140 people brave to weather for opening night show!
By Jim Beers
CHESTER – With severe storms in the forecast and rapidly approaching the Chester area, 140 patrons of the arts braved the potential weather and were in attendance for the opening night performance of “Pajama Game”.
The 2024 CHS Theatre Production received rave reviews from most attendees who thoroughly enjoyed the music, dancing, acting and plot line of the 1954 musical titled, “Pajama Game.”
CHS Theatre Director, Steve Colonel, poses for a photo prior to the opening night production of “Pajama Game” the Musical Thursday March 14. Opening night received rave reviews and promises to bring enjoyment to theatre-goers for Nights 2 and 3 Friday March 15 and Saturday March 16. Jim Beers Photo
Chester High School’s edition includes a cast of 24 students, a crew of 19 students, as well as a “LIVE” orchestra of 16 musicians which include 11 adults and five CHS students. Music Director is Steve Colonel, CHS Band and Choral Director. Mr. Colonel has also served as the Theatre Director as well and overall business manager for the production.
The musical, “Pajama Game” tells the story of conditions at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory where employees are fighting over a 7 ½ cent pay raise. Sparks often fly between the new factory superintendent, Sis Sorokin, played by Jaden Lopez, and “Babe” Williams, the leader of the factory grievance committee, played by Megan Zimmer.
Their stormy relationship comes to a head when the factory workers strike to get their requested 7 ½ cent pay raise. This sets off a major conflict between Sid and “Babe”, as well as a serious battle between labor and management, and a battle of the sexes in general.
The overall story is one primarily of comedy, but also of love, romance, suspense, strife, conflict, and eventual reconciliation.
Female cast members of Chester High School Theatre Production of “Pajama Game” take time out for a photo opportunity prior to the curtain call Thursday Night March 14. Jim Beers Photo
The cast did a wonderful job of bringing the story to life through their story-telling, singing, and dancing.
The orchestra, consisting of two band directors, three collegiate-trained music graduates, seven members who performed at the collegiate level, and five current high school students, did a great job of performing a very difficult book of musical charts.
“Pajama Game” Crew Members take time out to pose for a photo back stage before the opening night performance. Jim Beers Photo
The curtain opened at 7:00 p.m. bringing the show to life for the first time on Juergens Gym Stage. At approximately 7:30 p.m. things got a bit scary as the first major spring storm of the season struck Chester with high winds, some lightning and thunder.
After approximately 10-15 minutes of loud sounds from outside Juergens Gym and several rounds of blinking lights, the main portion of the storm passed, and the show went on without any major threats or concerns.
The overall length of the show was about 2 ½ hours which included a 15-miniute intermission. Plenty of delicious refreshments were available and orders were being taken for official “Pajama Game” T-shirts that are being offered to the general public. These are the same shirts that the cast, crew and orchestra have already received.
Ticket sales were great for opening night with 140 tickets being sold. Pre-sales were even greater for Night 2 Friday March 15 and night 3 Saturday March 16 shows.