Cappies Rave Over F.C. High’s Performance of ‘The Pajama Game’

By Elisabeth Snyder

FALLS CHURCH HIGH SCHOOL THESPIANS (from left to right) Colin Page, Jack Child, Natalie Ingalls, Catherine Kane and Samaria Dellorso act out a scene from “The Pajama Game.” (Photo: Courtesy Harley Hopkins)

What is one to expect in a half-century old, Tony-award winning show called “The Pajama Game”? Certainly, some sexiness or a love story.

But what the show delivers is so much more: A tale of two workers for Sleep Tite Pajama Company, one the superintendent and one the chair of the workers union’s grievance committee, who despite their different stations and stances, fall in love. The Falls Church High School theatre department blended the risque and the everyday perfectly, putting on a show that was relevant and that the audience won’t soon forget.

Set in the early 1950s in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, “The Pajama Game” begins when the Vice President of Sleep-Tite Pajama Company, Hasler, hires a new superintendent, Sid Sorokin, to deal with workers’ requests for a seven and a half cent pay raise per hour.

Sid faces struggles with the president of the workers’ union, referred to as Prez, and Katie “Babe” Williams, the woman he falls in love with. Babe is quick to understand the potential consequences of entering a relationship with Sid, but he ignores any problems until he absolutely needs to address them.

The musical features songs which show the emotions of Sid, and the other factory workers, as each navigates their own romantic and professional lives. “Hernando’s Hideaway,” with stunning vocals from Gladys (Sarah Mack), Hasler’s secretary. The cast’s dancing was full of character and really brings you back to the 1950s. A time-study piece, the show highlighted the differences between today’s society and workplace and that of the past.

Other songs that stood out were charged emotional duets featuring Babe (Casey Nguyen) and Sid (Patrick Kearney) as they navigated their relationship, from “There Once Was a Man” to “Small Talk.” A song that featured ensemble members, “Once a Year Day,” set at the annual company picnic, was a hit.

Whenever Babe and Sid’s relationship didn’t seem to be going well or relations between the management of the factory and the workers were contentious, Hines (Jack Child) would always step in with something comedic. Whether he was throwing knives or singing the hilarious “Think of the Time I’ll Save,” he captured the audience’s hearts. Another character who added to the comedy, with a rich and expressive singing voice, was Mabel (Samaria Dellorso). In her song and dance number with Hines, she displayed a wide range of notes and emotions.

To bring even more meaning to each scene, the lighting team chose colors and spotlights that made specific things stand out. The set also added significantly; with details like an elevator and clock that actually ticked through the day, and multiple levels which were used effectively throughout the show, the audience could picture “The Pajama Game” happening in the 1950’s.
Though the musical focused on one narrative in one factory in one Midwestern town, it speaks to a greater need for cooperation and understanding — and maybe even deciding to date someone in a position much different from your own.

Elisabeth Snyder is a Cappies member from George Mason High School

Recent News

House Democrats Seek Immediate Termination of DOGE's Unauthorized Use of AI Systems, Call Out Security Risks and Potential Criminal Liability

House Democrats Seek Immediate Termination of DOGE's Unauthorized Use of AI Systems, Call Out Security Risks and Potential Criminal Liability

April 17, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Mike Levin (D-CA), and Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) were joined by 45 additional…
Our Man In Arlington 4-17-2025

Our Man In Arlington 4-17-2025

National Volunteer Week runs from April 20 to April 26 this year, which provides an opportunity to celebrate the importance of the role of volunteers in our community. Let me highlight one story, which seems simple on its face: it starts…
Beyer Warns of Trump Policy Impacts on Region, U.S. & World

Beyer Warns of Trump Policy Impacts on Region, U.S. & World

U.S. Rep. Donald S. Beyer Jr., came before the group that he was president of 45 years ago as a…
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
On Key

Stories that may interest you

Our Man In Arlington 4-17-2025

National Volunteer Week runs from April 20 to April 26 this year, which provides an opportunity to celebrate the importance of the role of volunteers in our community. Let me highlight one story, which seems simple on its face: it starts with a high school student who volunteered with a reading

A Penny for Your Thoughts 4-17-2025

Donald Trump finally told the truth! In one of his rambling “lectures” – you know, the kind where he starts out focused on the topic and ends up terming Joe

Support Local News!

For Information on Advertising:

Legitimate news organizations need grass roots support like never before, and that includes your Falls Church News-Press. For more than 33 years, your News-Press has kept its readers informed and enlightened. We can’t continue without the support of our readers. This means YOU! Please step up in these challenging times to support the news source you are reading right now!