The Pajama Game at Music Theatre Company

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Better yet, the show is very well sung under the musical direction of Matt Deitchman: Sajewich, who would be really great if he took a few more risks, has an easy-on-the-ear croon, and Bockel sounds quite lovely throughout. There are also lively comic turns to enjoy from Kelley Abell as Poopsie, Tyler Ravelson as Prez (of the union, natch) and Donald Brearley, playing the intriguing double assignment of Hasler and Pop, the two oldsters who pull the strings."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Still, the Music Theatre Company's production is another showcase of Jessica Redish's flawless Fosse choreography (especially during the deliciously divey "Hernando's Hideaway") and a cast of top-notch talent. Jason Richards and Dana Tretta provide comic relief as Vernon Hines, the "time study man" who keeps Sleep Tite Pajama Factory on schedule, and Gladys, the witty object of his affection. And of his jealous nature-some passionate knife throwing certainly livens things up in the second act."

Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended

"...Outrageously overdue for revival (the last one was at Marriott Theatre in 2004), this irresistible 1954 Broadway classic harks back to a time when producers could actually pin a plot on a threatened strike by union workers in the Sleep Tite Pajama Factory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (Solidarity, alas, isn't forever.) Today, just 59 years later, you'd be hard-pressed to find its equivalent."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...The sixteen songs contain several harmoniously silly songs culminating with the "Seven and One Half Cents" anthem to the workingman. The Pajama Game is a cute show that represents all that is astounding in the vintage American musical. The Pajama Game is charming, tuneful throw back musical that remind us that understandable lyrics and hummable melodies need be present in order to achieve audience approval. This is a cute, entertaining production of The Pajama Game."

Around The Town Chicago - Recommended

"...This is a finely tuned cast as directed by Jess McLeod with strong dance and voice in a trimmed down version of the original. Gone is some of the glitz, allowing this production to get into the meat of the meaning of the story as well as allowing us to take in the lyrics of the songs. In particular, in “7 1/2 cents” in the second act, the union people vent just how their lives will be changed by that tiny little raise. Yes, “7 1/2 cents, doesn’t mean a thing, but give it to me forty hours every week, and that is enough to be living like a king” when they go over all the luxury items that this paltry sum will buy them, you see many audience members smile larger than life, but those were realistic back in the days of “The Pajama game”."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...For a stroll down a memory lane of musical hits, a charming love story demonstrating how opposites attract and a reminder of the importance of American unions to the economy, the Music Theatre Company's entertaining Spring offering is no sleeper."