The Pajama Game

WAAPA's 2022 Graduates of Musical Theatre’s final production is a sold-out season of The Pajama Game, a joyous production that is delighting audiences. 

Designer Pia Dewar uses the two levels of the Roundhouse to best advantage with her factory set, and her use of colour, echoed in Charli Strickland’s vivacious 50s costumes, is superb. Peter Young’s lighting helps us to travel from factory to sunny picnics and dark night spots, with panache. With sound is generally well managed by designer Ani Postmus. Director Cameron Mitchell, who also provided the often-stunning choreography, uses the unusual Roundhouse space to full advantage. Set changes, mostly facilitated by the performers, in choreographed style, are swift and fun to watch.

Vocally very impressive, The Pajama Game is accompanied by a strong eight-piece orchestra led by Musical Director Craig Dalton.  

Hamish Pickering makes a very likeable Sid Sorokin, the new superintendent, set to clash with head of the Grievance Committee and union member Babe Williams, as the employees of Sleep Tite Pajama Factory fight for a 7 and a half cent raise. The role of Babe is shared, and on the night I reviewed I saw Lily Jones, a fine voiced performer who gave Babe lots of spunk and vitality - a worthy leading lady. She shares the role with Hayley Parnaby (performing with the ensemble on alternate nights).

The characters at Sleep Tite are a delight. Francesca Nason quickly establishes herself as an audience favourite, with a beautifully physicalised and vocally striking portrayal of secretary Mabel. Britt Carter is lovely as private secretary Gladys, dating the very jealous Vernon Hines, played with great comic timing and presence by Campbell Parsons, Jackson Britza is gorgeously awkward as skirt chasing Prez, while Rohan Campbell gives authority and bluster to the boss Hasler.

The characters and personalities given to smaller ladies’ roles and the female ensemble make them a believable and cohesive team. Great work from Regan Barber (great sass as Mae), Ariana Rigazzi (Brenda), Maddy Betts (Poopsie), Eliza Carlin, Taao Buchanan and Sarah Monteau. 

Lots of lovely cameos from the men including Peter Ho’s frustrated Max, Anthony Garcia’s Jo, Matt Hourigan’s mature Pop, Harry Fenn’s Charlie, Justin Wise and Arthur Lees.

A lovely nostalgic musical played with great enthusiasm by a highly talented cast. Looking forward to seeing this class in professional shows in 2023 and beyond.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Stephen Heath