by Marchelle Hammack

The Long Beach Beachcomber

Hurry, hurry and get tickets for “The Pajama Game,” produced by Musical Theatre West. It’s a short three week run (two weekends left) and it is a joy.

Who wouldda thunk a musical about an Iowa pajama factory in 1954 could be so relevant and fresh in 2007?

Anyone familiar with MTW is aware of the Broadway-quality professionalism inherent in their productions and that the talent is often straight from Broadway. For instance, Darcie Roberts, who plays the lead, Babe Williams, has just come from her Broadway show “Curtains.” And Terra C. MacLeod, who plays Gladys, has just completed her run as Velma Kelly in Broadway’s production of “Chicago.”

Then there’s the live orchestra which sets the tone and mood with the overture, giving us a little taste of the familiar songs to come, such as “Steam Heat,” accompanied by choreography created by Bob Fosse, “Pajama Game” being one of his first Broadway credits.

Another familiar name, Shirley MacLaine, got her show biz start when she filled in for an injured Carol Haney in the first Broadway run of “Pajama Game.” Fosse’s choreography is also on view during a production number of another well-known tune, “Hernando’s Hideaway.”

There’s amour: Babe Williams (the lovely chanteuse Darcie Roberts), an employee representing the union, falls hard for management superintendent Sid Sorokin (played by the handsome and genial Paul Dean), and vice versa.

There’s comedy: Time management expert and knife thrower Hines (the king of comedic timing Nick DeGruccio) alternately pursues and is insanely jealous of the boss’s ditzy secretary Gladys (shameless scene stealer/comedienne/singer/dancer Terra C. MacLeod).

There’s a showdown between management and workers over a 7 ½ cent raise. “Compromise,” bellows Mr. Hasler (Nils Anderson), the owner, to his superintendent Sid when he tries to broker a truce. “What are you – a communist?”

The sets are a marvel – fun and colorful (kudos to set designer J. Branson). The ensemble is seamless with their lovely singing and dancing and “Pajama Game” is easy on the eyes and ears, a tribute to the power of the musical to put a smile in our hearts.
Directed by Steven Glaudini, “Pajama Game” (book by George Abbott & Richard Bissell; music & lyrics by Richard Adler & Jerry Ross) is a must see for those who enjoy musicals or those open to being swept up in the timelessness of good music, dance and story. Congratulations to choreographer John Vaughn, musical director Daniel Thomas and all those involved in this terrific production.

“Pajama Game” runs through Nov. 18 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, on the CSULB campus, Atherton and Palo Verde. Performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. For more information and ticket prices, call (562) 856-1999 or log onto www.musical.org. “Pajama Game” is the first production of their 55th season. I’d say MTW has learned a thing or two about musicals.

Coming up: “Christmas Time Is Here” on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 2 and 7 p.m. and in 2008: “All Shook Up,” “The Andrews Brothers,” and “The Wizard of Oz.”