Overview
Synopsis
Daddy Long Legs follows the story of Jerusha Abbott, the oldest orphan in the John Grier Home, whose life changes when an anonymous benefactor offers to fund her college education. The only condition is that she must write him a monthly letter describing her progress, though he will never respond or reveal his identity. Inspired by a glimpse of his tall shadow, Jerusha nicknames him “Daddy Long Legs.” Through her letters, she shares her academic struggles, budding literary ambitions, and growing confidence as she discovers the wider world beyond the orphanage.
Unbeknownst to Jerusha, her mysterious benefactor is Jervis Pendleton, a wealthy young philanthropist and the uncle of one of her classmates. As Jervis secretly follows her journey, he becomes increasingly moved by her wit, spirit, and determination. Their lives intertwine as Jerusha grows into an independent young woman, ultimately confronting both the secrets of her past and the truth of her benefactor’s identity. The story unfolds as a tender romance, celebrating love, self-discovery, and the transformative power of education.
Show Information
- Book
- John Caird
- Music
- Paul Gordon
- Lyrics
- Paul Gordon
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- Based on the classic novel by Jean Webster
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 2009
- Genres
- Romance
- Settings
- Period
- Time & Place
- Early 20th-century America, spanning the world of a secluded orphanage and the refined settings of a wealthy benefactor’s home.
- Cast Size
- small
- Orchestra Size
- Small
- Dancing
- Musical Staging
- Licensor
- Music Theatre International
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Professional Theatre, Small Cast, Includes Adult, Late Teen, Young Adult Characters
Context
Daddy Long Legs is based on the 1912 epistolary novel of the same name by Jean Webster, a work that became a beloved classic for its humor, romance, and progressive ideas about women’s education and independence. Webster, who was an advocate for social reform and women’s rights, infused the novel with themes of female empowerment at a time when higher education for women was still relatively rare. The story’s structure, told entirely through Jerusha Abbott’s letters to her anonymous
to read the context for Daddy Long Legs and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act I
The story begins in the John Grier Home, an austere orphanage where Jerusha Abbott, the eldest orphan, has spent her entire life. She is bright, witty, and full of potential, but her circumstances have denied her any opportunities for advancement. One day, Jerusha is called into the office of Mrs. Lippett, the orphanage director, where she learns that a wealthy trustee has taken an interest in her future. This anonymous benefactor offers to send her to college on the condition that
to read the plot for Daddy Long Legs and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Alto |
Songs
Act I
Act II
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A character arc is the journey of personal growth, change, or transformation that a character undergoes throughout a play or musical. It often involves overcoming internal or external obstacles, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself or others. Strong arcs help audiences connect emotionally with characters and give structure to the overall narrative.
An epistolary drama is a play or musical in which the story is conveyed primarily through letters, diary entries, or written correspondence between characters. This form gives audiences direct access to the inner thoughts and voices of the characters while maintaining dramatic tension through what is left unsaid. It is often used to highlight intimacy, secrecy, or personal growth.
Feminist theatre is a form of drama that highlights women’s experiences, challenges patriarchal structures, and advocates for gender equality on stage. It often portrays strong, independent female characters and critiques the limitations historically placed on women in society and theatre. Productions in this genre aim to empower audiences and inspire social change through performance.
A romantic comedy is a dramatic genre that combines elements of romance and humor, centering on two characters whose journey toward love is filled with obstacles, misunderstandings, and witty exchanges. The tone is lighthearted and optimistic, with conflicts resolved in ways that affirm love’s triumph. This genre has been a mainstay of theatre for centuries, from Shakespeare to modern musical theatre.
Subtext refers to the unspoken thoughts, emotions, or intentions that lie beneath a character’s dialogue or actions. It provides depth and complexity to performances, allowing audiences to sense hidden conflicts or desires. Directors and actors often rely on subtext to create nuance and tension in storytelling.
A two-hander is a play performed by only two actors, with the entire story built around their relationship, dialogue, and interaction. This format often heightens dramatic tension, as the focus is entirely on the dynamics between the two characters. Two-handers are common in intimate theatre settings, where subtle shifts in power and emotion drive the performance.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Themes
Education and Empowerment – Jerusha’s
to read about the themes, symbols and motifs from Daddy Long Legs and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Laura Ware
StageAgent Editor and former dancing queen in Mamma Mia.
Jason Engleman
Humming show tunes day and night.