APSU presents The Pajama Game, featuring several guest artists

(Posted April 2, 2019)

Clarksville, TN – On Thursday, April 11, the Austin Peay State University Department of Theatre and Dance will present “The Pajama Game,” directed by Dr. Christopher Bailey and sponsored by the APSU the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts. The production will run from Thursday, April 11, through Sunday, April 14, in the Trahern Theatre. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday starting at 2 p.m.

“The Pajama Game” is based on the 1953 novel “7½ Cents” by Richard Bissell, with a book by George Abbott and Bissell, and music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross.

Several guest artists are joining the production of this comedic love story set amidst a union strike at the Sleep-Tite pajama factory. The play, featuring hit songs such as “Steam Heat,” “Hernando’s Hideaway,” and “Hey There,” will be conducted by guest artist, David Weinstein, music director of Nashville Children’s Theatre. Weinstein also produces, adapts and supervises recordings for Broadway Junior, TYA and School Edition series for Music Theatre International, Disney Theatrical Productions, Tams Witmark, Samuel French, Stage Works Media, Playscripts and iTheatrics. He conducted “Les Miserables” on Broadway, played in various pit orchestras and has music directed and conducted many regional productions, cast albums and educational recordings. For “The Pajama Game,” Weinstein will conduct an orchestra of nine, including guest artists Ben Andrews (drums/percussion), John Scalf (trombone), Matthew McNeill (piano), Timothy Kamper (cello), Max Dvorin (woodwind), Tom D’Angelo (bass), Deena Rizkalla (violin 1), Nick Schafer (violin 2) and Chris Rymes (trumpet).

Guest artist Richard Costa is choreographing “The Pajama Game,” which is known for its fun and energetic dance numbers. Costa has performed in numerous regional and summer stock theatres as well as on Broadway (“Cabaret,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and the Vegas Company of “Spamalot”).

“I’ve tried to install my philosophy to my work in giving not just dance steps, but the character and intention behind the choreography,” Costa said. “One of my favorite numbers in the show is ‘Steam Heat,’ which, of course, is one of Bob Fosse’s most Iconic works. No choreographer likes to carbon copy another’s work, so what I hope to have done is pay homage and give a nod to his amazing style and artistry that made this number so memorable.”

The set was designed by guest artist and APSU alumni Michael Mason, who designed last season’s impressive and gorgeous set for APSU’s production of “A Grand Night For Singing.” While studying theatre design at Austin Peay, Mason spent summers at Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre and Ash Lawn Opera. After graduating in 2015, Michael joined Lexington Children’s Theatre as a production intern and journeyman. He is currently the Scenic Charge Artist at The Little Theatre on The Square in Illinois.

Also joining the production staff is guest lighting designer Elisheva Siegel. For the past eight years, Siegel has been a freelance lighting designer, working for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Creative Entertainment, Modern Theatricals, Valdosta State University, California Repertory Company, Long Beach Playhouse, and Bob Cole Conservatory of Music. She also worked as Head Electrician for the 2017 - 2018 national tour of “Cabaret,” in which she oversaw all elements of the tour’s lighting design, from rig prep through performance run.

“We are so lucky to have her here,” Bailey said.” She is an amazing designer and I am excited to see her wonderful vision for ‘The Pajama Game’ come alive.”

“The Pajama Game” received a Tony Award for Best Musical in 1955 and the Broadway Revival won a Tony for Best Revival of a Musical in 2006. Tickets can be purchased online at the Theatre and Dance Box Office webpage (theatredance.apsu.edu) or preceding the performance. General admission: $15. Student/Senior/Military admission: $10. For information, call the Trahern Theatre Box Office at 931-221-7379 or email boxoffice@apsu.edu.