The Pajama Game
at University

Reviewed on February 26, 2016

Julia Gordon
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Passion and protest in University's ‘Pajama Game'
written by Julia Gordon, a junior at San Juan Hills High School

Machines whir, fabric flies, and buttons go unsewn as pajama factory workers fight for seven-and-a-half cents in University High School's rendition of "The Pajama Game." As workers conspire, an ill-fated romance blooms between a factory superintendent and a union leader.

As the show opens and Vernon Hines starts his stopwatch, the ensemble dashes across stage during "Racing With The Clock," and their well-executed choreography and dutiful singing fills the room.

Portraying the new factory superintendent, Davin Pester-Wiggins as Sid Sorokin is nothing but charming. His wide grin and warm voice shine through during "Small Talk," as he seduces independent Katherine "Babe" Williams (Corinne Alsop). However, Pester-Wiggins' suave demeanor seamlessly turns cold when he fires Babe.

As the dedicated and steadfast Babe, Alsop delights with her powerful, resolute voice as she insists that "I'm Not At All In Love." Her defiantly tilted chin and crossed arms turn to wide eyes and a shy, love-struck smile as she falls for Sid. After being fired, Alsop lowers her tearful eyes and crosses her arms again as she laments her love during "Hey There Reprise," her voice now soft and dejected.

Also in love, Gladys (Kathy Flores) is giggly and flirtatious when with Vernon, but she jumps, stammers, and yelps when confronted by her snappy, irate boss, Myron Hasler (Jordan Bodie).

Billy Hwang expertly portrays Vernon Hines, Gladys' perpetually jealous boyfriend. With expert comedic timing, Hwang punctuates the show with amusing comments to the audience and quickly turns away and regains his tall posture when Hasler reenters. During "I'll Never Be Jealous Again," Mabel (Danica Silan) playfully teases him, and confident Vernon—with his chin high in the air and chest puffed out—insists that he will trust Gladys. Hwang and Silan skillfully dance across stage, and their clear voices resonate throughout the theater.

The set, designed by Uni Tech Theater, is bright and brilliant. Factory scenes are dressed with teal pillars and brick stairs, setting the scene for animated efficiency. This atmosphere is augmented by Darrius Estigoy's props, with vintage sewing machines adding to the authenticity of this Fifties-era performance.

Dealing with massive set changes, Maxwell Han successfully ensures that these changes are quick and quiet. Meanwhile, the orchestra, performing original music, entertains with lively exuberance.

Combining a dynamic cast and superior technical elements, University presents a vibrant, enthralling rendition of "The Pajama Game."

Justine Halas
Tesoro
Submitted for publication to OC Register

Join in with The Pajama Game at University High School
written by Justine Halas, a senior at Tesoro High School

A bustling factory filled to the brim with fabric, sewing machines, and workers running every which way to finish their pajamas is the opening scene to University High School's production of "The Pajama Game." When factory workers demand a 7½ cent raise, employees and supervisors go head to head in a duel to win their way. But the head of the committee and the superintendent soon find themselves tangled in an unlikely love that threatens to tear the factory to shreds.

University High School tells this timeless story of love and perseverance through their flawless technical design, rich vocals and passionate acting.

Katherine "Babe" Williams is played by Corinne Alsop. Spunky and outspoken, she stands out from the other women in the factory. Bouncing across the stage, her quick wit and brassy voice command attention wherever she goes, and brings a smile to everyone she interacts with.

Sid Sorokin, Babe's unexpected lover, is portrayed by Davin Pester-Wiggins. His suave personality and handsome features easily capture the attention of all the women in the factory. His rich voice and sly smile show a man who keeps control but is approachable for anyone he meets.

Vernon Hines, the jealous yet caring timekeeper is played by Billy Hwang. His funny one-liners and envy-fueled tantrums keep the show comedic. From dropping his pants in the office to throwing knives at the company picnic, Hwang never stops his antics. The cause of Vernon's jealousy is his lady, Gladys Hotchkiss, played by Kathy Flores. Hotchkiss is the sassy secretary in the factory. In the office she stays subdued, but once ignited Flores is a flame that can't be put out, screaming at Vernon and putting him in his place.

Uni Tech Theatre is responsible for a retro and versatile set. Each set piece was used in multiple ways and was intricately crafted, from the brick lining each wall to the writing on every chalkboard and office memo. Costumes designed by Maribel Cervantes are cute and classy. These handcrafted designs are colorful and unique, each dress creatively representing a part of each girls personality, and are reminiscent of the 50's.

As you follow the story of these workers, you are reminded of what it means to persevere, work for what you believe in, and are left with a smile that follows you all the way home.

Rebecca Bogdanovic
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Sparks Fly and Love Blossoms in University's "The Pajama Game"
written by Rebecca Bogdanovic, a junior at San Juan Hills High School

Workers briskly bustle around a factory, sewing and folding fabric to keep up with the backbreaking stride of Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory. Through electrifying song and dance, University's "The Pajama Game" tells the tale of the workers' arduous fight for a seven-and-a-half cent pay raise, proving every penny counts in the struggle between union and management.

Amidst the chaos, head of the grievance committee Babe Williams (Corinne Alsop) and new superintendent Sid Sorokin (Davin Pester-Wiggins) portray their budding romance through tender movement and expression. Although initially denying all romantic feeling, Babe's friends illicit much laughter as they comically poke fun at her in "I'm Not at All In Love." Flouncing giddily around the stage, Alsop is the perfect combination of feisty and flirty; forcefully denying her love one moment, yet portraying her girlish exuberance the next as she dreamily fantasizes about Sid. In "Small Talk," Pester-Wiggins' deep, resonant tone mixes in brilliant harmony with Alsop's high soprano.

Billy Hwang takes the stage as Vernon Hines whose desperate love for Gladys Hotchkiss (Kathy Flores) comes across in his overwhelming jealousy, as he humorously chases and stumbles after her, chiding her provocative dress. Alarmed by his behavior, Mabel (Danica Silan) warm-heartedly attempts to help him regain composure in the charming duet "I'll Never Be Jealous Again."

As the alluring Gladys, Flores exemplifies her multifaceted character as she hysterically cries over her demanding boss one second, yet flirtatiously baits Vernon Hines the next. Flores' strong belt and seductive, slinking movement dominate the stage in "Hernando's Hideaway." Myron "Old Man" Hasler (Jordan Bodie) gives a commanding performance as the difficult factory boss, portraying his anger over the strike with outraged facial expressions and agitated gestures.

Through the use of brick walls, green pillars, and vintage sewing machines, University Tech Theatre captures the essence of a 1950's workplace. As the scene transitions to Hernando's Hideaway, black walls, neon lanterns, and large, geometric shapes are used to perfectly create a lively nightclub. Costume design by Maribel Cervantes displays the contrast between factory workers and management, as workers are dressed in pastels and vibrant colors and management is clad in professional greys and blacks.

Both the cast and crew of "Pajama Game" bring this rousing production to life, proving that even in the face of adversity, love will prevail above all else.