Don Gingold / Wednesday, October 19, 2022 / Categories: Coming Soon

The Pajama Game

Weekends June 16-25, 2023, Naperville Central HS Auditorium

Event date: 6/16/2023 7:30 PM - 6/25/2023 3:00 PM Export event

Book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell
Music and Lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross

Based on the novel "71/2 cents" by Richard Bissell

The Pajama Game was awarded the 1955 Tony for Best Musical and, over half of a century later, claimed the award for Best Revival of a Musical, proving that the story is truly timeless. With an energetic score by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross (Damn Yankees), The Pajama Game is brimming with songs and dances that have become musical theatre standards, including "Steam Heat" and "Hernando's Hideaway."

Conditions at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory are anything but peaceful as sparks fly between new superintendent, Sid Sorokin, and Babe Williams, leader of the union grievance committee. Their stormy relationship comes to a head when the workers strike for a 7 ½ cent pay increase, setting off not only a conflict between management and labor, but a battle of the sexes as well.

Featuring plenty of fun and splashy production numbersThe Pajama Game is filled with standout featured roles and a large ensemble, making it perfect for our community. This perennial favorite is a surefire crowd-pleaser and a glowing example of solid, classic musical comedy.

Audition info

Who:

Director: Barry R. Norton

Vocal Director: Ted Waltmire

Music Director: Kitty Karn

Choreographer: Marianna Kontos

Producers: Ted Waltmire, Steve Zeidler

CHECK OUT OUR AUDITIONS PAGE FOR A FULL BREAKDOWN AND FORMS TO FILL OUT!

When:

Monday, April 10, 6-9 pm

Tuesday, April 11, 6-9 pm

Callbacks: Wednesday, April 12, 6-9 pm (by invitation only. If called back, you will receive an email by Wednesday, April 12th by 10 am) If you did not receive a callback, it does NOT mean you are not in the show!

Where:

Naperville Park District - Fort Hill Activity Center

20 Fort Hill Dr

Naperville, IL 60540

Material to Prepare

Bring a Headshot/Resume 

Please prepare to sing 32 bars of a song that shows off your voice. If you are auditioning for a principal singing role in THE PAJAMA GAME, you are highly encouraged to prepare a song from the show. Otherwise, please prepare a song in the style of the show that shows off your voice and acting ability. Bring sheet music of the song you've prepared. An accompanist will be provided. No a capella or recorded music. Dress comfortably for the dance audition.

 Please bring any conflicts between April 16-June 25th. No conflicts submitted after the first read-through will be accepted

Offers will be made by phone between April 12-15 by phone. If you are not cast, you will receive an email no later than April 16th. 

Time Commitment

First Rehearsal: Sunday, April 16, 2-6 PM

Rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoons (2-6 pm), Monday, Wednesday, and occasional Thursdays (either 6-9 or 7-10 pm)

Tech week: Sunday, June 11- Thursday, June 15

Rehearsals will take place at Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, Naperville Central High School, and Fort Hill Activity Center, all in Naperville.

Performances: Naperville Central High School Auditorium (440 West Aurora Ave Naperville, IL 60540)  Friday, June 16, Saturday, June 17, Sunday, June 18, Friday, June 23, Saturday, June 24, Sunday, June 25th. Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 pm Sundays at 3 pm (actors required to participate in set strike after the final performance)

CASTING BREAKDOWN 

CATHERINE "BABE" WILLIAMS - The leader of the Union Grievance Committee, who against her own will at first, falls in love with Sid. Strong, feisty, a little stubborn, and full of pride for the union but also charming and sensitive. The unspoken leader of the workers and women who work at the factory. Mezzo-Soprano (A3-F5)

SID SOROKIN - New superintendent is adamant about keeping his job and improving his job performance. Who against his own will falls in love with Babe, despite their being on opposite sides of the labor dispute. Baritone (B2-Ab4)

GLADYS - Mr. Hasler's secretary. Her penchant for nights out on the town, along with her sexy demeanor, often lands her in hot water with men. Gladys is an exceptional dancer. Alto (B3-F5)

MR. HASLER - The president at Sleep Tite. Fiscally conservative, he is demanding, stubborn, and uptight. Non-Singing

POP - Babe's agreeable father. Non-Singing

PREZ - President of the union at Sleep Tite. He is not the brightest person. A notorious flirt and womanizer who constantly regrets his marriage.Tenor (Db3-F#4)

VERNON HINES - Time study man at Sleep Tite. He is the jealous type, but has a kind heart and a talent in knife-throwing. Surprisingly soft around the edges. Baritone (B2-F4)

MABEL - Sid's secretary. Her earnestness can occasionally melt into crassness, but she is always very aware of the happenings at Sleep Tite. Alto (B3-F5)

ENSEMBLE: Brenda, Mary, Mera, Poopsie, Rita, Charley, Joe, Other Employees Of Sleep Tite. 

