Westfield's production of "The Pajama Game" allowed everyone in the audience to have a "Once-a-Year Day" as they watched with wonder and delight. The bright costumes and 1960's style gave the musical an upbeat tone and a fast pace, leaving the audience wanting more.
In 1953, Richard Bissell published the novel "7 and a Half Cents," and it became the basis for the popular Broadway adaptation "The Pajama Game." When first produced in 1954, it won a Tony for best musical, and as its popularity rose, a movie adaptation followed in 1957. Its overwhelming fame led to the show being revived twice on Broadway, both in 1973 and more recently in 2006, when it won the Tony for best revival of a musical.
Westfield's production of "The Pajama Game" was bursting with the colors and styles that marked the 1960s. During numbers such as "Once-a-Year Day,” the audience couldn't help but gaze at the colorful and beautifully crafted dresses that all the females had donned. The girls' costumes looked stunning on stage and fit so perfectly within the era that the audience was left asking themselves if they were looking at a photograph from the time.
The leads of the show, Sid Sorokin (Andrew Sharpe) and Babe Williams (Emily Cervarich) both gave strong performances. Sharpe possessed an amazing, low register, which he utilized well during songs such as "Hey There." Cervarich amazed the audience with her wonderful range, and the subtle beauty of her voice. Her vibrato was natural and very like the style adopted by stars of the 1960s, and her transitions from different registers were unnoticeable, giving her a smooth and charismatic singing style.
The supporting roles were characterized by their strong voices and great energy. Hines' (Keegan Garant) exaggerated physicality never failed to make the audience laugh, and Mabel's (Jessica Swanson) excellent characterization and solid voice quickly made her an audience favorite. The sassy Gladys (Shaina Greenberg) had a strong singing voice and humorous facial expressions, and showed it in classic numbers like "Hernando's Hideaway." The flirty Prez also had an infectiously high level of energy, grabbing the audience's attention any time he stepped out on stage. Another audience favorite was the fabulously played Pop (David Koenigsberg) who displayed commendable comedic timing and characterization. His unadulterated interest in his stamp collection always left the audience in stitches.
The choreography did a respectable job of showcasing the individual talents of the students. Students such as Connor Rudy and Meredith Mehegan displayed their prowess in technical dance in the number "I'll Never Be Jealous Again Ballet." And the audience was amazed at the gymnastic ability of certain performers in the company picnic that took place in "Once-a-Year Day."
Westfield's production of "The Pajama Game" was a wonderful adaptation to a 1960's classic. The bright backgrounds and costumes left the audience feeling excited. The musical was humorous, interesting, and had an ending that left the audience comfortably satisfied.