Highly Recommended **** Back in the 1950’s a book was written by Richard Bissell that opened up many eyes to the unions versus management situation in America. The book title , “7 1/2 Cents”.. Mr. Bissell’s book was based on his own experiences working with his own family in their pajama factory in Iowa. This book inspired the musical, “The Pajama Game” with Broadway writer George Abbott and Bissell creating the new “book” and music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. In 1954 it hit the stage in New York and in 1957 was recaptured on film with almost the entire Broadway cast . This is truly a classic musical that is not done often in our area. I think the last two times were 2017 and 2013.
Director, Linda Fortunato has an all new production on the stage of Theater At The Center in Munster, Indiana that is smashing and well cast. Munster is just over the state line and the theater is right off the highway, so one finds that from the city of Chicago, it is as easy to get to as the northern suburbs. It is worth the drive to see their productions.
The story line is that the Sleep-Tite Pajama Company employees and their union are fighting for a raise of 7 1/2 cents per hour. Management is saying they cannot afford to do so. The new superintendent, Sid ( solidly played by Curtis Bannister) is being treated by the employees as the enemy. Most of the workers are upset with management, so they take it out on the new guy. The head of the grievance committee, Babe ( a sparkling Elizabeth Telford) and Sid hit it off and fall in love. note: this love at first sight is very typical in the older musicals where you have less than two hours to get them together.
There are some other side stories in this musical. Hines (Jason Grimm is a standout much as the original Eddie Foy was) the time management worker and Gladys ( the adorable Kelly Felthouse) who flirts with every man are very cute. Prez ( deftly handled by Dan Klarer) seems to love every woman at the factory. Steve Silver portrays Hasler, the upper management that has some secrets which come out later. The play is fast moving with some great musical numbers. “I’m Not At All In Love”, “Hey There”, “Once A Year Day”, “There Once Was A Man ( I Love You More):, “Steam Heat” ( an incredible dance number led by Poopsie, the darling Sierra Schnack), “Hernando’s Hideaway” and of course “The Pajama Game”.
The ensemble is small in numbers but huge in talent, able to dance, sing and make the story entertaining. “Seven-And-a-Half-Cents” is the song that takes us back in time showing hos just a tiny raise would or could change their lives, and 
FYI the ending is one of happiness for all. Except Hasler. A tip of the hat to:Cynthia F. Carter, Rick Rapp, Maggie Malaney, Aalon Smith, Matt Casey, Andrew MacNaughton, Thomas Ortiz, Shannon McEldowney, Shea Pender and Christian Seibert. The choreography by Christopher Chase Carter is wonderful. I loved “Steam Heat” and “Hernando’s Hideaway” and the music direction bu William Underwood is terrific ( as always).
The set by Jack Magee is simply stated but works well. Being almost arena , one must design the set so that the people who sit on the sides have clear views of the action. This theater always makes sure this is the case. Brenda Winstead’s costumes are very 1950’s and the lighting (Guy Rhodes) and sound (David Kelepha Samba) are perfect. Since we are in the 1950’s, and hairdos were very different back then, the wig and hair designer Kevin Barthel brings us that era, to perfection. Last , but not least, on the tech side, Wendy Huber has assembled some wonderful props. This is a job truly well done. I believe that one of the sewing machines on the stage was my grandmother Ida’s.
“The Pajama Game” will continue at Theatre At The Center, located at 1040 Ridge Road ( just off the highway at Calumet exit) thru October 13th with performances as follows:
Wednesdays 2 p.m.
Thursdays 2 p.m.
Fridays 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sundays 2:30 p.m.
Tickets range from $42- $46 and can be purchased by calling 219-836-3255 or online at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com
Students are $20
Plenty of free parking and they have a Sunday brunch available before the performance. Don’t forget, when in Munster, stop at Munster Donuts ( you will thank me later)
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com go to Review Round-Up and click at “The Pajama Game”.
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