The Pajama Game
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Roberts, Dean
Photo by Alysa Brennan
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By Ben Miles
This production (with music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross) is George Abbott and Richard Bissell's (taken from Bissell's 1953 novel, 71/2 Cents) celebrated Broadway musical. Having won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1954, as well as the 2006 Tony for Best Revival, The Pajama Game has become legendary in the annals of American theater. After all, it was a youthful Shirley MacLaine who was plucked from the chorus line to fill the role of Gladys for a suddenly injured Carol Haney. Some Hollywood producers were in the audience at that long ago performance. They were impressed enough by MacLaine to offer her a movie contract. And, of course, the proverbial star was born.
Moreover, the inimitable Bob Fosse was the choreographer for that premiere production. In the "Steam Heat" number, which opens Act Two, Fosse's influential style was in its early and uniquely identifiable formation. This is the show that made Fosse's creative choreography a brand-name.
Now, The Pajama Game is being staged by Musical Theatre West through November 18 at Long Beach's Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Under Steven Glaudini's light directorial touch, John Vaughan's choreography, and Daniel Thomas' musical direction, this PJ Game is a production that ought to make getting dressed and getting out to see it a high priority.
The plot centers on a simmering labor dispute at the Sleep Tite pajama factory. Manufacturing supervisor Sid (the amiable tenor Paul Dean), and Babe, the lady leading the pajama-making proletariats (a fetching Darcie Roberts), are at odds in the negotiations, which hinge on a 7 1/2 cent pay raise for jammy workers. A strike is imminent. Nevertheless, Sid and Babe find it impossible to resist their attraction to one another.
With nearly a dozen-and-a-half song and dance routines, one is impressed by the enduring cultural imprint of the music and the moves. For instance, "Hey There," "There Once Was a Man," and the full-bodied and fun-filled "Hernando's Hideaway," have all become hallmarks of 20th Century popular music. Any rendition of "Steam Heat" without the Fosse-like motions would be a disappointment. Choreographer Vaughn does not disappoint.
Further, Terra MacLeod, as Gladys, perfectly embodies the role while meeting the physical rigors of Fosse-mania. Nick DeGruccio is a sunburst of energy as Hines; Robert Pieranunzi lends an endearing awkwardness to his portrayal of Prez; and Vonetta Mixon is a cheery delight as Mabel. With all of this, The Pajama Game is bound to keep audiences on the tips of their slippers throughout its two-and-a-half hour running time.
The show plays Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. Matinees are on Sundays at 2 p.m. The Carpenter Performing Arts Center is located at 6200 East Atherton Street, in Long Beach. For reservations, dial (562) 856 - 1999 ext. 4. For further information, visit www.musical.org.
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