The Pajama Game

 

It was with great delight that we were invited back to Essex Police Musical Society after a four year gap due to the pandemic. The Front of House staff were very helpful and gave us a warm welcome. Thank you also for the interval drinks which were most appreciated.

For their Spring production they chose ‘The Pajama Game’, a musical that I have never seen, so I was really looking forward to the show.   The musical is based on the novel, “7 and a Half Cents” by Richard Bissell and opened in 1954 on Broadway, made into a film in 1957, starring Doris Day. The subject of the labour difficulties was a hot debate at the time and resonates today.  

This show is dated, as although appealing years ago some of the subject matter would be seen as unacceptable today. Having a married man hit on women at work and women swooning at every man that comes their way is quite laughable in these times and actually there is something of an uncomfortable feeling watching this happen in front of us.

Nevertheless this cast attacked each number with energy and gusto clearly being happy to be finally back on stage. Obviously by the smiles on their faces, they were enjoying the experience. I’m not so sure about some of the cast in the opening number, as some looked very nervous, almost frightened at just being there. This was last night of the show, but it almost felt like a first night, which is quite strange from such an experienced group.

The show contained some excellent numbers including ‘Steam Heat, Hey There You With the Stars in Your Eyes, Hernandos Hideaway’ and ‘There Once Was a Man’.  Great numbers to tap your feet to.

Dannii Carr returned to the group as leading man Sid Sorokin. Dannii is always a very reliable actor to cast and over the years has given us a good characterisation of each role he plays and is very believable. He played the new factory superintendent, eager to do well. Crossing swords with Catherine ‘Babe’ Williams (Jess Merriam), he has the dilemma of falling in love with her, whilst having to sack her. He sang all his numbers well giving us the leading man we all want to see.

Jess as Babe, was cast well, with a lovely singing voice which reached the high notes and a beautiful smile which never left her face throughout the evening. Danni and Jess, tackled each song with gusto and worked well together. They provided a very confident performance.

Vernon Hines (Strachan Coutinho) was the clockwatching, work study man, with a jealous heart over his love for flirtatious Gladys Hotchkiss (Donna Stevenson). Some serious knife throwing here during the picnic scene which made me worried for Jess standing there with the apple on her head. Cheerful and fun he played the role well although maybe he needs to slow down when he talks to the audience as I had difficulty hearing what he was saying.

Donna Stevenson, as Gladys, was the sexy siren who definitely can dance well. The choreography for Steam Heat showed her talents, together with Brenda (Louisa Turnball) and Mae (Kay de Godoy), they gave us an excellent rendition and dance routine.

Bonny Pearce as Mabel gave us a well-rounded character as the secretary, her song with Hines, ‘I’ll Never be Jealous Again’ was very funny.

Prez (Michael Pearce), the married Union Official with an eye for the ladies, has an excellent singing voice and brought this to the fore with the songs ‘Her is’ and ‘Seven and a Half Cents’.  Once again though, he must learn to slow down when he has speeches, especially to the audience as I hardly picked up one word he said. Take a breath and talk to the audience rather than rush your lines. This is something that I’m afraid the director (Heidi Merriam) really should have gone through with some of the cast.

Pop/Charlie (Robbie Robertson) was super as Pop with his liking of Sid and his frustration from his daughter’s stand at the factory. I loved the stamp album being thrust at Sid whilst Sid is just wanting time alone with Babe.

Myra Hasler (Nicola Johnstone), here is a role that most people would give their eye teeth for. A  hard headed business woman who will take no nonsense from anyone.  Powerful and scary, this role should be a peach to deliver. Unfortunately it was very obvious that she was reading the script from her clip board and even at times reading her stage directions which for me, after six months of rehearsals, is really not on, unless you have stepped in at the last moment. I do think that Nicola could have been absolutely amazing in this role as she has the right stage presence to deliver but so sad that she didn’t know any of her lines. Again the director really should have given her some help here.

The ensemble all worked well together and there was obvious enjoyment shared by all.  Costumes were colourful, in keeping with the period displayed. The set was cleverly utilised with different flats and curtains plus the simple signs to denote where they were at each given time. The backstage crew were excellent, seamlessly moving flats and props.

The 4 piece orchestra led by Musical Director Nik Graham played well although sometimes the music seemed to overpower the cast on stage. Lighting and sound were fine and gave the correct atmosphere for the various scenes. During the ‘Hernandos Hideaway’ scene, I would have liked all of the cast to have used their torches appropriately on their faces, as this could have been very effective.

This production was obviously given a lot of hard work, with the cast clearly enjoying the experience. Well done to all and we look forward to your next production.

 

Christine Davidson

NODA East District 8 Rep

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