CHILDREN: We are also seeking to cast some children ages 10 and up to appear in the Company picnic and Union Rally scenes/songs 

We encourage actors of all races, ethnicities, genders and abilities to audition. 

NOTE: This is an unpaid, non-Equity production. 

VIP Ticket Requirement Each cast member will need to purchase a “VIP Ticket” for the Summer Place 2023 Season. This is a $35 discounted season ticket that includes 

1 free ticket to “The Pajama Game”

a ticket to Summer Place’s production of “Newsies” in July/August

 invitation to all social and educational events planned for the year. TIcket can be purchased here: https://tinyurl.com/5h2m56rc 

If you have questions or encounter problems with submitting your application, please email us at auditions@summerplacetheatre.org

In case you would like to familiarize yourself with the songs from the show and which songs each character sings, we have provided a list below

 Song List

Act 1

The Pajama Game: Hines

Racing With the Clock: Ensemble

A New Town is a Blue Town: Sid Sorokin

I'm Not at All in Love: Babe Williams and Girls

I'll Never Be Jealous Again: Hines and Mabel

Hey There: Sid Sorokin

Her is: Prez and Gladys

Sleep-Tight: Ensemble

Once a Year Day: Sid, Babe, Ensemble

Small Talk: Sid Sorokin, Babe Williams

There Once Was a Man: Sid Sorokin, Babe Williams

Act 2

Steam Heat: Gladys, Ensemble

Think of the Time I Save: Hines and Girls

Hernando's Hideaway: Gladys Ensemble

7 1/2 Cents: Babe Williams, Prez, and Ensemble

There Once Was a Man (I Love You More) Reprise: Sid Sorokin, Babe Williams

The Pajama Game Closing: Full Cast

Performances will be held at the Naperville Central HS Auditorium.

VIP, Season, Group and Individual tickets are now on sale!. Buy a season ticket for both The Pajama Game and Newsies and save some money - you KNOW you want to see both!

Ticket Information

THE PAJAMA GAME is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).  All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.  www.mtishows.com

 

OUR PRODUCTION STAFF

Barry R. Norton (Director) Barry is a retired teacher who recently retired from CPS after 34 years of service. Barry is excited to be joining the artistic team for Summer Place Theatre and to be directing this classic musical The Pajama Game!! Barry holds a B.A. from Columbia College and an M.A. from Concordia University. At Columbia, he studied under the late Sheldon Patinkin and the Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble. With over 35 years of experience, he has held positions as Artistic Director at The Woodstock Opera House. He has earned a Heart Award for his work on "Always Patsy Cline" and the WMTC Encore Award for 2014/15 for "Oliver." Nominated for the Broadway World Award for best direction of a musical "Oliver" for Woodstock Musical Theatre. His directing credits include both professional and Community Theatre work. Some of his work includes "Mamma Mia", "Nunsense", "Joseph...Dreamcoat", "Oliver"," Annie", "Crazy for You", and Always Patsy Cline" for WMTC. "Hairspray" and "Fame" for BrightSide in Naperville. "Seussical", "he King and I", for Footlighters Theatre in Des Plaines. "Hello, Dolly!" for RCLCP in Crystal Lake. "Other directing jobs include Bye Bye Birdie", "The Wiz", "The Music Man", and "Annie Get Your Gun". When not around the stage directing, set designing, painting, or performing he can be found spending time with friends, family, and his dog Mia. He would like to thank Summer Place Theatre for welcoming him on board!

Marianna Kontos (Choreographer) is thrilled to make her Summer Place Theatre debut after being an adoring patron since childhood! Marianna began her dance journey from birth, being born into her family’s Greek Folk dancing group, The Apollo Dance Troupe. She began studying many other styles from age 3 and became hooked. Marianna is no stranger to behind-the-scenes work. Her theatrical passions also include, scenic carpentry/design and prop creating; her true loves alongside dance. Marianna started her career in the community theatre scene a few years ago at Theatre-On-The-Hill in Bolingbrook where she remains on staff. She is excited to spread the wonders of Bob Fosse through this show! Marianna can’t wait to dance with you this spring!

Kitty Karn (Music Director) is a singer/actor and voice teacher who has musically and/or vocally directed over 30 shows at the community, college and professional level since 2002. She moved to the area in 2019 after 15 years as Professor of Musical Theatre/Voice at Western Illinois University. Currently, Kitty is an Adjunct Professor of Voice at University of Illinois at Chicago as well as the Music Director for Unity of Fox Valley in Batavia. Kitty maintains a private voice studio with students of all ages and skill levels. As a performer, some of her favorite roles include Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast, Chaperone in ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’, Marmee in ‘Little Women’, Florence Foster Jenkins in ‘Souvenir’ and Phoebe in ‘The Yeomen of the Guard’. www.kittykarn.com