DADDY LONG LEGS The Musical Lifts Spirits For Charity This Fall

The musical adaptation of Jean Webster's 1912 novel of the same name returns to LA for the first time in years, unfolding on the stage of the Two Roads Theater for one weekend only September 21-24, 2017. With music & lyrics by Paul Gordon (Jane Eyre, Emma) and book by John Caird (LES MISERABLES, Jane Eyre), Daddy Long Legs transports us back to 1908 and the dreary existence of orphan Jerusha Abbott, just before a mysterious benefactor decides to send her to college and change her life forever. What transpires over the course of this intimate, two-actor play is a heartwarming story of human connection, kindness, and charity.

The production has its eye not only on charity within the play, but outside as well- all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated directly to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Shriners' mission is to "provide the highest quality care to children with special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment, without regard to race, color, creed, sex or sect, disability, national origin, or ability of a patient or family to pay."

The team of this production has a special connection to Shriners- Melissa Dunham, star and producer of Daddy Long Legs, was herself a Shriners patient: Melissa was born with a clubfoot, and Shriners Hospitals for Children provided her with quality care for the first nine years of her life. On why she chose to produce Daddy Long Legs as a benefit for Shriners, Melissa says, "this show and this incredible organization are both testaments to the amazing impact even one act of kindness can have on another person's life."

Melissa Dunham (Jerusha Abbott) is currently a cast member in Frozen: Live at the Hyperion, and other recent theater credits include Antonia in Man of La Mancha, Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, and Jasmine in Disney's Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular. Starring alongside Melissa is LA actor John Shartzer as Jervis Pendleton, whose recent theater credits include Max in Lend Me A Tenor and Paul the Human in the workshop of Darling Grenadine. In addition, John has appeared as Ryan in season three of Hulu's Casual, and is making his network debut this fall in the pilot episode of Ghosted on Fox.

The production is directed by Anna Miles, a recent graduate from the Brown University/Trinity Repertory Company MFA Programs in Acting and Directing. Cassandra Murphy, the Outreach Director for Cabrillo Theater, whose performance career includes such highlights as her Eddon Award winning portrayal of Eva Peron in Evita and her performance as Fantine in the Ovation Nominated LA Premiere of Les Miserables, provides musical direction. Anna Timm (Stage Manager/Dramaturg), Sarah Timm (Costume Designer), David Galvan (Piano), and Max Mueller (Cello) round out the production team.

Daddy Long Legs will perform at the Two Roads Theater in North Hollywood for one weekend only, Thursday September 21st, Friday September 22nd, and Saturday September 23rd at 8 pm and Sunday September 24th at 2 pm. To donate to the project, visit the show's IndieGoGo campaign at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/daddy-long-legs-the-musical-losangeles#/. Presale tickets are available on Indiegogo, and general admission tickets will be available at daddylonglegs.brownpapertickets.com beginning September 1st. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/Daddy-Long-Legs-485515961786836/. All proceeds go directly to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Daddy Long Legs is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

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