"We’re extremely excited to welcome Daddy Long Legs to the MTI catalog," stated Drew Cohen, President of MTI Worldwide, in a press statement. "Sharing the show with customers and fans across the world via Livestream is a first, and a great way for us to generate potential interest in licensing." MTI is one of the world's leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting schools as well as amateur and professional theatres from around the world the rights to perform musicals.
As reported earlier, the show will be the first-ever Off-Broadway performance to be broadcast online to the world for free on Dec. 10 at 8 PM ET. To register for the live stream, visit the website here.
The two-actor production officially opened at the Davenport Theatre Sept. 28. The new musical, about a romance that spans several years and is developed through letters, features music and lyrics by Tony nominee Paul Gordon and a book by Tony winner John Caird. Caird, who also directs, reunites with Gordon following their earlier collaboration on the Tony-nominated Jane Eyre.
The Off-Broadway premiere began previews Sept. 10, starring Megan McGinnis (Les Misérables), who has been attached to the project since its 2009 debut, alongside Paul Alexander Nolan (Once, Jesus Christ Superstar). Will Reynolds made his debut in Nolan's role on Oct. 29 and was succeeded by McGinnis' real-life husband, Adam Halpin on Nov. 20. The couple are scheduled to perform together onstage through February 2016.
A Fine Showmance: Why Daddy Long Legs' Megan McGinnis and Husband, Adam Halpin, Were Destined To Be Co-Stars The musical is based on the 1912 novel by Jean Webster. Set in turn-of-the-century New England, it tells the story of Jerusha Abbott, the oldest orphan in the John Grier Home. A mysterious benefactor agrees to send her to college under the condition that she writes him a letter once a month, and through this correspondence, she shares her experiences of discovering literature, adventure, love and self. Not knowing who her aid is, she dubs him "Daddy Long Legs."
The show, produced by Ken Davenport (Kinky Boots) and Michael Jackowitz (How To Succeed in Business...), premiered at California's Rubicon Theatre Company in 2009 and has had acclaimed productions throughout the United States as well as international productions in Canada, Tokyo and London's West End.
The New York production features scenic and costume design by Olivier Award winner and Tony Award nominee David Farley (Sunday in the Park With George), lighting design by Paul Toben (The Story Of My Life), sound design by Peter Fitzgerald and music direction, arrangements and orchestrations by Brad Haak (An American in Paris).
Additional producers include Hunter Arnold, Peg McFeeley Golden, Tres Rosas, Ben Bailey, David Bryant, Caiola Productions, Carl Daikeler, Jeffrey Grove, Marguerite Hoffman and associate producer Kayla Greenspan.
Tickets are available by visiting Telecharge or by calling (212) 239-6222. The Davenport Theatre is located at 354 West 45th St., New York.
