Theater Review – April 4, 2026

“DADDY LONG LEGS” PROVIDES RICH INSIGHT TO CHARACTERS DISCOVERING LIFE IN A WONDERFULLY STAGED TPTC PRODUCTION

“Daddy Long Legs”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Hormel Theatre
Phoenix AZ

By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic

Big, bold musicals are usually spectacular affairs that entertain mightily but rarely provide much character development or emotional complexity.  Such insights are usually reserved for smaller, more intimate creations that focus on personality evolution and less on showy theatrics. The Phoenix Theatre Company (TPTC) is currently presenting such a warm and loving show in a superb staging of “Daddy Long Legs.”  The musical explorers a unique relationship between student Jerusha Abbott and wealthy businessman Jervis Pendleton.

Jerusha, an intellectually smart orphan, wonders how she will explore higher education until thoughtful letters to Jervis stimulates him to provide the resources necessary for her to pursue college.  The condition is that the two cannot meet but her letters must continue to inform Jervis of her achievements.  He initially reads her dispatches but does not respond until Jerusha corners Jervis into responding to her many questions about who he is and why he supports her educational pursuits.  As the two correspond they become close and he proves enchanted with her mind and goals.  A chance meeting occurs but Jerusha doesn’t know that it is Jervis.

The musical is based on Jean Webster’s 1912 novel set in New York City.  Book writer John Caird thoughtfully and lovingly adapts it using his previous experiences with such shows as “Jane Eyre,” “Les Misérables,” and his many staging triumphs for The Royal Shakespeare Company.  “Daddy Long Legs” is further enhanced by Paul Gordon’s richly melodic and lushly romantic score.

TPTC presents the perfect production.  Superbly staged by Chelsea Anderson on a nicely conceived set that provides Jerusha’s college dorm environment and Jervis’ mansion, the production initially keeps the two apart until the second act finally brings them together.   Carmina Monserrat is a bouncy, life-loving Jerusha with Liam Boyd the initially stately Jervis who evolves into a rumbustious guy as Jerusha opens him up to a more diverse world.  The pair sing exquisitely in many solos and blend beautifully in several romantic duets.

A three-person orchestra led by Julian Lamarti plays the score winningly and thoughtful projections provide further insights as the pair’s correspondence is artfully displayed.

It is a lovely show with thoughtful and touching excursions into two handsomely developed characters.  “Daddy Long Legs” continues through May 3.  To order tickets, call The Phoenix Theatre Company box office at 602-254-2151 or order tickets online at www.phoenixtheatre.com.

Grade: A