By MaryAlice Nelson
Starlight Community Theater in Phoenix, AZ is currently showing Pajama Game,a hilarious musical that was based on the 1953 novel 7 ½ Cents by Richard Bissell but is still relevant today. Pajama Game covers labor troubles at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory, where the workers are determined to get a 7 ½ cent raise. Through the unrest, love springs between Babe (Tiffany Martinez), of the union grievance committee, and the new factory superintendent, Sid (Paul Hartwell), but can the lovers make it work with the eminent strike looming overhead?
Hartwell as Sid Sorokin, the new superintendent, is charming and swoon-worthy. Hartwell’s comedic timing is on point and chemistry with the various ladies is undeniable and he works best with his counterpart, Martinez as Babe Williams. Their awkward timidness that grows to a push and pull relationship, complete with roll with the punches attitude, is entertaining to watch. Martinez pulls everyone in when she sings, “I’m Not At All in Love” her denial is solid and voice angelic. Even with a slight wardrobe issue, Martinez is unfazed and able to handle it with grace and keep the scene on track.
Gladys Hotchkiss (Skylar Ryan) starts her dancing a little timid, but soon you realize just how talented she is as her confidence grows throughout the show. Ryan’s flirtatious attitude with all the men on stage is entrancing. Gladys’s chemistry with Vernon Hines (Jonathan Perry Brown) is great, always coddling him, and telling him not to be jealous. Vernon’s determined attitude to trust Gladys, even when she is off galavanting with a variety of men. is hilarious. Vernon will have you rolling with laughter, in “I’ll Never Be Jealous Again”.
The womanizing Prez (Troy Courtois) works with the union but also hits on any woman who would give him a second glance. The way Prez plays cat-and-mouse with Gladys is a delight in “Her Is,” and the slight reverse of roles with Mae (Susan Gibson) doing the chasing as the show progresses is a hoot. Gibson’s energy and quick retorts as she chases Prez will have you in stitches.
Myron Hassler (Joy Orton) the grouchy Company man, is a joy to hate. Hassler’s gruff demeanor has you hating him from the second he enters, but what else can you expect from someone who has a business to run? From making Gladys cry to ignoring Mabel (Lynn Golden) as she tries to tell him how bad things are getting, you know nothing positive will come from this stubborn ‘fighter.’ On the other hand, Mabel is soft and kind and her mother hen attitude provides a brilliant balance of comedic relief.
Director Dan Ashlock has done a marvelous job assembling a cast that works so well together and feeds off each other in such comedic precision. Ashlock’s lively pacing entertains everyone and makes good use of the the limited stage with his blocking and gives everyone a chance to be front and center at some point throughout the production.
The ensemble is outstanding, all shining bright in their own way, adding to the joy of the show. The variety in age is also refreshing. I especially loved the talent they have to drive the story forward through their dancing and staging during musical breaks. Choreographer Lindsay Tejara does a wonderful job creating a variety of choreography fitting to the skill level of each performer, from basic movement to rather advanced lifts and steps. The complexity of choreography throughout shines brightest in “Once-A-Year Day”.
Lighting Design by Renee Ashlock is simple, yet adequate. I especially liked the mood that it created in the “Hernando’s Hideaway”. The unconventional lighting is great and really brought you in to the exclusive club.
The thoughtful Set Design by Michelle Johnston makes the stage seem a lot bigger than it is, with a variety of pieces appropriate to the time period, the occasional fake wall and furniture that is easily moved on and off between scenes that brings you right into the pajama factory, office, home, or nightclub.
Music Director Elise Kurbat has done wonderfully with working with the cast, especially with the large company numbers that could easily get jumbled. Everything is well prepared and each actor has their opportunity to shine.
Photo by Renee Ashlock
The Starlight Community Theater is a little hard to find if you have never been there before. There is limited parking in the lot out front, but plenty of legal street parking available. This community theater may be small, but it is bursting with fun and entertainment, focusing on bringing theatre experiences to all ages. A large variety of concessions is available for cash only, by donation. Also, during the run of Pajama Game, the Starlight Community Theater’s Teen Council is running a Pajama Pack Drive and accepting donations of PJ’s for ages 3-15, socks, toothbrush sets, and stuffed animals. All the donations will go to the Foster Care Organization: Together We Rise. Pajama Game at the Starlight Community Theater is suitable for most audiences. Don’t miss out on the laughs and grab your tickets today.
Starlight Community Theater presents Pajama Game. Book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell, Music and Lyrics by Jerry Ross and Richard Adler, Based on the book Seven ½ Cents by Richard Bissell
Starlight Community Theater, 1161 W Whispering Wind Drive, Unit 9, Phoenix, AZ 8508
Feb 23, March 1-2, 8-9, 2019 7:00 PM, Feb 24, March 2-3, 9-10, 2019 matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $20
Contact: starlighttickets@hotmail.com
Starlight Community Theater Facebook Page
Pajama Game Facebook Event
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