- The cast of “The Pajama Game” row 1, left to right: Haydn Blau, Max Malueg, Tyler Demerath, Coral LaPalm, Emily Herman, Raphi Jochman, Meghan Opgenorth, Cassi Peters, Jenna Gardner, Brittney Gist, Katelyn Schmidt; row 2: Colton Gaertig, Jena Palubicki, Zach Goodacre, Mariah Webster, Alyssa Demerath, Kaitlynn Carr, Gail Goodacre, Molly Hanson, Ariel Jochman, Trisha Wilquet, Elizabeth Renkas, Melissa Corrigan, Morgan Anschutz; row 3: Zach Halfman, Clint Bone, Taylor Bailey, Alex Hasse, Joey Krohlow, Alex Opgenorth, Chris VanHoozen, AJ Roark, Jenna Albert, Megan Taubel, Rachel Bucheger, Kayla Doersch, Megan Biese, Alison Brugger; not pictured: Abby Christensen, Eiley Schiffer, Chris Kollath and Kateri Cornelius. – Photo by Rick Cohler
Take a trip back to the 1950s in Seymour Community High School’s production of “The Pajama Game.”
Performance dates are Friday, Feb. 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. The audience is encouraged to come in their p-j’s to the Saturday night performance.
“The Pajama Game” is based on the novel “7½ Cents” by Richard Bissell. The score is by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. The show has seen several revivals since.
According to Music Theatre International, the dangers of a workplace romance are explored to hysterical effect in the romantic comedy. Conditions at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory are anything but peaceful, as sparks fly between new superintendant Sid Sorokin, Alex Haase, and the feisty union grievance committee leader Babe Williams, played by Coral LaPalm.
Their relationship comes to a head when the workers strike for a 7½ cent pay increase, setting off not only a conflict between management and labor, but a battle of the sexes as well.
The original Broadway production opened in May, 1954. Doris Day starred in the 1957 movie version.
“We chose it because it is light-hearted, charming and funny with dance numbers and a lot of bright colors,” Director Amy Bucheger said. “We want to have a play which can accommodate a medium to large cast. There are several large-company ensemble numbers in the play.”
One of the scenes to watch for is at the company picnic.
“There’s a knife-throwing trick scene, but that’s all I’m going to say,” Bucheger said.
Again, as in years past, there are many more students involved in putting “The Pajama Game” on stage than just the cast and crew.
“It’s definitely a school-wide project involving a large number of students and we’re greatful for that,” Bucheger said.
About half of the production’s costumes will be rented from Miller and Campbell Costume Service in Milwaukee, but the rest has come from the school’s costume closet and items the cast and crew have found at home or picked up from area thrift shops.
The cast for “The Pajama Game” includes:
Babe Williams, Coral LaPalm; Sid Sorokin, Alex Hasse; Gladys, Emily Herman; Hines, AJ Roark; Prez, Alex Obgenorth; Hassler, Chris VanHoozen; Pop, Paul Bucheger; Josephine, Gail Goodacre; Rita, Rachel Bucheger; Brenda, Molly Hanson; Mara, Megan Beise; Mary, Elizabeth Renkas; Charley, Chris Kollath; 1st Helper, Joey Krohlow; 2nd Helper, Zach Halfman; Mae, Alyssa Demerath; Max, Clint Bone; Sandra, Cassandra Peters; Carmen, Abbey Christensen; Charlene, Meghan Opgenorth; Pat, Megan Taubel; Ann, Taylor Bailey; Doris, Raphi Jochman; and Waiter 1, Zach Goodacre.
The alumni assistant director is Sam Kutzka, technical director for production is Ryan Alban, Teresa Mikulski will serve as set director and choreography is by Tina Harpold, all members of the SCHS faculty. Retired teacher Deb Finn is in charge of props and parent Sue Thiel is in charge of costumes.
Tickets go on sale at the Thunderzone at SCHS on Monday, Feb. 6, from 7:30-7:55 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:40 p.m. Ticket prices are $8 for adults, $10 for orchestra seats, and $7 for students and seniors.
