The Pajama Game

Book by Abbott & Bissell, Music & Lyrics by Adler & Ross

May 8-10 & 14-17, 2009

Directed by B. Michael Quale

Sponsored by Williams County Abstract Co.

"7 1/2 cents doesn’t buy a lot" was true in 1954 and still is. The Pajama Game, Entertainment, Inc!’s next production, is a reprisal of the tale of labor troubles at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory. The production showcases the musical talents of some of the original Inc! cast members including B. Michael Quale, Ted Lindseth, and Renee Rogness.

A strike is imminent, and the head of the factory, Myron Hasler (Lindseth), has the workers "Racing with the Clock." The union, led by Prez (Travis Gudmunsen), demands a raise of seven and a half cents an hour. As tensions increase between management and the union, a work slow-down is staged and sabotage planned with threats of firings as consequences.

But all is not labor turmoil and strife. The show also has romantic sparks. The handsome new factory superintendent Sid Sorokin (J. C. LaBar) falls for the leader of the union grievance committee, Babe Williams (Paula Swenson). Efficiency expert, Vernon Hines (Quale) and Gladys Hotchkiss (Rogness) are in love and at odds when she is chased by Prez. With songs such "Hey There," "There Once Was a Man," and "Hernando’s Hideaway," the audience will root for these lovers as much as the union roots for higher wages.

Other cast members include Kathy Evenson (Mabel), Allison Irgens (Mae), Steve Christensen (Max), Doug Hoffman (Charley), DaeMynn Stevens (Joe), Susan LaBar (Brenda), LeeAnn Clark (Virginia), Kayla Stamp (Poopsie), Darcy Klasna, Oral Johnson, Liz Seven, Mona Craft, Kevin Duttenhefner, John Oleksik, Liz Durham, Erin Stohler, Sara Walz, Beth Ryan, and Mallory Nygard.