Latest Sonoma musical has ‘Legs’

Madison Genovese stars in the musical Daddy Long Legs, a new Sonoma Arts Live production running through March 8 at Andrews Hall. From the Tony Award-winning director of Les Misérables, the national hit is based on the classic novel (with its shades of Jane Austen, the Brontë Sisters, and Downton Abbey) that inspired the 1955 Fred Astaire movie – a heartwarming Cinderella story about a witty young woman and her mysterious benefactor (played by Mischa Stephens). 

The local production is directed by Sonoma Arts Live favorite Michael Ross (My Fair Lady, Hello, Dolly, Gypsy, etc.). Set in turn-of-the-century New England, the musical tells the story of orphan Jerusha Abbott of the John Grier Home and her mysterious benefactor, who agrees to send her to college, and whom she dubs “Daddy Long Legs” after seeing his elongated shadow. Under the conditions of her benefactor, Jerusha sends him a letter once a month, describing her newfound experiences with life outside the orphanage.

The young actors have impressive resumes in regional musical theater.

Madison Genovese, new to the Sonoma Arts Live stage, plays Jerusha. Genovese most recently played Sibella in the hit show The Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder at Spreckels Performing Arts Center. Her regional credits include Nellie in South Pacific and Mary in Mary Poppins.

Mischa Stephens, also a newcomer to the Sonoma Arts Live stage, plays Jerusha’s benefactor. His recent credits include Tateh in Ragtime (Berkeley Playhouse), Jamie in The Last Five Years (PianoFight), Freddie in Chess (Custom Made Theatre), Heathers: The Musical and Yeast Nation (Ray of Light Theatre), Jean Valjean in Les Miserables (Tri-Valley Rep & SBMT), and Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar (West Valley Light Opera). 

Opening night is Thursday, February 27. Reception at 6:30pm, show begins at 7:30pm. Shows run February 27 – March 8. Thursday – Saturday at 7:30pm, Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. For more information go to sonomaartslive.org