Musical (1954)


Musique: Jerry Ross • Richard Adler
Paroles: Jerry Ross • Richard Adler
Livret: George Abott • Richard Bissell
Production à la création:

Version 6

Pajama Game (The) (1999-10-Victoria Palace Theatre-London)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Victoria Palace Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 2 mois 2 semaines
Nombre : 88 représentations
Première Preview : vendredi 10 septembre 1999
Première : lundi 04 octobre 1999
Dernière : samedi 18 décembre 1999
Mise en scène : Simon Callow
Chorégraphie : David Bintley
Producteur :
Avec : John Hegley (Hines), Leslie Ash (Babe Williams),
Graham Bickley (SidSorokin), Jenny Ann Topham (Gladys), Anita Dobson (Mabel), Jonathan D. Ellis (Prez), John Levitt (Mr Hasler) Alison Limerick (Gladys Hotchkiss), Karen Clegg, Heather Craig, Francesco D'Astici, Louise Davidson, Rufus Dean, Peter Edbrook, Steve Elias, Catie Entwhistle, Laura Hussey, Natasha Knight, John Levitt, Saskia Lockey, Paul Micha, Lucy Potter, Adam pudney, Phillipe Reynolds, Simon Smith, Deborah Spellman, Todd Talbot, Frank Thompson, Jenny-Ann Topham.
Commentaires : During the pre-London tour the lead female role was played by Ulrika Jonsson, who withdrew and her part was taken by Leslie Ash. It was 45 years since the show had last been in London, but generally the critics felt it had not been worth reviving - especially in what was described as a lacklustre production with some very peculiar scenery designs by the abstract painter, Frank Stella. It
ran for ten weeks.
Presse : NICHOLAS DE JONGH of THE EVENING STANDARD says, "The pyjamas are fine but where's the passion…"

BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE of THE TIMES says, "You can hum along, but that's about all."

SHERIDAN MORLEY of TELETEXT says, "Simon Callow's claims that this is one of the best Broadway musicals ever are in my view misplaced. I would not put it even in the top 20, because the songs in no way advance the story."

CHARLES SPENCER of THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Unfortunately in Callow's production the show seems over-energetic, undersexed and desperately short of real star quality."

However, not all reviews were bad, ALASTAIR MACAULAY of THE FINANCIAL TIMES says, "Crazy fun on the factory floor" and goes on to say "Simon Callow's new production is spot-on - most of the time."

Workers at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory are demanding a raise of seven and a half cents an hour but the union's demands are falling on deaf ears. Meanwhile, a romance is budding between Babe, the grievance committee head, and Sid, the new factory superintendent.

Synopsis complet


Based on the novel "7-1/2 Cents" by Richard Bissell.


Act I
"The Pajama Game Opening" – Hines
"Racing With the Clock" – Factory Workers
"A New Town Is a Blue Town" – Sid
"I'm Not At All in Love" – Babe and Factory Girls
"I'll Never Be Jealous Again" – Mabel and Hines
"Hey There" – Sid
"Racing With the Clock" (Reprise) – Factory Workers
"Sleep-Tite" – Company
"Her Is" – Prez and Gladys
"Once a Year Day" – Sid, Babe, and Company
"Her Is" (Reprise) – Prez and Mae
"Small Talk" – Sid, and Babe
"There Once Was a Man" – Sid, and Babe
"Hey There" (Reprise) – Sid

Act II
"Steam Heat" – Gladys and the Box Boys
"The World Around Us" (added to 2006 production) – Sid
"Hey There" (Reprise) – Babe
"If You Win, You Lose" (added to 2006 production) – Sid, and Babe
"Think of the Time I Save" – Hines and Factory Girls
"Hernando's Hideaway" – Gladys and Company
"The Three of Us (Me, Myself and I)" (added to 2006 production) – Hines and Gladys
"7½ Cents" – Prez, Babe and Factory Workers
"There Once Was a Man" (Reprise) – Sid and Babe
"The Pajama Game Finale" – Full Company

