Review of The Pajama Game

Posted: 2/7/06 at 3:06pm

Amazed to find a completely sold out theater on Super Bowl Sunday, I settled into my seat with tempered expectations. Based on the reviews here and word of mouth, I figured The Pajama Game would fall somewhere in between decent and good, but it turned out to exceed my expectations. While not a brilliant show (like my current favorite, Sweeney Todd), it was extremely solid and entertaining. It makes up for in charm what it lacks in substance. Watching shows like Sweeney or Light in the Piazza, which evoke a myriad of emotions with their multi-dimensional characters and stirring stories, is like watching those creative small independent films. The Pajama Game, on the other hand, is the theater-equivalent of the latest frothy Reese Witherspoon or Cameron Diaz romantic comedy. Yes, it is light-hearted, predictable and sometimes syrupy, but it can still be a lot of fun.

Kelli O’Hara and Harry Connick, Jr. have wonderful chemistry, both in their songs as well as in their other interactions on stage, such as during their suggestive flirtations in the scene leading up to “Small Talk.” They sound great together, particularly in the “Hey There” reprise and “There Was a Man.” I’ve never heard Harry sing live, but his voice onstage is very similar to the voice you hear on most of his CDs. I think he made a wise choice in selecting The Pajama Game for his Broadway debut. The songs are very well-suited to his wistful, crooning voice and jazz influenced delivery. I especially liked “Hey There” and the crowd favorite “Hernando’s Hideaway” during which he gives a rousing performance on the piano. The dancing does not seem to come as easily for him, but it doesn’t really detract from the rest of his performance either.

Kelli’s acting is spot-on. She inhabits the role so naturally that you don’t doubt for a moment that she is Babe Williams. She exudes the perfect combination of sass, feistiness and vulnerability. Kelli’s voice in this production is a dramatic departure from LITP. It still sounds crystal clear, but it is lower and earthier with a touch of country. This role obviously provides Kelli with an opportunity to show her versatility, to avoid being type-cast, but had I not seen her in LITP, I would have thought that she was an adorable but not exceptional performer. This is not to say that her voice in The Pajama Game isn’t lovely. It is. But it is the voice that I heard in LITP that reverberates in my mind. Of course, that has more to do with the songs than her talent, but I’m glad I saw her in LITP first.

Megan Lawrence as Gladys gave a standout performance in “Hernando’s Hideaway” with her impeccable comic timing and priceless expressions. For those of you planning to buy tickets to this show, you must get seats where you can see the far right section of stage. Otherwise, you will miss the funniest part of the show.

Several years ago, I saw “Steam Heat” performed on Broadway in the musical Fosse, and it made enough of an impression on me that I immediately thought of it when I saw the ads for The Pajama Game. The Fosse cast did an excellent job with “Steam Heat,” so I was curious how it would be staged in The Pajama Game revival. The second act opened with this number, and it was very well-received by the audience. However, I felt slightly disappointed even though the actors (Joyce Chittick, Vince Pesce and David Eggers) certainly threw themselves into the number and exhibited considerable dancing talent. To me, it lacked the requisite Heat. I suppose every number is open to interpretation, but I loved the underlying sensuality in the Fosse version. The Pajama Game version felt very scrubbed, but then again, perhaps it is in keeping with the tone of the rest of the show.

Overall, this production is really upbeat and wholesome in an old-fashioned sort of way (which may contribute to why some people view it as outdated). I think it works. The tone and mood of the musical reminds me of the 42nd Street revival on Broadway a couple of years ago. Such an energetic and enthusiastic young cast. Their enthusiasm is infectious. The Pajama Game did not give me a lot to reflect on afterwards, but I had a fabulous time while I was in the theater.

BTW, I saw Kelli and Harry on The Today Show this morning. Harry was so gracious in directing the limelight to Kelli. They seem to have a great rapport off-stage as well onstage.

[Steve2]

Posted: 2/7/06 at 3:13pm

Wow, I am glad you enjoyed your Sunday at Pajama Game. Thanks for taking the time to write your review.

[bare_nakedlady]

Posted: 2/7/06 at 3:15pm

Thanks for the great review. I'm going tomorrow (provided I get a rush ticket) and looking forward to a good time

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 2/7/06 at 3:44pm

Great review! I'm so happy to hear that Megan Lawrence is doing a bang up job as Gladys, but having seen the wonderfully talented Jen Cody in many shows, I'd love to see her in that role, too.

[LiTtLeDaNcEr729]

Posted: 2/7/06 at 4:15pm

I was in the audience Super Bowl Sunday as well. The audience really seemed to enjoy it. It was just a lot of fun to watch.

[flaemmchen]

Posted: 2/7/06 at 5:38pm

Great review! I felt exactly the same way about Steam Heat.

[GretchaSketh]

Posted: 2/7/06 at 5:44pm

Really? I LOVED Steam Heat! Although I haven't seen the one from the Fosse cast! This is the only one I've seen and I think it's AMAZING! Kelli is amazing and I absolutely adore her. and I agree, their chemistry is phenomenal!

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/7/06 at 5:50pm

Dottie, Jen is the Gladys understudy. Maybe she'll go on one of these days. I do agree that she would be fabulous in the role.

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 2/7/06 at 6:02pm

im glad you had fun, thanks for the review! i would love to see this show- one because it sounds great, and two because i got something back from kelli last week! she is the sweetest person ever. i got something back from her in a "record time" for me ( 1 week, and 3 days after i sent the letter), and she signed my fan pic, a TPG add (signed by Harry too) and a letter. i love her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO PAJAMA GAME!!!