THE PAJAMA GAME
THE PAJAMA GAME; Music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross; Book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell (Based on the novel "71/2 Cents" by Richard Bissell) and Directed by Jay Manley. Foothill Music Theatre at Southwick Theatre at
NOSTALGIA LACKING SPARK (STEAM).
It does not seem that 54 years have passed since The Pajama Game opened on Broadway winning Tony Awards as Best Musical and Best Choreography and running for 1063 performances. It started the career of Shirley MacLaine when she took over for Carol Haney who had injured her ankle. A 2006 production, starring Harry Connick, Jr., won the Tony as Best Revival of a Musical.
In 1954 John Chapman, of the NY Daily News, noting that many of the cast were newcomers, stated, “It is very difficult to take bunches of actors, songs, scenery and dancers, throw in a spot of plot and come out with a Broadway show that is first class.” Jay Manley faces the similar problem with casting only one equity actor to perform in a musical that includes great dance numbers and memorable songs. The staging of the ensemble and production numbers are vigorous and entertaining on a charming set by the always-competent Joe Ragey allowing the action to flow smoothly even when all 50 cast members are on stage. Mark Hanson and his accomplished 13 member band have a field day with the rousing music.
It is the 1950s with labor troubles in the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory where Hasler (Todd Wright), president of the company, rejects the Workers Union demand for 71/2 cent raise. Halser's efficiency expert, Vernon Hines (Doug Baird), stop watch in hand, keeps the sewing machines purring as the workers sing the catchy staccato refrain Racing With the Clock. Enter handsome, ambitious and lonesome country boy Sid Sorkin ( David Sattler), the new plant superintendent with A New Town Is a Blue Town. You and I know he will not be lonesome for long when Union representative "Babe" Williams (Sarah Aili) physically bumps into him then frantically insists to the shop girls I'm Not At All in Love.
Secondary, and even a tertiary, love story unfolds with the ever popular Hines in love with Gladys who cannot put up with his jealous behavior. Hines, with lessons from Sid's secretary Mabel (Linda Piccone) swears I'll Never Be Jealous Again. If you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you. Nerdy, lecherous
Sid and Babe are in opposite camps and while romance waits to bloom, rejected Sid, sings the marvelous ballad Hey There to a Dictaphone. This should be a heart stopping moment as the Dictaphone plays back phrases singing a duet with Sid. The spark is not there nor is there charisma between Aili and Sattler that may be a function of the harsh amplification.
The great songs are plentiful (Small Talk, I Love You More, There Once Was a Man, Think of the Time I Save, Hernando's Hideaway, Steam Heat and Seven-and-a-Half Cents) and you will be humming the tunes as you leave. Doug Baird, as jealous Hines, starts out with a bang and you might forget that Eddie Foy Jr. played the original role. Half way through the show, pardon the pun, he runs out of steam. Aili and Sattler, are very competent actor/singers (except for a few missed notes) but their clinches do not produce "steam." Why the obsession with "steam?" Because, the Steam Heat dance number should be a highlight of the show. It is not.
All the pieces are there, nostalgia abounds, the ensemble sings and dances with gusto and humor abounds, but the almost three hours (with a 25-minute intermission) needs fine tuning.
Courtesy of TheatreWorld Internet Magazine