The Pajama Game

This 50’s musical isn’t often performed these days but it is a good old show with lots of humour and catchy music. It is set in the ‘Sleep Tite’ pajama factory where the workers are in dispute with the management over a 7.5 cent pay rise.

The factory’s time keeper Hines opens the show by setting the scene and Kevin McConnachie got the show off to a lively start. He knew how to handle the comedy in this role and his sometimes neurotic character raised a good few laughs throughout the production. ‘I’ll Never Be Jealous Again’ as he expresses his frustraion over his fiance Gladys was a real fun number with Hines and Mabel. Mariel Main has an infectious personality and gave a spirited perfomance as Mabel.

The factory employees were in fine voice in their opening number ‘Racing With the Clock’ and created a bustling atmosphere with their intense sewing machining and business folding and packing away the pajamas. Paul Strilich made a real impact as the most authoratative, bombastic Mr. Hasler the boss man with little sympathy for his workers.

The factory superintendant Sid Sorokin was extremely well played by Marc Robertson who really got into the character with warmth and compassion. With a most relaxed, natural singing voice ‘Hey There’ was sung with great feeling. An excellent performance. Gemma O’Sullivan was a most believable Babe, the union leader prepared to stand up and support her fellow workers but a romantic at heart. With a lovely singing voice she grew in confidence throughout the production and was totally at ease with the lively ‘There Once Was A Man’ duet sung with Sid. Babe’s reprise ‘HeyThere’ was quite touching.

Joe Whittington was very much at ease and commanded the stage as a convincing lothario, Prez, seducing all the women round about him with real style. ‘Her Is’ with firstly Gladys and then Mae was delivered with real feeling. I did enjoy Sylvia Travers portrayal of Gladys, a somewhat ditzy secretary trying to please everyone. ‘Steam Heat’ with Gladys and the two dancers was most eye catching with its slick choreography delivered with precision. Katie Bell suited the part of the flirtatious, feisty Mae quite happy with Prez’s advances.

There are many supporting roles in this musical and there were some excellent individual characterisations which kept the show alive and interesting. The ensemble singing was very good throughout with some strong harmonies coming through clearly. There is an obvious sense of cameraderie in this company and a real family atmosphere which shone through in the Annual Picnic Scene with it’s  joyous, lively ‘Once A Year Day’ and in the rebellious ‘ Seven and A Half Cents’.

Very good use was made of the small stage and the two extended front areas which were well used for more intimate scenes. Choreography too was simple but most effective. Colourful costumes and lighting all added to the success of the show.The orchestra played well and supported the singers sympathetically.

This was a most enjoyable production showcasing an enthusiastic, commited company and some very talented performers

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