‘The Pajama Game’

Press, 4 July 1987, Page 8

‘The Pajama Game’

“The Pajama Game,” by St Joseph’s Light Operatic Society, directed by Penny Giddens, at the Repertory Theatre, July 3 to 11. Running time: 2 hours 20 minutes. Reviewed by Mike O’Brien.

A very warm audience last evening greeted the return to Christchurch of “The Pajama Game” after 18 years. Patrons were delighted with this successful presentation of the AdlerRoss musical comedy. Set in a factory fraught with union tensions and production pressures, the story trips quickly through disputes of the heart and the pay packet Setting the pace in the "Sleep-Tite” Pajama Factory was the energetic Kevin Knowles as a, time and motion man, tflines,.

and grumbling close behind was the well cast John Burrell as the gruff and gravel-voiced boss. Jonathan Densem warmed to the part of Sid Sorokin, the new superintendent. He has a good voice and a comfortable presence. Patricia Van der Plaas was his initially reluctant lover, on the other side of the floor as the chairperson of the grievance committee. They worked well together. Other notables were Helen Powell who gave a sparkling performance in the funny “I’ll Never Be Jealous Again,” Sharon Howells as the secretary, Gladys, and Douglas Shields as Prez. The show’s success owes much to Penny Giddens’ strong direction which makes full use of

the Repertory stage and keeps scene flowing on scene. Her set design, especially with the busy, bright and bustling sewing department, is simple and effective. More colour is added by Lois James’ colourful costumes and Avril Leving’s energetic choreography. The choral scenes are full of enthusiasm. Some individual singing wavered at times and struggled against the orchestra, and there were occasional lapses of accent Mostly, it was a competent show presented with zest by a committed cast Eighteen years on, the show may be somewhat dated but devotees of light musicals will not be disappoinwd.