By ALIXANDRA BINNEY
Story editor
When Cynthia Crass, Theater Department Chair, announced The Pajama Game as this spring’s musical,
much of the campus did not know what to expect. Most of us children of the 90s had never heard of this
50s-era musical before. Then, on April 25, senior J.P. Alanís entered the Garland stage and, breaking the fourth wall in true Shakespearean fashion, told the audience to “watch for the symbolism.”
The audience was riveted not only by the symbolism, but also by the vivacity and color of the musical. The finale of Act I, “Once a Year Day,” was one of the most popular performances of the night. A number consisting of solos by juniors Jessica Asperger (Mae), Daniel Reardon (Sid), and Claire Lis (Babe), and seniors Elizabeth Dervan (Babe) and Giovanni Dandekar (Prez), as well as the entire dance and vocal ensembles, enthused the crowd with a surge of energy. Moreover, this scene highlighted Tina Cocumelli’s eye for stage wardrobe. All the girls wore 50s style dresses and petticoats, while the boys of the cast captured the era’s vibe in their old baseball uniforms and suspenders. The showstopping highlight of the ending of “Once a Year Day” was when all the cast members linked arms to make a circle and fell back, creating a human snowflake.
Another crowd pleaser was “Steam Heat.” Audience member Barbara Antonsson said, “[Junior] Jenny Lamb (Gladys) really impressed me with her performance. She was dead-on and a knockout to watch.”
And who doesn’t love a good tango? In “Hernando’s Hideaway (Olé)” the chemistry between every couple was palpable, while the suggestive choreography, directed by choreographer Cindy Montoya, allowed each student time in the spotlight.
As sophomore Hannah Dunham commented, “J.P.’s facial expressions were to die for. Everyone was so on point, and it was extremely entertaining to watch. It was my favorite scene in the entire show.” The cleverest scene, however, was “Think of the Time I Save,” starring Alanís and the factory girls. Alanís’ vocals were spectacular, but Crass’ choreography stole the show. Instead of using props, the factory girls were human props, getting in a row behind and under Alanís, as a bed, a chair and a toothbrush, and the ingenious scene was hysterical.
Dandekar, as Prez, was another crowd favorite. Poly mom Grace Russak commented, “[Prez] was very funny. Whether he was chasing girls or singing, he captured the charming sleaziness Prez embodies.” Dandekar concluded the show in the final piece, “Seven and A Half Cents,” along with the rest of the cast.
The finale showcased each actor and dancer one final time, as Babe and Sid, as well as Gladys and Hines, declare their love for each other. When the last song ended, the curtains were drawn, and the lights came up. Most students were overwhelmed by the talent demonstrated by their peers, in not only their technique and vocals, but also their energy and commitment to such a wonderfully entertaining production.
Crass commented, “The Pajama Game was so much fun to watch and work on. The kids did a great job; everyone was precise with their movements and energetic.”
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