Sid Sorokin, the handsome new factory superintendent who falls in love with Babe, despite their being on opposite sides of the labor dispute central to the plot.
Catherine "Babe" Williams, the leader of the Union Grievance Committee, who in turn falls in love with Sid.
Myron "Old Man" Hasler, the strict head of the pajama factory who keeps a secret.
Gladys Hotchkiss, Hasler's attractive, quick-witted secretary, who dates Hines and is chased by Prez.
Vernon Hines, the factory timekeeper, who thinks Gladys flirts too much and, as a result is always jealous.
Prez, the head of the union and a skirt chaser, despite being a married man.
Mabel, the mother hen of the factory and Sid's secretary.
Mae, a loud-mouthed member of the Grievance Committee, who accepts Prez's advances, much to his surprise.
Pop, Babe's kind and agreeable father.
Max, A salesman.
Charley, a worker in the factory and the handyman.
Joe, a factory worker and Prez's right-hand man.
Brenda, A member of the Grievance Committee.
Virginia, a factory girl and union activist.
Poopsie, a factory girl and union activist.
Gus, an unhappy factory helper who Sid shoves.

Aucun dossier informatif complémentaire concernant Pajama Game (The)


Version 1

Pajama Game (The) (1954-05-St. James Theatre-Broadway)

Type de série: Original
Théâtre: St. James Theatre (Broadway - Etats-Unis)
Durée : 2 ans 6 mois 2 semaines
Nombre : 1063 représentations
Première Preview : jeudi 13 mai 1954
Première : jeudi 13 mai 1954
Dernière : samedi 24 novembre 1956
Mise en scène : George Abbott • Jerome Robbins
Chorégraphie : Bob Fosse
Producteur :
Avec : Eddie Foy, Jr. (Hines), Stanley Prager (Prez), Ralph Dunn (Hasler), Carol Haney (Gladys), John Raitt (Sid Sorokin), Reta Shaw (Mabel), Buzz Miller (2nd Helper), Janis Paige (Babe Williams), Thelma Pelish (Mae), Peter Gennaro (Worker)
Commentaires : Jerome Robbins was approached as choreographer. He declined but suggested Bob Fosse. (Another version of the story has Fosse’s wife, Joan McCracken, suggesting him.) Robbins agreed to take co-directorial credit in exchange for “supervising” the dances. Although he received no program credit for choreography, it has been rumored that he staged "There Once Was A Man" and "7 1/2 Cents".
Commentaires longs: Van Johnson and Gordon MacRae were considered for Sid Sorokin. Ralph Meeker was cast but was not a strong enough singer. During rehearsals, he was replaced by John Raitt.

Julie Wilson was offered the role of Babe but turned it down to remain in London. She eventually played the role on Broadway as a replacement.

During tryouts, the supporting role played by Charlotte Rae was eliminated. Meanwhile, George Abbott had fallen in love with the talents of Carol Haney. The role Rae had been playing was combined with Haney's role, making it the major female supporting role.

Opened on Broadway with an advance of $40,000.

Shirley MacLaine was in the chorus and understudied Carol Haney. Carol Haney broke her ankle less than a week after the opening. MacLaine had to go on for her without having ever rehearsed the role. Haney would be out for three weeks. On her second night as understudy, MacLaine's performance was seen by Hollywood producer Hal Wallis. She soon signed a five-year contract with Wallis. When Haney returned, MacLaine went back to the chorus, waiting to be called to Hollywood. Two months later, she was still waiting when Haney missed another performance due to laryngitis. A representative of Alfred Hitchcock's was in the audience that night. The representative thought she'd be perfect for Hitch's next film. So did Hitchcock when he met her. Hitchcock worked out a deal with Wallis, and MacLaine went to Hollywood to make her first film: Hitchcock's The Trouble With Harry.

