Daddy Long Legs opens November 22 at ACT

Amelia Community Theatre begins the holiday season with “Daddy Long Legs,” a charming, romantic musical opening Nov. 22. Based on Jean Webster’s 1912 novel, it is the story of Jerusha Abbott, an orphan who learns that she can attend college thanks to an anonymous benefactor who will pay her expenses. He informs her that he admires her writing abilities; her only obligation is to write him one letter a month detailing her studies and activities. She can call him Mr. Smith, and he says he will not reply to her letters.

Jerusha nicknames her benefactor Daddy Long Legs when she catches a glimpse of him in the shadows at the orphanage and decides, “You are kind. You are tall. You are old!”  And so, the seemingly one-sided relationship begins. The exuberance of Jerusha’s letters surprises Mr. Smith, whose real name is Jervis Pendleton, and he realizes he wants to meet this unique young woman. He says, “She has a brain. That’s what matters.” He must figure out a way to do so, while keeping his benefactor identity a secret. There are twists and turns through dialogue and song that lead to a most heartwarming ending.

The cast of two features Maggie Mellott and Brad Davis as Jerusha and Jervis. Director Elizabeth Sawyer says, “This musical version is far more faithful to the source material. It reminds me of what I fell in love with about the book the first time I read it. The show is the story of finding your true place in the world where you are valued for everything you really are and everything you can be.”

Accompanying the cast will be a trio of musicians playing piano, cello, and guitar. Musical director Tabitha Mudd says, “The music is full of romantic melodies, bouncy ballads, and jazzy themes to surprise and delight the audience.”

Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 22-23, 29-30 and Dec. 5,6,7. Matinees are at 2 p.m. on Nov. 24 and Dec. 1 and 8 at 207 Cedar Street.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students, available at Amelia Community Theatre and by calling 904-261-6749. The box office is open from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesdays through Fridays and 90 minutes before show time.