Miss Hall’s School to Present 'The Pajama Game'
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Miss Hall’s School Theater Ensemble will present “The Pajama Game” in performances at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, and Saturday, Feb. 26, and in a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Feb. 27.A popular musical comedy that explores the risks and rewards of workplace romance, “The Pajama Game” tells the story of a Midwest pajama factory, where employees want a raise and are threatening to strike. Negotiations get tricky, however, when plant superintendent Sid Sorokin falls for Babe Williams, leader of the union grievance committee. A romance between factory manager Vernon Hines and Gladys Hotchkiss, secretary to boss Myron Hasler, further complicates matters.
The original Broadway production, which opened in May 1954, won three Tony Awards in 1955, including Best Musical. It features music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, later known for “Damn Yankees.” The show is also credited with starting the career of Shirley MacLaine, an understudy to the Tony Award-winning Carol Haney, who played Gladys Hotchkiss in the original production.
The MHS performances will take place in the Woods Theater of the Elizabeth Gatchell Klein Arts Center on the Miss Hall’s School campus. General admission is $5, and reservations are strongly recommended. Senior citizen and handicapped-accessible seating is available. Call 413-443-6401 for tickets and reservations.
The production stars senior Maggie Kittner, of Great Barrington, as Babe Williams; senior Hope Ward as Sid Sorokin; senior Allie Carey, of Pittsfield, as Vernon Hines; senior Savanna Dunham, of Pittsfield, as Gladys Hotchkiss; and sophomore Rachel Baumgarten as Myron Hasler and a Steam Heat dancer. The show also features senior Lily Crane, of Dalton, as Mabel; junior Jasmine Becker, of Pittsfield, as Prez; freshwoman Rebekah Spence, of Pittsfield, as Charlie and Pop; junior Hart Minifie, of Pittsfield, as Max, Fabio, and the waiter; and senior Kerry Krentsa, of Stockbridge, as Mae.
Performers also include sophomore Lina Oh as Poopsie; sophomore Kyanna Joseph as Brenda; freshwoman Katharine Reid, of Lenoxdale, as Joe; and freshwoman Asata Evans as Virginia. Additionally, the cast includes freshwoman Kelsey Rich, of Pittsfield, as Ann; freshwoman Shaija Mills as Charlene; freshwoman Maria-Gloria Contrada as Dale; junior Morgan Schuler, of Stockbridge, as Linda; freshwoman Marina Yoshimura as Doris; junior Lindsay Yoon as Carmen; and freshwoman Clarisavel Garcia as Rodriguez.
The musical is directed by MHS Theater and dance teacher Jennifer Jordan. Sophomore Callie Atwell, of Becket, is the assistant choreographer; sophomore Devin Melle, of Pittsfield, is the stage manager; senior Leah Sullivan, of Pittsfield, handles lighting; and senior Alex Esheyigba is the costume assistant. Members of the technical theater crew include junior Tori Loubert, of Housatonic; sophomores Jañelle Barnes, Sijie Chen, Shiloh Frederick and Sutton Moore; and freshwomen Zoe Borghard and Kayla Lloyd.
