“The Pajama Game” will take the stage at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, at Waupaca High School.
Students will also perform the Broadway musical at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2; Thursday, Nov. 4; and Saturday, Nov. 6.
This year’s cast features Meghan Plunkett as Babe Williams, Ryan Fuss as Sid Sorokin, Brad Tischendorf as Hines, Krista Schmidt as Gladys, Dan Vandiver as Hasler, Sawyer Olson as Prez, Brayden Kendziora as Mabel, Stanford Mitchell as Max, Luke Dobberstein as Pop, Hannah Johnson as Mae, Claire Larson as Brenda, Alex Abrams as Poopsie, Cody Bussian as Joe, David Folan as First Helper, and Marcus Engle as Second Helper.
“The Pajama Game” tells the story of labor troubles in a pajama factory, where worker demands for a 7.5-cent raise are going unheeded. In the midst of this ordeal, love blossoms between Babe, the grievance committee head, and Sid, the new factory superintendent.
“The magic of the theater and the run of this year’s show could not have come to life if it were not for the work of the leads, co-leads, pit band, dancers, chorus, artists, stage and make-up crew, and usher crew,” said Dan Wolfgram, the musical director and producer. “No other single event in the high school combines and utilizes the talents of so many departments and members of the student body. The various and important crews have been under the direction of some very key people.”
This year’s production staff includes Anne Justmann as assistant director, choreographer and costume director. Joni Radley as accompanist, Mark Kryshak as pit band director, Monica Reeves as make-up director, Lee Schultz in charge of set design, David Larson in charge of set construction, Dorothy Servey, Julie Ann Thompson-Austin, Beth Oestreich, and Jane Legault assisting with costume making, Kristen Sporakowski in charge of house management and usher corps, and Lenora Abrams as business manager.
“I simply cannot express how fortunate I am to be able to work with so many talented and dedicated people. The students have certainly benefited, and our audiences will see the enormous amount of effort put forth by this production staff,” Wolfgram said.
Wolfgram encouraged the community to come and experience the students’ production.
“This show has something for everyone. The sets and characters are fantastic, and there are many enjoyable chorus numbers,” Wolfgram said. “Previous press releases stated there are some adult themes explored. I don’t want this to be a deterrent to come and see the show. I would feel more than comfortable bringing a third or fourth grader to see this show. Don’t miss this opportunity to see a show filled with fun for the entire family.”
Tickets are $8 and senior citizen discounts are in effect for the Sunday and Tuesday performances. Tickets should be picked up at the high school guidance office prior to the shows. Those people unable to pick them up can do so 45 minutes prior to curtain time.
The public is encouraged to call the high school office at 258-4131 ex. 1001, and reserve their seats with Lenora Abrams.