Based on the novel 7½ Cents by Richard Bissell, this fun musical by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross won many awards when it was first produced in 1954. However, most people remember the film of the same name, starring Doris Day, which was made in 1957 and featured many of the original cast. The musical was revived in 1973 and again in 2006, winning awards on each occasion.
The Pajama Game proved to be a most suitable vehicle for CLOS, as it has a number of interesting roles for our talented members to work with and they all rose to the challenge!
The lead roles of Babe Williams and Sid Sorokin were taken by Silvey Webber (who performed most recently with CLOS in Anything Goes and Ruddigore )and Ian Crew. Although Ian has never been on stage with CLOS, he has been involved in previous productions as a member of the orchestra, where he played a plethora of reed instruments. Having tempted him on to the stage, CLOS are keen to keep him there and people now know why. His fine baritone voice was the perfect foil for Silvey’s sultry mezzo soprano and the chemistry between them resulted in an amazing performance which had the audience clamouring for more. The two met cutely, fought fiercely and, of course, fell in love with the inevitable complications ensuing!
There were strong performances from the other principals too. As Mr Hasler, Greg Groves was as bossy as a boss can be; Tim Northcott presented a precise performance as Vernon Hines, the time-study man; Marjie Dorling was Mable to a T; Neil Wells convinced everyone he was a ladies’ man with his Lothario performance and Vanessa Cross gave a performance worthy of an Oscar as good-time Gladys. There were lots of cameo parts for the chorus, with special mentions for Judith Izzard as Poopsie, Becky Larcombe as Mae and Joyce Pomeroy as Brenda. Peter Ward as Pop Williams gave a heart-warming performance - and he had a real 1950s stamp album to talk about, thanks to Marjie Dorling!
Dancing played an important part in the production too and few will forget the erotic presentation of Steam Heat, with Vanessa Cross, Jen Boxell and Robin Webber, or the tango performed in Hernando’s Hideaway with burgeoning passion by Robin Webber and Andrew Helson.
Our NODA adjudicator was fulsome in her praise; “CLOS’s choice of ‘The Pajama Game’ was inspired! From the moment the show started until the finale this show moved like a well oiled machine.” As well as being very complimentary to the major principals, she praised the minor roles and gave a seal of approval to choreography, musicality, costumes and set. So, well done all round!
As well as thanking performers for all their efforts, thanks must go to all the people who work so hard behind and around the scenes to make CLOS productions happen. We simply couldn’t do it without you. Finally, our special thanks go to choreographer Jo Wilson Hunt who turns our ‘two left feet’ into something that looks like dancing and, of course, our Musical Director Nick Lawrence, who manages to get the best out of us as if by magic!