by Shirley Lorraine
Conejo Revives Pajama Game With Zest
Enjoy taking a trip down memory lane? Longing for the sheer fun and frivolity of the musicals we grew up on? Join the fun by attending The Pajama Game, now playing at the Conejo Players Theater through December 1.
The award-winning Broadway musical opened in 1955 to rave reviews. It won Tony awards for best musical and best choreography, marking the beginning of a long and prestigious career for dancer/choreographer Bob Fosse. The story, by George Abbott and Richard Bissell, is a musical adaptation of Bissell’s 1953 book, 7 ½ cents. Music and lyrics were penned by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. Many will instantly recognize such tunes as Hey There (You With the Stars in Your Eyes), Steam Heat, and Hernando’s Hideaway, to name a few.
In 2006 The Pajama Game again hit Broadway stages and garnered the Best Revival of a Musical award. Some may remember the 1957 film starring Doris Day.
Brendan Lynch stars as Sid, a newly hired supervisor for the Sleep-Tite pajama factory. He aims to assist the workers obtain a 7 ½ cent an hour wage hike. He did not figure on falling for the Union’s grievance committee leader, Babe, played by Jordyn Crowley Watts. Dissension in the factory leads to a confrontation which challenges the couple, as well as others.
With a Union strike imminent, plans must be made to turn the situation around. The good guys prevail with much singing and dancing along the way. Romance is restored. Happy ending.
The entire cast, directed by Devery Holmes, is solid throughout. Both Lynch and Watts display their voices and characters with confident clarity. Jeremy Richter as factory boss Hines sings and dances his way to success with finesse. A tap dancing, heartfelt duet with secretary Mabel (Madison Bales) is a standout number. Jordi Klingman plays a Richard Kind reminiscent character whose antics are a comedy highlight. Perky Kris Bramson portrays Gladys, secretary to the big boss Mr. Hasler, played with bluster by Conejo veteran Gary Saxer in this performance. The role is shared with Jay Weber.
Creative and spirited choreography by Miriam Durrie-Kirsch plays beautifully to the era, the skills of the 20-member cast, and the sheer enthusiasm of it all. The well-known Steam Heat dance sequence opening the second act is fresh and embodies the Fosse influence with many signature moves. Well done, ladies!
Costuming by Beth Eslick and Elena Mills is detailed, colorful and adds to the overall picture with style. The multi-piece, often dual-sided, movable set panels allow rapid scene changes, Often the cast is choreographed to assist for smooth transitions.
Donations of all types are being accepted for those affected by the Mountain Fire. New PJ’s, gift cards, cash and more all welcome. Contact the theater or bring to the performance you attend.
The Pajama Game runs through December 1 with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. and Thursday Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. www.conejoplayers.org