Version 2

Pajama Game (The) (1955-10-Coliseum Theatre-London)

Type de série: Original London
Théâtre: Coliseum Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée :
Nombre : 588 représentations
Première Preview : jeudi 13 octobre 1955
Première : jeudi 13 octobre 1955
Dernière : Inconnu
Mise en scène : George Abbott • Jerome Robbins
Chorégraphie : Bob Fosse
Producteur :
Avec : Max Wall (Hines), Frank Lawless (Prez), Felix Felton (Hasler), Edmund Hockridge (Sid Sorokin), Elizabeth Seal (Gladys), Joan Emney (Mabel), Joy Nichols (Babe Williams), Jessie Robins (Mae), Olga Lowe (Brenda), Arthur Lowe (Salesman)

Version 3

Pajama Game (The) (1957-08-Film)

Type de série: Film
Théâtre: *** Film (*** - ***)
Durée :
Nombre :
Première Preview : jeudi 29 août 1957
Première : jeudi 29 août 1957
Dernière : Inconnu
Mise en scène : George Abbott • Stanley Donen
Chorégraphie :
Producteur :
Avec : Doris Day (Babe Williams), John Raitt (Sid Sorokin), Carol Haney (Gladys), Eddie Foy, Jr. (Hines), Reta Shaw (Mabel), Barbara Nichols (Poopsie), Thelma Pelish (Mae), Jack Straw (Prez), Ralph Dunn (Myron Hasler), Owen Martin (Max)

Version 4

Pajama Game (The) (1973-12-Lunt Fontanne Theatre-Broadway)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (Broadway - Etats-Unis)
Durée : 1 mois 3 semaines
Nombre : 5 previews - 65 représentations
Première Preview : mercredi 05 décembre 1973
Première : dimanche 09 décembre 1973
Dernière : dimanche 03 février 1974
Mise en scène : George Abbott
Chorégraphie : Zoya Leporska
Producteur :
Avec : Hal Linden (Sid Sorokin), Barbara McNair (Babe Williams), Cab Calloway (Hines), Sharron Miller (Gladys), Marc Jordan (Prez), Mary Jo Catlett (Mabel), Baron Wilson (Pop), Margret Coleman (Mae), Chris Calloway (Brenda), Ida Waterman (Hasler)

Version 5

Pajama Game (The) (1989-03-New York State Theatre-New York)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (New-York - Etats-Unis)
Durée : 1 mois 1 semaine
Nombre : 50 représentations
Première Preview : samedi 04 mars 1989
Première : samedi 04 mars 1989
Dernière : dimanche 16 avril 1989
Mise en scène : Theodore Pappas
Chorégraphie : Theodore Pappas
Producteur :
Avec : Richard Muenz (Sid Sorokin), Judy Kaye (Babe Williams), Lenora Nemetz (Gladys), Avery Saltzman (Hines), David Green (Prez), Brooks Almy (Mabel)

Version 6

Pajama Game (The) (1999-10-Victoria Palace Theatre-London)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Victoria Palace Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 2 mois 2 semaines
Nombre : 88 représentations
Première Preview : vendredi 10 septembre 1999
Première : lundi 04 octobre 1999
Dernière : samedi 18 décembre 1999
Mise en scène : Simon Callow
Chorégraphie : David Bintley
Producteur :
Avec : John Hegley (Hines), Leslie Ash (Babe Williams),
Graham Bickley (SidSorokin), Jenny Ann Topham (Gladys), Anita Dobson (Mabel), Jonathan D. Ellis (Prez), John Levitt (Mr Hasler) Alison Limerick (Gladys Hotchkiss), Karen Clegg, Heather Craig, Francesco D'Astici, Louise Davidson, Rufus Dean, Peter Edbrook, Steve Elias, Catie Entwhistle, Laura Hussey, Natasha Knight, John Levitt, Saskia Lockey, Paul Micha, Lucy Potter, Adam pudney, Phillipe Reynolds, Simon Smith, Deborah Spellman, Todd Talbot, Frank Thompson, Jenny-Ann Topham.
Commentaires : During the pre-London tour the lead female role was played by Ulrika Jonsson, who withdrew and her part was taken by Leslie Ash. It was 45 years since the show had last been in London, but generally the critics felt it had not been worth reviving - especially in what was described as a lacklustre production with some very peculiar scenery designs by the abstract painter, Frank Stella. It
ran for ten weeks.
Presse : NICHOLAS DE JONGH of THE EVENING STANDARD says, "The pyjamas are fine but where's the passion…"

BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE of THE TIMES says, "You can hum along, but that's about all."

