‘50s Musical Proves It’s Still Fair ‘Game’

When Richard Adler and Jerry Ross’ “The Pajama Game” opened in 1954, it brought some fresh air to Broadway with its bright tunes, sassy flavor and the promise of an inventive new musical team.

Forty-five years later, in a much smaller production, most of that sassy flavor still keeps the show sparkling, aided by a sprightly revival at Newport Theatre Arts Center in Terri Miller Schmidt’s energetic staging.

Based on Richard Bissell’s novel “7 1/2 Cents,” the book, by Bissell and Broadway legend George Abbott, details the struggle of a group of underpaid employees at the Sleep Tite Pajama Co. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to persuade their boss to give them a minimal raise.

The conflict between labor and management may not sound like musical comedy magic, but it is, along with the rocky love story between Babe, of the union grievance committee, and Sid, the new plant superintendent.

While the question of whether to strike is at the core of the proceedings, various other romances, trysts, etc., besides that of Sid’s and Babe’s, keep the employees busy during the evening and provide much of the musical fun.

Of course, the big hit from the show is “Hey There,” but some of the lesser tunes, “Her Is,” “Small Talk” and “There Once Was a Man” really deserve to be remembered. They still look and sound pretty fresh with this company.

The only thing that isn’t fresh here is Roberta Kay’s limpid choreography, which is uninventive and derivative. Fortunately for the showstopper, the crisp and clever “Steam Heat,” Kay gracefully holds up the mirror to Robert Fosse’s original choreography, and suddenly the stage comes alive.

Originally danced by Carol Haney and four males, it’s danced here by Melanie Jacobson as Gladys, with Danny Larsh and Gary Trinidad, and they are the show’s highlight.

(Trivia fans take note: One night when Hollywood bigwigs were in the Broadway audience, Carol Haney took ill, and her understudy went on. The young actress? Shirley MacLaine. Needless to say, a star was born.)

Strong performances, full of charm and with fine show tune voices, are given by Adriana Sanchez as Babe, and Darren C. Buckels as Sid. Sanchez and Buckels shine in the musical numbers and provide rounded characterizations.

Gregory Ghica is rather wooden as the boss, Mr. Hasler, as though he’s doing heavy drama instead of a light musical, but Kyle Myers is a joy as Hines, the time-study man who panics when the union calls for a slowdown, and Dennis Jones is often very funny as the union’s Prez. Myers and Jones also stand out vocally in their songs.

Beside her “Steam Heat” stint, Jacobson is exceptionally funny as Hasler’s secretary and Hines’ misunderstood girlfriend, and Diane Cullen Ruck is notable as Mabel, to whom Hines pours out his romantic fears over Gladys in “I’ll Never Be Jealous Again.”

* “The Pajama Game,” Newport Theatre Arts Center, 2501 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Ends Dec. 19. $15. (949) 631-0288. Running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes.

Darren C. Buckels: Sid

Adriana Sanchez: Babe

Kyle Myers: Hines

Dennis Jones: Prez

Melanie Jacobson: Gladys

Diane Cullen Ruck: Mabel

Gregory Ghica: Mr. Hasler

Danny Larsh: Ralphy

Gary Trinidad: Joe

A Newport Theatre Arts Center production of the Richard Adler-Jerry Ross musical, with book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell, based on Bissell’s novel “7 1/2 Cents.” Produced by Jack Millis. Directed by Terri Miller Schmidt. Musical direction: Damien Lorton. Choreography: Roberta Kay. Scenic design: Larry Watts. Lighting design: Jeff George. Costume design: Tom Phillips, Larry Watts. Technical direction: Bill Bingham. Stage manager: Kelly Tickner.