It’s a nostalgic trip to the 50’s - a time of innocent romances, a time of “company spirit," a time when seven and a half cents actually bought something. The Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company brings the Tony Award-winning Pajama Game to the Carson City Community Center May 11-20.
Billed as a "bright, brassy and jubilantly sassy show," the musical Pajama Game won the Tony for Best Musical when it opened on Broadway in 1954. Based on the novel 7 1/2 Cents by Richard Bissell, the show tells the story of a union fight in a pajama factory for a seven and a half cent raise, complicated by the superintendent of the factory falling in love with one of the union reps.
Although the plot now raises eyebrows by a generation trained in sexual harassment in the workplace, it’s a show that still entertains, partly because of the broad comedy and partly because of the well-known music. The production numbers Steam Heat and Hernando’s Hideaway and the romantic ballad Hey, There were so well known in the pop culture of the 50’s that they actually made it to the top ten of the Billboard chart for several weeks following the release of the musical.
The WNMTC production features Matt Coogan as Sid Sirokin, superintendent of the Sleep Tite pajama factory and Andie Anderson as Babe Williams, union representative and head of the grievance committee. Playing their comic counterparts are Christopher Willson as Hines, Jen Coogan as Gladys and Jeff Whitt as Prez. Pat Hardy is the stingy factory boss.
The show is rounded out by a cast of 30 singers and dancers, accompanied by a live professional orchestra. Gina Kaskie Davis is the choreographer, Kevin Murphy the orchestra conductor.
According to Producer/Director Stephanie Arrigotti, "This show is pure entertainment put on by great singers, dancers and comedians. It is a family-friendly comedy with outstanding music that will lift your spirits and leave you humming."
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There is also a Saturday matinee May 19 at 2 p.m. For more information, call our office at 775-445-4249 or Click Here to puchase online today!
