Theater Review: 'Daddy Long Legs' by Savin Rock Theatre

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member Nancy Sasso Janis

Savin Rock Theatre Company presented their inaugural production last weekend. The new theater troupe decided to present “Daddy Long Legs,” a two-actor musical based on the 1912 novel by Jean Webster. The book for the musical version was written by John Caird (“Children of Eden”) and includes some lovely music and lyrics by Paul Gordon. The composer is also responsible for “Jane Eyre” and the song made famous by Peter Cetera “Next Time I Fall.” Orchestrations were written by Gordon and Brad Haak.

Stephen Amato is the artistic director of the new company and Tyron Dixon is its managing director.

This unique musical is set in turn-of-the-century New England and is presented in two acts. Jerusha Abbott is the “Oldest Orphan" raised in the John Grier Home. Because of her promising writing skills, one of the orphanage's trustees decides to send her to a local women’s college, under the condition that she sends him a letter once a month that describes her experiences outside the orphanage, letters that he will never answer. Jerusha dubs her mysterious benefactor “Daddy Long Legs” after briefly seeing his elongated shadow. Music Theatre International describes the original off-Broadway version of “Daddy Long Legs” as “a beloved tale in the spirit of Jane Austen, The Brontë Sisters and ‘Downton Abbey.’”

Much of the story is told as the characters read aloud Jerusha’s letters, with the musical numbers adding beauty and substance to the words of the up-and-coming writer. It is surprisingly funny at times and, despite the premise of a (slightly) older man sponsoring the education of a young woman, avoids any hint of creepiness between the two characters.

Some musical highlights include "The Secret of Happiness," "My Manhattan" and "I Couldn't Know Someone Less". There are some impressive duets, even when the two characters are not in the same location.

Desi Amato directed the company’s debut production, helping the actors make the rapid back and forth of their dialogue (and sometimes their lyrics) look seamless. Music Director Fiona Bryson of Shelton worked with the two singers to learn the numerous soaring melodies that accompany the story.

Jessica Irizarry (Ella in “Cinderella at Seven Angels) was a tour de force in the role of Jerusha Abbott, a young woman who laments that she is “so many years behind.” What a pleasure to hear her stellar singing voice wrapped around the melodies written by Gordon. She also brought just the right amount of spunk to the brilliant young woman that blooms through her four years in college, graduating at the top of her class.

Amato, who is a director, writer, producer, performer and teacher, returned to the stage after a 20-year absence to play the role of Jervis Pendleton, the shy philanthropist, who uses the name John Smith with Jerusha. The actor was entirely believable in the role.

Bryson conducted the trio of musicians who played the engaging score. Alan Dougherty played the keyboard, Clio Janis was on acoustic guitar and Susan Jimenez played cello.

Bret L. Olson, who has worked with Castle Craig Players and Connecticut Theatre Company, worked as the production stage manager of the first Savin Rock show. Leandre Dupree oversaw the sound design, and Benjamin Ehrenreich served as the design coordinator of the simple set. The costume design by Thomas D. Gordon, who worked on “The Wedding Binder” at Seven Angels, worked his magic on the costumes of the early 1900s. There was a black top hat to match the black suit for Jervis and a lovely long skirt and blouse for Jerusha. Simple add ons indicated a change in location.

Mike Martin was the technical director for the show. The action worked well in the small open space upstairs in the Ora Mason Library, although audience members in the back rows may have had trouble seeing the actors at times.

The West Haven based company performed for one weekend only at the library on Benham Hill Road in West Haven. Next up will be “Long Day's Journey Into Night” at the Tyrone Home. More information about the troupe is available at savinrocktheatreco.org

Photos courtesy of Savin Rock Theatre