Centerstage - Chicago's Original City Guide

Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theater
Tickets: (847)634-0200
Through July 3

If you are looking for a sweet, old-fashioned musical comedy with just a little bite to it, The Pajama Game is for you. Harking back to the more innocent 1950s, guest director Stafford Arima has orchestrated a show that will appeal to everyone, particularly older audiences.

The story centers around the efforts of the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory’s employees to secure a raise of 7 1/2 cents per hour. Woven throughout this tale of union versus management is the love story between Babe Williams, the union grievance committee leader, and Sid Sorokin, the handsome, new factory superintendent. Therein lies the musical’s conflict. Amid the love triangles, spats, jealousies and reconciliations, are some wonderful songs and dances from Broadway’s classic era: “Steam Heat,” “Hey, There,” “Hernando’s Hideaway,” “There Once Was a Man,” and many others.

This cast could not possibly be topped. The talented and captivating Heidi Kettenring stars as strong-willed Babe. Heidi is radiantly beautiful; her smile absolutely lights up the Marriott stage! This leading lady also has one of the strongest, most expressive voices to be heard on a Chicago stage. Cast opposite her is the handsome Brian Herriott, who might be one of the few actors around who can hold his own opposite Ms. Kettenring. His deep, rich baritone voice wraps easily around this score, especially when, in a particularly clever moment, he sings a duet with himself on a dictaphone. When these two performers take stage the audience can expect a powerhouse of talent.

It was wonderful to see the comedic and musical talents of Alene Robertson, Evan Pappas and the wide-eyed Rachel Rockwell on the Marriott stage once again. While all three shine in a number of hilarious songs and dances, Robertson and Pappas are particularly agile in the humorous “I’ll Never Be Jealous Again,” while Ms. Rockwell’s superbly executed “Steam Heat,” along with ensemble members Matt Raftery and Christopher Saunders, stole the show!

A special mention must be made of Thomas M. Ryan’s inventive set design. I am always amazed to see how he handles the difficult assignment of creating a new atmosphere in the Marriott space while still enabling the audience to see everything. This set, complete with steaming pipes, movable cogs and clocks, and six delightfully portable sewing machines that come racing down the aisles, especially help make this production soar!