John Smith, he is really Jervis. However, Jerusha refers to him as Daddy Longlegs, having caught a glimpse of the tall long-legged man leaving the orphanage.

His lack of response arouses her curiosity over the years but also her frustration. Yet she uses the letters as a sounding board and diary. In essence, the letters become the script of the show. In this case, they also become the mainstay of the music and lyrics by Paul Gordon.

Jerusha Abbott represents an early feminist and her college experience opens up a world of literature and philosophy. She becomes a model of an independent woman, able to support herself.


Although there’s a 30-year age difference between the pair in the movie, the musical wisely made Jervis much younger. This provides some humor as Jerusha imagines him to be a grey or balding octogenarian when, in fact, he’s only a little older than she is and very attractive. It also prevents that “yuch” factor so the audience doesn’t feel that he is somewhat of a pedophile.

Attracted by her intelligence and curiosity, Jervis manages to meet her and spend time with her. Then he actually falls in love with her. She falls in love with him and confides her feelings to “Daddy” in her letters.

The songs are repeated often enough to stick in your head. Megan McGinnis is delightful as Jerusha, bubbly and naive. Paul Alexander Nolan plays Jervis beginning first as straitlaced and stiff but then gradually loosening up. Both Nolan and McGinnis have impressive Broadway credentials and this intimate musical showcases their talents.

The two have nice chemistry and the audience roots for them to get together. Unsurprisingly, they do. Although the show drags out a bit too long and could use some pruning, you could almost feel the audience wanting to cheer. Daddy Longlegs is filled with sweetness and romance like a sentimental Hallmark card. Most of the audience was composed of women who seemed charmed by the young couple. Guys, if you can handle it, Daddy Longlegs would make a good date night show.