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Review: Cinnabar Theatre’s “Daddy Long Legs”: Delicious as a cup of hot chocolate

If you’re looking for a simple, cheery musical romance to warm up a cold and rainy January day, I recommend checking out “Daddy Long Legs,” now presented by Cinnabar Theater. As undemanding and delicious as a cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows, this production is impeccably presented and impossible not to enjoy.

Set in 1908 somewhere in New England, “Daddy Long Legs” tells the story of Miss Jerusha Abbott, a resident of The John Grier Home for orphans, who learns that a mysterious benefactor has anonymously offered to pay for her college tuition. The only attached condition is that she must write a letter to ‘Mr. Smith’ every month, describing her experiences in the outside world. Unsure of his real name, Jerusha christens him Daddy Long Legs, an affectionate nickname based on her fleeting glimpse of his elongated shadow as he leaves the orphanage after making his extraordinary offer.

Cinnabar’s two-person production stars real-life married couple Brittany Law Hasbany and Zachary Hasbany, two experienced performers who bring warmth and wit to the characters, along with harmonious singing and genuine onstage chemistry. Law Hasbany is highly engaging as the spirited and warm-hearted Jerusha, while Hasbany as her benefactor Jervis Pendleton becomes increasingly intrigued by her and doubtful of his ability to win her, despite his apparent advantages as a young man of wealth and position.

The Hasbanys have long wanted to appear together in “Daddy Long Legs.” It’s been a passion project for the couple. The phrase ‘passion project’ can sometimes spell disaster, but here clearly means that every detail of the production has been long and lovingly thought through. This includes the beautifully designed set (Wayne Hovey), the spot-on period costumes (Donnie Frank) and the creative use of a range of antique trunks (props by Andrew Patton) to create new spaces and levels, with the help of simple but effective lighting (Elise Clark). Director Elly Lichenstein has chosen to stage this production partially ‘in the round,’ creating an additional audience space with cabaret-style tables that may surprise regular goers to Cinnabar but adds to the cozy intimacy of the production.

If you’re not familiar with the music and lyrics of this 2007 musical version of the original novel and stage play, don’t let that deter you. The gently upbeat melodies will pull you in, especially with standout songs such as “Like Other Girls,” “The Secret of Happiness,” and “My Manhattan,” many of which are first sung as solos and later delightfully reprised as duets. The live orchestra - Brett Strader (piano/conductor), Issac Carter (guitar) and Gwyneth Davis (cello) – provide exemplary accompaniment from the wings, aided by musical consultant Mary Chun.

You may prefer theater with an agenda or shows that set out to provoke contemporary discussion and debate; if so, “Daddy Long Legs” is not for you. Though not without the occasional mention of such of-the-time issues as women’s rights, it’s a light musical romance: you’ll know the ending as soon as it begins. But you’ll enjoy getting to know the two characters, humming along inside your head with every song reprise, and watching it all play out to its inevitable, sweet conclusion.

“Daddy Long Legs” plays at Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma until Jan. 22. The approximate run time is two hours and 15 minutes, including one intermission. Details and tickets at: www.cinnabartheater.org

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