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
Lisa SkrypTue, 3 Dec 2002, 07:58 am
I'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
Walter PlingeWed, 4 Dec 2002, 03:09 pm
Re: The Pyjama Game
One more thing I should have added - Amber & Paula whom I saw perform on the 23rd are the understudies for Sonni Byrne & Dixie-Lee Harris, respectively. Sonni & Dixie-Lee are playing the principal roles for most of the remaining shows - call Limelight theatre for details if you wish...
Walter PlingeWed, 4 Dec 2002, 06:23 pm
Re: The Pyjama Game
Dixie Farinosi is playing the role of Gladys
Walter PlingeWed, 4 Dec 2002, 10:44 pm
Re: The Pyjama Game
I went to see the Pyjama Game on its preview night the 20/11/2002.
Firstly I would like to congratulate the Limelight Theatre for a thoroughly enjoyable production. Bob Mainwaring is to be commended for his efforts in producing this show.
I felt the principal roles were well cast,but along with this the smaller roles(i.e. the secretary and the big boss)had strong casting also which complemented the principal characters beautifully.This is very important as all too often I have seen productions where this is not the case,and it can let down the good work of the principal cast,so this was very pleasing. I must especially commend Gwen Browning for her efforts as the secretary, a very subtle yet well timed and performed role.
The ensemble work of the chorus was very good,although on a couple of occasions some of the chorus seemed to stray from their characterisations or the "bits of business"in their scenes,however these instances were very minor,and probably the result of first night nerves.
Technically there were a few hiccups on the night,particularly with some of the microphones worn by the principals which seemed to have "Rice Bubble Syndrome"(lots of snap,crackle and pop!)however this seemed to have been rectified by the second act,and whilst I realise the necessity of using them in performance,it is a case in point of doing a sound check prior to the performance, as it can be an annoying distraction,but again,taking the performance as a whole, this was only a minor hitch.
I was extremely impressed by the knife throwing scenes,having thought I had seen it all in terms of technical effects in community theatre,I was pleasantly surprised by the way in which the effect of knives being thrown was achieved without actually doing it for real,and I must commend David Nelson's sleight of hand and good sense of timing in making these scenes appear real,I was fooled and from the gasps in the crowd, the audience were as well.
It was wonderful to see such consistent and complimentary work of the principal characters,I dislike having to single people out in a performance but I must make particular mention of Sonni Byrne,this is the third musical I have seen her appear in(the others being Chicago and Jack the Ripper)and her versatility of characterisation is a delight,she has the one quality which cannot be taught,and that is presence,her performances seem to be instinctual and I hope to see her again in the near future.
I was also impressed with Saran(I'm sorry but his surname escapes me)
for his performance as the bumbling lecherous Prez - a very enthusiastic performance and thoroughly hilarious,David Nelson as the drunken jealous knife throwing husband was also very believable and as I have mentioned before technically brilliant, on all levels,a great performance.
I also must make mention of Dixie Farinosi as Gladys a wonderful comic part,and boy can that girl dance!! I particularly liked her performance during the "Hernando's Hideaway"number,a memorable moment of the show.
I loved the simplicity of the set,particularly the singer sewing machines,and the extensive use of mime throughout(when repairing sewing machines etc),as well as the scene changes which were quickly and effectively executed.
The costumes were in keeping with the period,and the costuming for the picnic scene and "Hernando's Hideaway" were spectacular,it makes me long for the days when people really dressed for the occasion,as opposed to today.
Overall a wonderful evenings entertainment,Well done to all involved!!!
Firstly I would like to congratulate the Limelight Theatre for a thoroughly enjoyable production. Bob Mainwaring is to be commended for his efforts in producing this show.
I felt the principal roles were well cast,but along with this the smaller roles(i.e. the secretary and the big boss)had strong casting also which complemented the principal characters beautifully.This is very important as all too often I have seen productions where this is not the case,and it can let down the good work of the principal cast,so this was very pleasing. I must especially commend Gwen Browning for her efforts as the secretary, a very subtle yet well timed and performed role.
