SUN CITY – “The Pajama Game” is the next musical to take the stage at Drendel Hall this season, however, the show is anything but a snoozer.
According to co-director Linda Davis, the Theatre Company of Sun City’s springtime musical can be summed up in one word: fun.
Judy Stage and Bob Gienko practice a ‘knife-throwing’ scene at a recent rehearsal. (Photo by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
“It’s an evening of fun and enjoyment,” she said. “There are a lot of recognizable numbers in the show and quite a few big ensemble numbers with the entire cast on the stage.”
“The Pajama Game” tells the story of pajama factory workers who demand a seven and a half-cent raise but face opposition from the superintendent. However, Davis explained that the plot is multilayered.
“There is a love story going on and it’s also about the workers trying to get their raise and what they deserve,” she said.
Dick Storer, co-producer of the show, who also plays the role of Prez, elaborated on the plot’s many elements.
“There are all these different lines and little scenarios going throughout the play. It’s a comedy, and there are some neat songs in the show,” he said.
One of the major feats of the show is large musical numbers, rich with a variety of dancing styles and with the entire ensemble onstage.
“Our choreographer has been working hard with us,” said Storer. “The musical numbers are just a lot of fun to do. You can really get into them.”
Some of these musical numbers will prove to be familiar, according to both Davis and Storer, such as “Hey there” and “Steam Heat”. However, what Storer thinks will be most obvious onstage is the passion that the company has for its projects.
“The camaraderie is beyond all explanation,” said Davis. “It’s a wonderful group of people and it’s like a family. I can’t imagine my life in Sun City without being involved in both the theater company and the community.”
Storer agrees, and he feels that this kinship among members is evident in the entertainment.
“There was also a movie that came out called ‘The Pajama Game.’ It was a very fine movie, but we think that our production will be better. We’re only a little biased,” he joked.
“The Pajama Game” runs April 23 and 24 at 7 p.m., April 25 at 3 p.m., and April 26 at 1 p.m. at the Drendel Ballroom. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased April 13 at the Fountain View Atrium, from 9 a.m. to noon.
