Members of the Athenian Berean Community Players are ready to sing and dance their way through an old musical favorite this weekend.
The ABC Players will present their annual spring musical, The Pajama Game, this weekend and next at Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville.
Director Norman Cohn said he has been involved with ABC Players since its inception and decided to direct The Pajama Game because of its storyline and music.
“It’s a show I always liked,” said Cohn, who calls the show comedic. “I love the music in it. Seeing and hearing the way the cast has developed the skill and the talent to carry it out has been wonderful.”
The Pajama Game takes place in a pajama factory, where the union members are fighting for a pay raise. The situation becomes complicated, however, when the factory supervisor and the head of the grievance committee fall in love.
Athens resident Angela Blair said her favorite part about the show was putting together the costumes and props to match the 1950’s era. She added that the ABC Players made many of the costumes and sets from scratch, even down to the old-fashioned sewing machines featured in the factory.
“I am a huge fan of anything retro or old-fashioned,” said Blair, who plays Babe, the show’s female lead. “Anybody who’s a fan of the ’50s will love the show. We really capture that time period.”
Blair said although the show entailed a lot of work, the end result is worth it.
“There’s something for everybody in this show,” Cohn said. “It’s just fun; everybody can enjoy and get into it.”
Ohio University student Joseph Maxwell said his experiences as a member of the Singing Men of Ohio have helped him with his musical work as the male lead, Sid.
“It kind of allows you to be a bit more prepared,” said Maxwell, who is a senior studying psychology. “Anything musically I’ve done in the past has greatly helped me with the role.”
He said The Pajama Game might reach audiences on a social level, in light of the recent discussions about union rights.
“The background story is really topical right now,” Maxwell said. “It’s really about the big guy versus the little guy.”
“There’s a lot here as far as the arts go, and I think it’s important that it’s continuously supported,” Maxwell said. “It’s a bunch of people with a passion, and that’s what makes it special.”
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