The ensemble work of the chorus was very good,although on a couple of occasions some of the chorus seemed to stray from their characterisations or the "bits of business"in their scenes,however these instances were very minor,and probably the result of first night nerves.
Technically there were a few hiccups on the night,particularly with some of the microphones worn by the principals which seemed to have "Rice Bubble Syndrome"(lots of snap,crackle and pop!)however this seemed to have been rectified by the second act,and whilst I realise the necessity of using them in performance,it is a case in point of doing a sound check prior to the performance, as it can be an annoying distraction,but again,taking the performance as a whole, this was only a minor hitch.
I was extremely impressed by the knife throwing scenes,having thought I had seen it all in terms of technical effects in community theatre,I was pleasantly surprised by the way in which the effect of knives being thrown was achieved without actually doing it for real,and I must commend David Nelson's sleight of hand and good sense of timing in making these scenes appear real,I was fooled and from the gasps in the crowd, the audience were as well.
It was wonderful to see such consistent and complimentary work of the principal characters,I dislike having to single people out in a performance but I must make particular mention of Sonni Byrne,this is the third musical I have seen her appear in(the others being Chicago and Jack the Ripper)and her versatility of characterisation is a delight,she has the one quality which cannot be taught,and that is presence,her performances seem to be instinctual and I hope to see her again in the near future.
I was also impressed with Saran(I'm sorry but his surname escapes me)
for his performance as the bumbling lecherous Prez - a very enthusiastic performance and thoroughly hilarious,David Nelson as the drunken jealous knife throwing husband was also very believable and as I have mentioned before technically brilliant, on all levels,a great performance.
I also must make mention of Dixie Farinosi as Gladys a wonderful comic part,and boy can that girl dance!! I particularly liked her performance during the "Hernando's Hideaway"number,a memorable moment of the show.
I loved the simplicity of the set,particularly the singer sewing machines,and the extensive use of mime throughout(when repairing sewing machines etc),as well as the scene changes which were quickly and effectively executed.
The costumes were in keeping with the period,and the costuming for the picnic scene and "Hernando's Hideaway" were spectacular,it makes me long for the days when people really dressed for the occasion,as opposed to today.
Overall a wonderful evenings entertainment,Well done to all involved!!!
Walter PlingeThu, 5 Dec 2002, 08:29 pm
Re: The Pyjama Game Mark 2
In my haste in transcribing my review from paper to electronic format,I missed a couple of things.
I found the choreography of the musical numbers to be well thought out,particularly with regard to groupings and the way in which everyone interreacted with one another,(no straight lines or semicircles to be seen) with the chorus reacting appropriately to the dialogue and singing of the principals,and I commend the choreographer wholeheartedly - well done!
Last,but not least,the singing!The musical director Shaun is to be applauded for achieving something that is somewhat of a bugbear in amateur shows - that of actually accompanying the singers without drowning them out,the sound levels were right on the mark!
It was also wonderful to hear such equity of talent,as well as the variety
of the principal cast in terms of their vocal abilities,and the ability to convey emotion and character-no mean feat to carry off,to all the cast I would like to say thankyou for the opportunity to attend your performance it was a delight!
Apologies to those who I have not mentioned my name,unfortunately I was unable to get my hands on a programme,but please know that you know who you are,and that I was impressed with you work.
AS far as I am aware the season has sold out,so if you missed the boat for a ticket,you have missed a terrific show!!
I found the choreography of the musical numbers to be well thought out,particularly with regard to groupings and the way in which everyone interreacted with one another,(no straight lines or semicircles to be seen) with the chorus reacting appropriately to the dialogue and singing of the principals,and I commend the choreographer wholeheartedly - well done!
Last,but not least,the singing!The musical director Shaun is to be applauded for achieving something that is somewhat of a bugbear in amateur shows - that of actually accompanying the singers without drowning them out,the sound levels were right on the mark!
