past productions | news articles - The Pajama Game

The Pajama Game
A perfect "Pajama Game" would need a junior Ethel Merman, a young Alfred Drake, a show stopping girl dancer, a protean virtuoso comedian, and a robust dancing chorus able to suggest the all American orgiastic vigour of "Once A Year Day."

These elements the Glasgow Light Opera Club cannot provide, nor could many British companies, amateur or professional; more than most musicals, this one needs Broadway grit, gusto and zip. What the club can give us is an enjoyable evening and a welcome chance to hear again the marvelously cheerful and inventive Adler and Ross score.

The romantic leads are agreeably sung and acted by Margaret Henderson and Allan McAllister, Gordon Crockert is a likable character comic, handling his songs in a winning manner; Ian M. Gray puts across two numbers with punchy style, and Dorothy Robbie - as Gladys - is a constant pleasure. The girl dancers are neat and nimble, the orchestra good and strong.

Stewart McKie's generally capable production limped and lacked conviction at times on opening night: good straight passages are not there to be hurried through as if they are fill-ups before the music starts again. Once the company relax and start to look as if they are really enjoying themselves , however, most of these problems should come right. So, too, should Sid's duet with himself, and the elaborate jealousy fantasy, which didn't quite work. Set pieces like "Steam Heat" and "Hernando's Hideaway" were already gathering very effective momentum.

Tony Paterson