A CHARMING LOVE STORY UNFOLDS ONE LETTER AT A TIME IN DADDY LONG LEGS AT THE THE PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY  

(February 25, 2026 – PHOENIX) – The Phoenix Theatre Company presents Daddy Long Legs, an intimate two-person musical about discovery, independence, and a love story that unfolds one letter at a time, running April 1 – May 3, 2026, in the Hormel Theatre.

Based on Jean Webster’s beloved 1912 novel, Daddy Long Legs follows Jerusha Abbott, the oldest orphan at the John Grier Home, whose life shifts unexpectedly when an anonymous benefactor offers to fund her college education. Through years of spirited correspondence with the mysterious “Daddy Long Legs,” Jerusha discovers her voice, her ambition, and her capacity for love.

Featuring a sweeping, romantic score by Tony Award-nominated composer Paul Gordon and a book by Tony-winning librettist John Caird, the musical blends wit, warmth, and heartfelt emotion in an intimate theatrical experience.

“What really inspires me about this story is Jerusha herself,” said the show’s Director Chelsea Anderson. “She’s a young woman learning about her rights, finding her voice, and claiming an education and an agency for herself at a time when that was a radical idea. Yes, we get the beautiful love story, but equally, she gets to have a backbone. She gets to be an independent thinker with really beautiful philosophical ideas.”

Each letter becomes an act of courage in Daddy Long Legs, a musical where a young woman discovers that writing her thoughts is the first step toward writing her future.

“This is a chamber musical,” Anderson said. “It’s small, just two characters and a small orchestra, but it feels expansive. The script is clever, the language is playful, and the music is gorgeous. I think folks will walk away humming the songs and thinking, ‘What a lovely evening at the theatre.’”

The cast features Carmiña Monserrat* as Jerusha Abbott and Liam Boyd* as Jervis Pendleton. Understudies include Jasmyn Gade and Atticus Adair. (*Courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association.)

With its intricate score, literary foundation, and emotionally layered performances, Daddy Long Legs showcases the power of small-cast storytelling and the artistry that can emerge from simplicity.

Tickets start at $60 and can be purchased at phoenixtheatre.com or (602) 254-2151.

Details

Dates: April 1 – May 3, 2026

Location: The Phoenix Theatre Company, Hormel Theatre

Tickets: phoenixtheatre.com | (602) 254-2151

Audio Description and American Sign Language interpretation are available for this production. Performance dates and details can be found at phoenixtheatre.com.

ABOUT THE PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY

The Phoenix Theatre Company is not only the largest professional regional theatre company in the state, with over 600 performances each year on multiple stages, but it’s also the first arts organization in Arizona and a founding member of the Central Arts District. Committed to advancing the performing arts in the Valley, The Phoenix Theatre Company’s mission is to create exceptional theatrical experiences that inspire hope and understanding. For more information about our upcoming shows, outreach programs, and more, visit www.phoenixtheatre.com.