It was also wonderful to hear such equity of talent,as well as the variety
of the principal cast in terms of their vocal abilities,and the ability to convey emotion and character-no mean feat to carry off,to all the cast I would like to say thankyou for the opportunity to attend your performance it was a delight!
Apologies to those who I have not mentioned my name,unfortunately I was unable to get my hands on a programme,but please know that you know who you are,and that I was impressed with you work.
AS far as I am aware the season has sold out,so if you missed the boat for a ticket,you have missed a terrific show!!
MaltonFri, 6 Dec 2002, 04:48 pm
Re: The Pyjama Game
I want to say that I saw the play on opening night .
From what I saw Saran Ipp stole the whole show for me. I have never seen him before and I think he did a wonderful job. Well done young man.
I thought the lead lady (Sonny) looked a little old for the part that she was playing and that the lead man (Ryan) shouted too loud, but then it was first night.
The whole play was terrific and the Limelight Theatre did a fantastic job as usual. I would like to say that the orchastra did a superb job thanks to Shaun, I believe his name is, it is not very often that a musical director can bring out such talent in ameatur theatre. Well done!
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.
Looking forward to seeing the understudies play Saturday Matinee, I have heard that they were fab also.
Keep up the good work and thank you for yet another wonderful play.
From what I saw Saran Ipp stole the whole show for me. I have never seen him before and I think he did a wonderful job. Well done young man.
I thought the lead lady (Sonny) looked a little old for the part that she was playing and that the lead man (Ryan) shouted too loud, but then it was first night.
The whole play was terrific and the Limelight Theatre did a fantastic job as usual. I would like to say that the orchastra did a superb job thanks to Shaun, I believe his name is, it is not very often that a musical director can bring out such talent in ameatur theatre. Well done!
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.
Looking forward to seeing the understudies play Saturday Matinee, I have heard that they were fab also.
Keep up the good work and thank you for yet another wonderful play.
MaltonFri, 6 Dec 2002, 05:01 pm
Re: The Pyjama Game
I actually wanted to add something, sorry.
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.
Walter PlingeSat, 7 Dec 2002, 12:09 am
Re: The Pyjama Game
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
Walter PlingeMon, 9 Dec 2002, 12:46 pm
Re: The Pyjama Game
I refuse to single anyone out in regards to this show.
To me it appeared quite obvious that everyone involved with the show in all aspects have done a fantastic job.
Audience entertainment and reaction is the reason everyone involves themselves in any production.
The Limelights production of The PAJAMA Game therefore was hugely successful. I have never walked out of a theatre into the lobby and had the audience actually singing songs from the show whilst waving pom poms madly about................inspiring!
To me it appeared quite obvious that everyone involved with the show in all aspects have done a fantastic job.
Audience entertainment and reaction is the reason everyone involves themselves in any production.
The Limelights production of The PAJAMA Game therefore was hugely successful. I have never walked out of a theatre into the lobby and had the audience actually singing songs from the show whilst waving pom poms madly about................inspiring!
Lisa SkrypMon, 9 Dec 2002, 05:53 pm
Re: The Pyjama Game
Oops - and what a fantastic job she did! At the matinee I didn't realise anything was missing from"Steam Heat", but her great voice & dancing really added a lot to it and indeed all the scenes she was in.
Who woulda thought there'd be more than one Dixie involved in the same theatre company, let alone production!
One last "singling out": Sonni Byrne was a natural as Babe, both in terms of acting & singing. Once again, her stage presence & great timing made for some lovely moments onstage.
Well done everyone. It's expected of me, but even my mother-in-law couldn't control the old singing-in-the-aisles urge after the show Saturday night! Much to my poor, embarrassed niece's chagrin...
Who woulda thought there'd be more than one Dixie involved in the same theatre company, let alone production!
One last "singling out": Sonni Byrne was a natural as Babe, both in terms of acting & singing. Once again, her stage presence & great timing made for some lovely moments onstage.
Well done everyone. It's expected of me, but even my mother-in-law couldn't control the old singing-in-the-aisles urge after the show Saturday night! Much to my poor, embarrassed niece's chagrin...