Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/256534
Florida Studio Theatre will open the third show of its Mainstage Season, Daddy Long Legs, Friday, Feb. 7, the theatre has announced. The musical is based on a 1912 book by the same name, written by Jean Webster. The story is centered around a young orphan, Jerusha Abbot, "who gains an education at the hands of an unknown philanthropist" whom she affectionately names "Daddy Long Legs," a news release says. "It is an enchanting journey, one that show- cases a girl's path to independence as she navigates through classes at a prestigious college and makes unexpected discoveries about life and love," the release continues. Tickets may be purchased by calling the FST box office at 399-9000 or visiting floridastudiotheatre.org. Tickets range from $18 to $36. A dozen interpretations of this story have been developed through the years, the release points out, including a 1952 British musical Love From Judy; American films in 1919, 1931, 1935 and 1955; and a Korean movie adaptation in 2005. The new musical "is an organic interpretation of the source material, using charming chamber music, an intimate two-person cast and an epistolary storyline told mostly through letters from Jerusha to her 'Daddy Long Legs,'" the release adds. The show, directed by John Caird, will feature Penny McNamee as Jerusha Abbot and Kevin Earley as Jervis Pendleton. Nell Balaban will serve as the associate director of FST's production. Penny McNamee/Contributed photo FST ANNOUNCES FLORIDA PREMIERE OF DADDY LONG LEGS A&E BRIEFS