The Pyjama Game
Tue, 3 Dec 2002, 07:58 amLisa Skryp11 posts in thread
The Pyjama Game
Tue, 3 Dec 2002, 07:58 amI've been remiss. I went to the matinee of Pyjama Game November 23rd, and it's taken me this long to tell you all how much I enjoyed myself. I have now lost my program & my short-term memory, but will struggle to give you my impressions nonetheless... forgive the lack of names.
As usual, Wanneroo has managed to score a fantastic cast plus a swingin' orchestra as well. It was a slick, stylish & smooth running show, with nice quick set changes (clever use of set dressing to change the scenes by hanging a few windows, or pictures on the flats worked well).
The ensemble numbers, especially that one where they are all sewing PJs in the factory were wonderfully staged, choreographed & performed. The chorus numbers were beautifully sung, particularly 71/2 cents - the harmonies were spot on.
Standouts in the chorus and supporting roles included the 2 other Blues Brothers who did Steam Heat along with Soran (think that's his name - can't recall the character's name). Poopsie shone every time she was onstage. Paula Phythian played her role to the hilt & drew some of the biggest laughs from the audience with a plethora of facial expressions and physical gags. And sang great, too - Hernando's Hideaway was great, aside from the lack of lighting. I know this was for effect, but I feel we miss too much of the action with no light at all. I would have preferred maybe backlighting so at least we could have some sillhouettes (you know what I'm trying to spell!). As expected, Sonni Byrne stole the show once again with her impressionof David Helfgott.
The male principals were all very good as well - which in itself can be a major challenge. The cranky boss made a great impression each time he appeared, and David Nelson as Paula's jealous, knife-wielding boyfriend. Yes the knife-wielding is out of context, but the scene at the company picnic was very cleverly done & extremely funny. I must say I found the Jealousy ballet well staged & very funny, if a little disturbing. I think David's character seemed a bit menacing at times, although I don't think that was the intention. Although I realise this bit occurs in David's imagination, I doubt that Paula's character would have cowered quite so fearfully. Maybe I'm being a bit sensitive, but I didn't think that part translates well to modern times.
Amber & Ryan who played the leads did a fine job - both have great voices. I understand Ryan was not well the afternoon I went, but would never have known it. He has an incredibly strong voice & great stage presence. I did feel though, that the conflict between their two characters could have been played more strongly at times. My only other suggestion is to do with the cowboy-yodelling song (you know the one) - could be a standout number but the diction needed to be clearer to allow us to undertand all those words going by so quickly.
All that said, I'm happy to say I'm going back to see it again! You should try to snag a ticket as well, although that won't be easy.
Good luck to the cast on your last week!
:-) Lisa
As usual, Wanneroo has managed to score a fantastic cast plus a swingin' orchestra as well. It was a slick, stylish & smooth running show, with nice quick set changes (clever use of set dressing to change the scenes by hanging a few windows, or pictures on the flats worked well).
The ensemble numbers, especially that one where they are all sewing PJs in the factory were wonderfully staged, choreographed & performed. The chorus numbers were beautifully sung, particularly 71/2 cents - the harmonies were spot on.
Standouts in the chorus and supporting roles included the 2 other Blues Brothers who did Steam Heat along with Soran (think that's his name - can't recall the character's name). Poopsie shone every time she was onstage. Paula Phythian played her role to the hilt & drew some of the biggest laughs from the audience with a plethora of facial expressions and physical gags. And sang great, too - Hernando's Hideaway was great, aside from the lack of lighting. I know this was for effect, but I feel we miss too much of the action with no light at all. I would have preferred maybe backlighting so at least we could have some sillhouettes (you know what I'm trying to spell!). As expected, Sonni Byrne stole the show once again with her impressionof David Helfgott.
The male principals were all very good as well - which in itself can be a major challenge. The cranky boss made a great impression each time he appeared, and David Nelson as Paula's jealous, knife-wielding boyfriend. Yes the knife-wielding is out of context, but the scene at the company picnic was very cleverly done & extremely funny. I must say I found the Jealousy ballet well staged & very funny, if a little disturbing. I think David's character seemed a bit menacing at times, although I don't think that was the intention. Although I realise this bit occurs in David's imagination, I doubt that Paula's character would have cowered quite so fearfully. Maybe I'm being a bit sensitive, but I didn't think that part translates well to modern times.
Amber & Ryan who played the leads did a fine job - both have great voices. I understand Ryan was not well the afternoon I went, but would never have known it. He has an incredibly strong voice & great stage presence. I did feel though, that the conflict between their two characters could have been played more strongly at times. My only other suggestion is to do with the cowboy-yodelling song (you know the one) - could be a standout number but the diction needed to be clearer to allow us to undertand all those words going by so quickly.
All that said, I'm happy to say I'm going back to see it again! You should try to snag a ticket as well, although that won't be easy.
Good luck to the cast on your last week!
:-) Lisa
Re: The Pyjama Game
Sat, 7 Dec 2002, 12:09 amWalter Plinge
Lynne you wrote:
"I have read the comments from others and feel that some of it was quite bias towards certain people, which is a shame, as I think the whole cast did a magnificent job."
Funny,unless I was mistaken I am the only person that reviewed the show before you (in two parts),on the first posting I put:
"Overall a wonderful evenings entertainment,Well done to all involved!!!"
and on the second:
"...to all the cast I would like to say thankyou for the opportunity to attend your performance, it was a delight!"
If I mentioned people by name it was for performances that had some aspect that I considered mentioning as is normally the case in a review - and after all it is only one person's opinion.
you also wrote:
"The only part of the whole play that spoilt it for me, was the Jealousy Ballet, I actually lost the story line after watching that scene and my husband had to fill me in, as he had seen the original Doris Day version, so knew the story.
My husband and I could not see the point of that part of the show really."
My response is this:the musical existed before the movie,it was written
that way!In case you are not aware,you have to pay royalties to perform a musical,and usually it is on the stipulation that none of the content be altered - it wasn't something the director thought up for the show!
I'm really sorry,but that comment was really ignorant and stupid!
And while we are on the subject, aren't you being biased when you singled out one person yourself?
You also made no mention of costume,scenery,singing,dancing etc...etc..
A lot of time and trouble was taken by myself in what I wrote,and I feel I gave a well balanced overview of the performance as a whole...also speaking from experience as opposed to clear ignorance on your part.
Its the same old story,people that are not prepared to make an effort will criticize those who do.
Yours Sincerely,
The Little Red Hen