A soft and fuzzy ‘Game’

To charges that “The Pajama Game” is dated, I say yes. Name a musical comedy from the 1950s that isn’t. The popular taste wasn’t for something socially challenging or even particularly relevant, but innocent and entertaining. And what does that take? An appealing story, tunes that stick to your brain like velcro, maybe a few smashing dances. Having a movie version with at least one name brand star doesn’t hurt either.

“The Pajama Game,” after receiving the Tony for Best Musical of 1955, became a movie with Doris Day in ‘57 followed by two less successful Broadway revivals. Riverside Dinner Theatre tackles this Adler and Ross classic with mixed, though overall positive, results.

Sewing machines are humming down at the Sleep Tite Pajama Factory, but trouble is brewing. The workers are agitating for a seven and a half cent raise (I told you it was dated) and are opposed by the boss, Myron Hasler (Alex Balian). The love interest — there’s always a love interest — blooms in the center of the conflict. Sid Sorokin, the newly-hired factory superintendent falls head over heels for Babe Williams, head of the Union Grievance Committee. The attraction is mutual but destined for trouble.

Stephen Hayes, who plays Vernon Hines, the time-study expert, also directs. There’s a unity in the overall “Archie Comics” feel to this piece. Colors, both set and costume, are bright but not overwhelming. Set design lines are strong and easily shifted in and out. The company, with the exception of the two leads, performs in basic two-dimension without quite resorting to slapstick. Prez (Jonathan Jenkins), the skirt-chasing Union president, and the Carol Burnett-ish Gladys (Heather McIntosh), the boss’s secretary, come the closest. The whole timbre of “Pajama Game” lends itself to frank over-the-top comedy, but the downside is that slight differences which add small sub-plots get lost in the frantic mix. The intense “Joisey” accents also create some difficulty with understanding.

The leads have a different problem. Evan McMahan (Sid) towers over the lovely Jessica Best (Babe) making their pairing visually awkward. Though the chemistry between them is doubtful, the voices are exquisite. McMahan’s rich tenor is pure joy in “Hey There (You With The Stars in Your Eyes)” and is echoed later by Best’s crystal clear soprano.

Anthony Williams, who plays the cutting room supervisor, Pete, also choreographs. Reproducing anything made famous by Bob Fosse is a challenge, but one must soldier on. “Steam Heat” requires three complimentary and very flexible bodies to move in perfect rubbery unison combining sassy human angles with press machine efficiency. Done well, it’s unforgettable. In this venue, all three dancers appear to know their moves, they just don’t know them together. Timing and spacing are off — something you can’t afford in such a tight piece.

We hope this will improve as the run continues.

This “Pajama Game” has a drawer full of energy, vibrant ensemble work, strong design, and a few splendid voices. And like all ‘50s light musicals, plenty of tiffs and misunderstandings in the path of true love — but it all comes out in the wash.

Margaret Lawrence is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association. She teaches drama at CCHS.

Want to go?
What: “The Pajama Game”
Where: Riverside Dinner Theatre, Fredericksburg
When:  Playing through June 5
Call: (540) 370-4300 or visit riversidet.com