The Pajama Game
at La Habra

Reviewed on March 19, 2016

Robert Burnand
Newport Harbor
Submitted for publication to OC Register

La Habra's "Pajama Game" is more than just a game
Featuring wonderful and complex dance numbers and larger than life characters, La Habra High School's production of "The Pajama Game" will excite you and leave you smiling till the curtain closes. This musical tells the tale of the constant struggle of laborers in the 50's in the fight for better pay for a hard day's work, but when the dashing superintendent who is in charge of the workers falls in love with the leader of the labor union, there is sure to be trouble. Despite being on opposite sides of the labor fight the two must learn to compromise for the good of the factory and the good of their relationship.

Austin Tebay stars as the charming superintendent, Sid Sorokin, who is strong and smart in the face of adversity, but can let his temper get the best of him. Tebay shows the tenacious, hardworking element of his character as he commands the workers and fixes their machines, but we see his comical side through his funny lines and goofy dances in the song "There Once Was a Man." With sleeves rolled up and a strong, commanding voice Tebay shows that he is the man in charge.

Zoya Martin plays the steadfast union leader, Babe Williams. Martin exudes confidence and class as she fights for the rights of her workers and proves that she is the right woman for the job. By using her sugary sweet voice to charm even the toughest worker but using her skill and intelligence to get what she wants, Martin commands the stage by even winning over the superintendent in the end.

The large and open set design proves to be the technical aspect that pulls the entire show together. Actors use walkways to scurry across busily or dance romantically into the night all while music numbers swirl around them. Through steamy pipes and massive buttons we get a feel for the intense work being done around the pajama factory. This contrasts beautifully with the grand trees and open space of the picnic area and shows how even the hardest workers can get down and party.

La Habra's delightful musical production of ‘The Pajama Game" gives us a new look into the difficult lives of factory workers through strong and quirky characters and reminds us that love will conquer all.

Claire Pritchard
Fountain Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Register

La Habra perfects ‘The Pajama Game'

Colorful props, wild characters, and captivating dances make up La Habra's vivid production of "The Pajama Game."

The romantic musical tells the story of Sid Sorokin, the new superintendent of Sleep Tite, a pajama company in the 1950s. Sorokin, played by Austin Tebay, must navigate workplace romance and employees threatening to strike, while keeping his own job intact.

Immediately impressive is Zoya Martin as Babe Williams, Sorokin's love interest and the leader of the workers' union. Martin is perfectly in tune with the rest of the cast, making numbers like, "I'm Not At All In Love," energetic and believable.

Austin Tebay as Sid Sorokin matches Martin's enthusiasm and talent, belting out notes along side her and taking control of the stage in each of his scenes. The duo's transition from stubborn denial of romance to embracing their feelings in songs like "Small Talk," keep the show moving and entertaining.

Equally in love are Vernon Hines, played by Patrick Gray, and Gladys Hotchkiss played by Emily Taylor. Gray's goofy antics are balanced by Taylor's graceful, feather-like movements. Taylor's transition from scuttling after her boss to owning her body and dancing with multiple partners makes her character complex and absorbing.

Myron Hasler, the strict boss of Sleep Tite, played by Jakob Garberg, and his sassy secretary, Mabel, played by Emily Riseling, prove to be a charming pair. Garberg's uncontrolled shouting and gesticulations are countered by Riseling's calm yet smart-mouthed air, adding another layer of conflict and comedy.

The bright, colorful costumes designed by Katie Ludlam and Katherine Schloss and props designed by Austin Tebay keep the intensity of the show and its characters consistent throughout the lively production. The sounds, designed and run by Sarah Cueto and Justin Chen, are perfectly timed with the actors, keeping the show moving.

The stage crew, the La Habra Theater Guild, is costumed and choreographed, making the complex scene changes quick and even entertaining as both the crew and actors stay in character despite the darkness of the stage. Both the animated cast and focused crew of La Habra's production of "The Pajama Game" make the spirited musical absorbing and fun to watch.

Joyce Lee
Northwood
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

La Habra's ‘The Pajama Game' a lively delight

Pairing tremendous vocals and vibrant scenes, La Habra High School brings to life the struggles and triumphs of the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory workers as they rally to raise their wages seven-and-a-half cents in the musical "The Pajama Game."

As Sid Sorokin, the new superintendent, Austin Tebay personifies charm to the point of arrogance, with hands in his pockets as he prowls around, attempting to woo Babe Williams (Zoya Martin), a factory union leader.

Martin's attitude as the headstrong Babe is simultaneously sassy and sweet. Whether her hands are on her hips or are clasped around Sid's neck, she stuns with throaty, strong vocals that demonstrate her fierce passion for the union and for Sid.

Martin and Tebay portray a classic enemies-turned-lovers situation, transitioning from Babe's curt voice and staunch professionalism to the two shimmying and laughing as they confess their love in "There Once Was a Man." Full of slides and growls, this song demonstrates the couple's masterful breath control as both belt and sustain long, high notes throughout the song.

Complementing these lovers are Gladys Hotchkiss (Emily Taylor) and Vernon Hines (Patrick Gray), a quirky, dysfunctional couple. Gladys with her squeaky voice and scurrying and Vernon with his methodical, high-paced gait characterize both as high-strung and melodramatic.

Jakob Garberg as Myron Hasler, the owner of Sleep-Tite, epitomizes a corporate leader. With graying hair slicked back, his gruff demeanor is emphasized by a thick Brooklyn accent and blustery gesturing.

As seen in the song "Hernando's Hideaway," the ensemble of factory workers demonstrate impeccable coordination and involvement as they chatter softly in the background or dance without reservation in the revelry of a sultry night club.

From the color-splashed grays and large windows of the high-ceiling factory to the cozier greens of Babe's small home, the sets designed by Michael Reehl provide a variety of atmospheres ranging in vibrancy. Similarly, 1950s-inspired costumes by Katie Ludlam and Katherine Schloss reflect the moods of the characters, such as in Babe's gray-centric wardrobe after she gets fired.

Tebay's prop pieces, like the sewing machine units or the piano at Hernando's Hideaway, are ingenious in their mobility—how easily they are rolled around—allowing the scenes to maintain action and momentum throughout the show.

With near-professional vocals and impressive technical design and execution, La Habra delivers a successful dramatic comedy, showing the triumphs of both love and labor rights.