Grace, heart glow in “Daddy Long Legs”
Onstage, the charming musical “Daddy Long Legs” shimmers like a spider’s web. And just as the beauty of the silken strands masks their unexpected strength, this deceptively simple play also has hidden depths.
Winter Park Playhouse has produced a delightful staging of this quiet yet sweetly emotional two actor show, based on an early 20th-century novel by Jean Webster.
Hannah Laird stars as young orphan Jerusha Abbott, who is sent to college by a mysterious benefactor she nicknames “Daddy Long Legs.” Larry Alexander plays the benefactor, wealthy Jervis Pendleton, who has a few conditions attached to his financial gift: Namely, Jerusha must write him letters about her scholastic life and cannot know who he is.
This set-up presents formidable challenges, but director Roy Alan rises to them with aplomb.
Much of the action plays out with the two characters in separate locations. C.J. Sikorski’s handsome set creates a study for Jervis, yet leaves undefined space for Jerusha. The actors move trunks around the stage to create the idea of other locations — a perfect visual metaphor for Jerusha’s journey into the wonders of education and enlightenment.
The actors also spend a lot of time writing or reading letters, yet Alan never lets the piece feel static. Sure, the performers hold paper in their hands, but they move with emotion that reflects their prose. They connect with the audience and beautifully with each other.
Laird is utterly charming as spirited Jerusha, chagrined that she doesn’t know how many times Henry VIII was married or has never read “Great Expectations” — but determined to make her benefactor proud. She also has a gorgeous singing voice and cleverly sounds more and more adult as Jerusha’s worldview expands.
Alexander strikes just the right tone in a tricky part. In this era, it could be offputting to see an older man taking such an interest in a young woman — especially when he’s obviously developing romantic feelings for her. But Alexander is as charming as his co-star, and his chipper, if occasionally tortured, demeanor eliminates any ick factor.
There’s a certain sameness to stretches of Paul Gordon’s delicate music, though it’s a pleasurable listen. And those hidden depths? You can find them as the characters ponder the secret of happiness or consider the power of imagination: Jerusha thinks teaching children to imagine leads to empathy, which results in a kinder world.
A lovely message for a lovely little show.