Pajama Game Wows Audiences

Regina Dominican students entertained audiences in the romantic and comedic musical “The Pajama Game” Nov. 21 and 22.

Set in the 1950s in Cedar Rapids, this Broadway musical tells the story of labor troubles in the Sleep Tite Pajama Factory, where worker demands for a whopping seven-and-a-half cent raise are going unheeded. In the midst of negotiations, love blossoms between two unlikely characters: the union grievance committee head, Babe played by Brigid Broderick, and Sid, the new factory superintendent from Chicago played by Jack Spelling of Mount Carmel High School.

“The Pajama Game is a fun classic musical that explores some important themes while entertaining audience with amusing characters and beautiful music,” said Dave Hiett, musical director. “The love interest adds depth to the story by personifying the labor union’s struggle for a raise. It is a fantastic fast-moving musical. Our students enjoyed bringing the characters to life.”

About a quarter of the student body was involved in every detail of the musical from the set construction to the orchestra pit.

“It is unique that Regina Dominican has so many students involved in the theater in music departments,” said Aileen Stanton who played Mable. “There were athletes in the pit and student council members on the stage. Everyone had the ability to contribute.”