The Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company brings the Tony Award-winning "Pajama Game" to the Carson City Community Center weekends from May 11 to 20. It's a nostalgic trip to the 1950s - a time of innocent romances, a time of "company spirit," and a time when 7 1/2 cents actually bought something.
Billed as a "bright, brassy and jubilantly sassy show," the musical Pajama Game won the Tony Award 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 7 1/2 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, because of the broad comedy and 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 50s that they made 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. A cast of 30 singers and dancers, accompanied by a live professional orchestra rounds out the show. Gina Kaskie Davis is the choreographer, and Kevin Murphy the orchestra conductor.
Producer and director Stephanie Arrigotti says, "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 matinee on Saturday, May 19 at 2 p.m.
The Carson City Community Center is located at 851 E. William St.
Tickets are available online at www.wnmtc.com , or by calling 775-445-4249 weekdays between noon and 4 p.m.
Cost is $25 to $28, depending on seating location.
