‘Pajama Game’ is ‘stuffed to the gills with singing and dancing talent’

By Charlene Baldridge
SDUN Theatre Critic

When the Old Globe produced the Broadway-bound revival of George Abbott’s “Damn Yankees” in 1993, the 106-year-old theatrical legend trooped down the aisle under his own power, and when he received a standing ovation reportedly said, “There must be somebody important here.”

Currently through August 1, Starlight Theatre treats audiences to another of Mr. Abbott’s hits, the 1955 Tony Award winner “The Pajama Game,” which he directed and co-wrote with Richard Bissell, author of the novel “7 1/2 Cents,” upon which the musical is based. The original production introduced songwriters Richard Adler and Jerry Ross—and also a choreographer named Bob Fosse.

Although Starlight’s production contains tantalizing whiffs of all its genius creators and is stuffed to the gills with singing and dancing talent, the book fairly creaks with age despite such fantastic musical hits as “Hernando’s Hideaway,” “Steam Heat” and “Hey There.”

It’s bright and easy on the eyes and ears, due to the excellence of director/choreographer Carlos Mendoza, the firm musical direction and conducting of Justin Gray and the eye-catching costume designs of Tanya Bishop.

Courtney Corey, who played Dee-Dee in “Suds,” plays protagonist as Babe Williams, a worker and grievance committee chair in the Sleep Tight Pajama Factory. Despite his volatile nature, Babe falls in love with the new supervisor, Sid Sorokin (Joey Elrose, who seems more comfortable singing than dancing). Babe is advocating for a long-promised 7.5-cent workers’ raise, which Sid opposes until he discovers that his boss, Hasler (Dale Morris) gave the increase long ago and has been pocketing the difference. Meanwhile, the union Prez (Paul Morgavo), despite the fact that he’s married, makes the moves on every employee. Joe Joyce portrays factory timekeeper Hines, who’s stuck on steno Rae Henderson’s free-spirited Gladys. These two are comedic hoofers who spark the show despite Henderson’s mugging and the requisite drunk scene.

The scenic design is a true delight, efficiently gliding and flying from locale to locale, from Babe’s house, to the stitching room, to the company picnic, and to the office of the Prez. Even the sound system behaved. Supporting roles are nicely played by Jennifer Wilcove, Sarah Michelle Cuc, Julia Celano, Dale Morris, Jesse MacKinnon and Marlene Montes, and the 15-person ensemble is a delight to watch and hear. Gray is blessed with a 10-piece orchestra, including himself on piano.

Like all Starlight productions, “The Pajama Game” is suitable for all ages.

Through August 1
Thursdays-Sundays, 8 p.m.
Starlight Bowl
Balboa Park
Tickets: $10-$75, kids free & youth program Thursdays and Sundays
starlighttheatre.org
232-STAR