Tigard, OR – Broadway Rose Theatre Company is pleased announce that it will mount the two-person musical Daddy Long Legs, and make it available for streaming October 9 – 25. The production stars real-life couple Malia Tippets and Joe Theissen. Rentals are $25 for a week-long rental. $5 tickets are available for Oregon Trail Card holders through the Arts for All program. For more information visit www.broadwayrose.org or call 503.620.5262.
Based on Jean Webster’s 1912 novel, which inspired the 1955 movie starring Fred Astaire, Daddy Long Legs is a heartwarming Cinderella story filled with soaring melodies. With music and lyrics by Paul Gordon (Jane Eyre) and book by John Caird, this charming tale follows a witty and tenacious young writer and the anonymous benefactor who funds her college education. The only requirement of the sponsorship is that Jerusha write her mysterious patron monthly letters outlining her progress in school. Having only had a slight glimpse of his tall silhouette, she gives him the name “Daddy Long Legs.” As the years pass and Jerusha matures into an independent young woman, her life experiences challenge both parties as they come to understand their need for connection and the profound impact they have on one another.
While the company may not be able to perform in person yet, Broadway Rose plans to safely rehearse the musical production, record it, and stream it online. “This charming love story has been on our list for years, and is a wonderful fit for the present circumstances,” says Artistic Direct Sharon Maroney. “We are grateful that technology and the generous support of our donors enables us to offer you a fresh and intimate performance in the comfort of your home. We hope you will enjoy an evening of entertainment, and thank you for supporting us during this extraordinary time.”
Broadway Rose is taking tremendous precaution to keep its staff and artists safe during the rehearsal and recording process. The small production team is maintaining social distancing and wearing masks, and will adhere to the stringent backstage protocols that the company developed. Staging a production and maintaining social distance between the actors, especially in a love story, could be challenging. However, since the show stars real-life couple Joe Theissen and Malia Tippets who live together, they are able to safely perform their scenes on stage. They will be wearing masks when they are off stage.
The Broadway Rose production will be directed by Sharon Maroney with music direction from Jeffrey Childs. The creative team includes Sean O’Skea (Set Designer), Vanessa Elsner (Costume Supervisor), Phil McBeth (Lighting Designer), Liz Carlson and Jeff Duncan (Prop Designers), Brian Karl Moen (Sound Designer), Mark Daniels (Videographer), and Jeff Duncan (Production Stage Manager).
Broadway Rose’s 2020 season is funded in part by the Regional Arts & Culture Council, the Oregon Arts Commission, and the City of Tigard. The Title Sponsor is Pearson Financial Group and The Oregonian is the Media Sponsor.
BROADWAY ROSE THEATRE COMPANY is Oregon’s premier musical theatre company. Under the artistic direction of Sharon Maroney, Broadway Rose has been producing professional musical theatre in the Portland area since 1992, enriching the region’s cultural life and increasing opportunities for Oregonians to participate in the arts. Broadway Rose is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to keeping live theatre affordable and making its productions accessible to all members of the community.