SHERIDAN MORLEY of TELETEXT says, "Simon Callow's claims that this is one of the best Broadway musicals ever are in my view misplaced. I would not put it even in the top 20, because the songs in no way advance the story."

CHARLES SPENCER of THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Unfortunately in Callow's production the show seems over-energetic, undersexed and desperately short of real star quality."

However, not all reviews were bad, ALASTAIR MACAULAY of THE FINANCIAL TIMES says, "Crazy fun on the factory floor" and goes on to say "Simon Callow's new production is spot-on - most of the time."

Version 7

Pajama Game (The) (2006-02-American Airlines Theatre-Broadway)

Type de série: Recréation
Théâtre: American Airlines Theatre (Broadway - Etats-Unis)
Durée : 3 mois 3 semaines
Nombre : 41 previews - 129 représentations
Première Preview : jeudi 19 janvier 2006
Première : jeudi 23 février 2006
Dernière : samedi 17 juin 2006
Mise en scène : Kathleen Marshall
Chorégraphie : Kathleen Marshall
Producteur :
Avec : Harry Connick, Jr. (Sid Sorokin), Michael McKean (Hines), Kelli O'Hara (Babe Williams), Peter Benson (Prez), Bridget Berger (Virginia), Stephen Berger (Charlie), Kate Chapman (Martha), Paula Leggett Chase (Brenda), Joyce Chittick (Mae), Jennifer Cody (Poopsie)

Version 8

Pajama Game (The) (2008-04-Union Theatre-London)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Union Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 3 semaines
Nombre :
Première Preview : mardi 15 avril 2008
Première : vendredi 18 avril 2008
Dernière : samedi 10 mai 2008
Mise en scène : Thom Southerland
Chorégraphie : Sally Brooks
Producteur :
Avec : Billy Boyle (Hines), Kate Nelson (Babe Williams), Graham Weaver (Sid Sorokin), illiam McCafferty (Gladys) , Susan Travers (Mabel ), Sean Pol McGreevey ( Prez), Anthony Wise (Mr Hasler)
Commentaires : This pocket-sized revival with a small band half hidden behind clothes rails was a welcome reminder of this tuneful, joyful show, and although staged in a tiny space, the Fosse-inspired choreography was much praised. For some performances the understudy, Stephanie Nielson, appeared in the leading role of Babe Williams.

Version 9

Pajama Game (The) (2014-05-Shaftesbuey Theatre-London)

Type de série: Revival
Théâtre: Shaftesbury Theatre (Londres - Angleterre)
Durée : 4 mois
Nombre :
Première Preview : vendredi 02 mai 2014
Première : mardi 13 mai 2014
Dernière : samedi 13 septembre 2014
Mise en scène : Richard Eyre
Chorégraphie : Stephen Mear
Producteur :
Avec : Joanna Riding (Babe Williams), Michael Xavier (Sid Sorokin), Gary Wilmot (Vernon Hines), Alexis Owen Hobbs (Gladys), Claire Machin (Mabel), Colin Stinton (Hasler / Pop), Eugene McCoy (Prez), Sion Lloyd (Max), Jennie Dale (Mae), Sharon Wattis (Poopsie), Keisha Amponsa Banson (Brenda), Lauren Varnham (Charlene), Jo Morris (Rita), Nolan Frederick (Charley), Richard Jones (Frank), Dan Burton (Earl) and James O Connell (Joe)
Presse : "Watching Richard Eyre’s joyful production of this musical comedy, with music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross and a punchy book by the Broadway legend George Abbott and Richard Bissell, it often feels like one of the most zingingly entertaining tune-and-toe shows you have ever seen. " Charles Spencer for The Daily Telegraph

"It's a big leap from the Minerva in Chichester to the Shaftesbury, but Richard Eyre's joyous production of this 1954 musical effortlessly expands to fill the space." Michael Billington for The Guardian

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