'The Pajama Game' to open June 12

Jun 10, 2014

A lot of the jokes from “The Pajama Game”—a musical to be performed at Buzzards Play Productions over the next few weeks—are old.

After all, it debuted in 1954.

But talk to some of those involved, and you’ll find out that although the production is from before most of the cast’s time, the humor, at least, is very relevant in today’s society.

“A lot people would think that because it’s so old that the jokes won’t be funny, but I don’t think that’s true,” said Rob Minshall, who plays lead male Sid Sorokin, a pajama factory superintendent who falls for Babe Williams (played by Anne Vohs), the leader of the Union Grievance Committee, of whom he just so happens to be involved in a labor dispute with. “The humor is very pertinent.”

“The jokes may be old, but they’re really funny,” said Director Corinne Cameron, who said she’s been involved in the production of four different showings of “The Pajama Game,” though mostly with high school casts. “I’ve always wanted to do it using more seasoned actors.”

Cameron will get her wish with the performance at Buzzards Play, as many of the actors and actresses have prior theater experience, which makes sense considering the musical’s content, which leans towards a more mature audience.

“It has a bit of raunch to it—a lot of hot numbers,” said Cameron.

As for the music, Cameron said that a lot of adults who grew up in the 50s, 60s, and 70s will remember some of the tunes from the show, which she said is probably most notable because it was one of the first performances choreographed by famed American Bob Fosse.

Fosse (“Chicago”) acted, danced, choreographed, directed, wrote, edited, and directed on stage and in the movie industry, and he won eight Tony Awards for choreography, an unprecedented feat.

“It was the first time for that great Fosse choreography that people became to know and love,” said Minshall.

“It made him famous,” said Cameron.

Minshall said that Buzzards Play was the perfect place to see the show in part due to its small size.

“It’s fun to do it in this sort of space,” said Minshall. “You can sort of break down that fourth wall and have it take place right in that audience. There’s not a bad seat in the place.”

Showings of “The Pajama Game,” (music Direction by Nancy Sparklin, book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell, music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, and based on the Novel 7 1/2 cents by Richard Bissell) will take place on June 12-14 at 8 p.m.; June 15 at 2 p.m.; June 20-21, at 8 p.m.; June 22, at 2 p.m.; June 27 and 28 at 8 p.m.; and June 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18. For reservations, call 508-591-3065.