I sat in the Haverford High School auditorium on Friday, November 15th at 7:00 pm, ecstatically awaiting the start of our very own Drama Club’s production of The Pajama Game! Set in a quirky 1950s pajama factory, the musical had my eyes glued to the stage from start to finish. With its elaborate dancing, angelic vocal performances, and comedic scenes, here is my personal review of the Haverford Drama Club’s 2024 fall musical.
I was first captivated by “Racing with the Clock,” a large number featuring the workers of the pajama factory as they complete their mundane tasks in an incredibly jittery and exciting way. This number caught my attention because of its detailed costumes and set pieces. Each factory worker performs their own section of pajama production, and as an audience member, I truly felt like I was a part of the factory. Soon after, I was introduced to Sid Sorokin (freshman Mikey Gibson), who swept me away with his performance as the new superintendent and male lead. A freshman leading the school play is no easy task, but Gibson tackled this role with immense vocal maturity that truly left my jaw on the floor.
The next number that caught my eye was “Once-a-Year Day,“ in which all the workers at the pajama factory attend a highly anticipated yearly picnic. This full-company number captures the magic of theater. I was especially moved by everyone’s immersion in their characters; every single actor had a smile on their face, encapsulating the joy of the picnic. The stage was teeming with skyrocketing energy and excitement.
The highlight of the show for me was undeniably Babe Williams’ (junior Ella Armandi) and Sid Sorokin’s magical love song, “There Once Was a Man.“ This romantic 1950s proclamation of love between Babe and Sid made my heart flutter with joy. Armandi’s vocal performance and stage presence during this number are on par with Broadway-bound talent, and Armandi and Gibson’s voices together created a duet made in heaven. This moment in the show, where the leads shout their love for each other from the rooftops, is absolutely one of the most captivating in the production.
The second act commenced with the blazing “Steam Heat Trio” (junior Amalyah Callahan, sophomore Mila Riegel, and sophomore John Doherty). This catchy trio filled the stage with their Fosse-inspired dancing abilities. I definitely felt the “Steam Heat” as I watched from my seat!
The spicy secretary, Gladys (junior Norah Kneafsey), wowed me with her captivating number, “Hernando’s Hideaway.” The choreography in this number swept me away from the start, with featured ensemble members creating a fiery and secretive mood. Kneafsey’s vocal abilities were clearly on display, and her stage presence, paired with the talented ensemble members’ dancing, made for an unforgettable number.
Before I knew it, the show was over, and I found myself standing up from my chair, whooping and cheering for the cast members, tech crew, costume crew, and set design team. I am so proud to attend a school with such an excellent drama program. The Pajama Game was an unforgettable triumph for Haverford High School Drama Club. As someone with many friends in the Drama Club, I can testify to the dedication that every individual put into this show, both on and off the stage. Congratulations to the Drama Club and best of luck in the spring!
