Whittier Community Theater opened its 93rd season Sept. 5 with its production of the famous Broadway musical, “The Pajama Game,” at the Whittier Center Theater.
Based on the novel “7-1/2 Cents,” written by Richard Bissel, “The Pajama Game” was directed by Roxie Lee, produced by Monica Francis, Choreographed by Rebecca Schroeder, with musical direction by Brian Murphy and special arrangements by the Music Theatre International.
Set in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1954, the musical reunites Jason and Amy Miramontes of last year’s production of “Laura” and tells an interesting love story about labor relations in the pajama factory that hires a new super, Sid Sorokin, (played by Jason Miramontes), locking horns with its fiery union rep, Babe Williams, (played by Amy Miramotes).
Unlike their previous noir romance-murder nod in “Laura,” “The Pajama Game” has Jason and Amy singing at the top of their lungs professing their love for one another with such tunes, as “I love you more,” “Once-A-Year Day,” and “Small Talk,” as well as funny musical numbers sung by the cast such as “I would Trust Her” sung by Vernon “Heinzie” Hines, (played by Greg Stokes), and Mabel, (played by Tina Quick-Snedaker), “Her is” sung by Prez, (Justin Patrick Murphy), Gladys, (Played by Jeri Harms), and Mae, (played by Rebecca Schroeder), and “The Pajama Game” sung by the entire cast.
The musical also highlights Jason Miramontes’ vocal range with such tunes as ‘Hey There,” and “A New Town Is A Blue Town.” As well as Amy Miramontes’ with “I’m Not At All In Love”. A song she performs with the girls.
The entire cast should be applauded for its high energy performances, especially Stokes and Harms, who add wonderful comic timing to their characters. Also notable in the ensemble are Schroeder, Quick-Snedaker, Murphy and Ben Otis.
Lee’s direction is crisp and she keeps the play moving on its feet with the cast pulling off the many numbers. All of the characters are vibrant and animated as a big musical must have for it to suceed and this “Pajama Game” certainly does that.
Besides the dancing, acting, and refreshing choreography, “The Pajama Game” is full of laughs, singing, dancing, and much more.
There are several Rio Hondo staff members and former students involved in the production. Among them are Monica Francis, Suzanne Frederickson, Rosalva Reza, Eric Nelson and Richard DeVicariis.
The cast also includes Jennifer Bales, Roger Chui, Randy Calcetas, DeVicariis, Meghan Duran, Jim Gittelson, Andy Kresowski, Brianna Murphy, Nelson, Isabella Ramirez, Reza, and Alice Villa.
The musical continues its run this weekend with shows Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and a matinee Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The play will close its run Sept. 12 and 13 at 8 p.m.
