Not Your Mama’s PAJAMA GAME

Its every critic's greatest dilemma: children's theatre. What kind of evil person would criticize children? Seated amidst an entire audience filled with parents, extended relatives, and little Brothers and Sisters all holding large bouquets of flowers for their loved ones, cooing and "awwing" at the adorableness every time the little darlings say a line, it's hard not to feel a sense of foreboding and dread knowing that once the show is over, you will have to go home, sit at the computer, and figure out how to tactfully (or perhaps not-so-tactfully, depending on the critic) put into print that on a professional level, these kids might not be as precious and wonderful as their parents think they are.

However, in the case of The Children Theatre Group of Southern California's current production of The Pajama Game, housed in North Hollywood's Electic Company Theatre, this critic has as much enthusiasm and adoration for this troupe of child actors as any adulating relative. This production of Pajama Game is as good, and in several cases BETTER, than any other put on by a "fully grown" theatre group. To say that it is as good as one on the professional level would not be accurate, because this is professional. Everything from the costumes, to the choreography, to the caliber of talent is top-notch.

Let's start with the cast. Don't let the fact that most of these actors aren't old enough to drive yet fool you. They have comedy, personality, and vocal talent by the truckload. Eager beaver front row enthusiasts may want to sit a few rows back for this one. After 14 year-old Jenny Kaplan astounds you with her poise and stage presence as the leading lady Babe Williams, she'll use that powerhouse voice of hers not only to belt her face off, but possibly yours as well. And the control she has over such a powerful instrument for one so young is truly remarkable and commendable. Opposite Kaplan is Alec Medlock as leading man Sid Sorokin. Audiences will likely recognize Medlock from his recurring work on the hit Nickelodeon TV show Drake & Josh as one of Josh's nerdy best friends. Medlock is striking, dashing, and has a strong tenor voice that hopefully we'll be hearing a lot more of on the stage.

The supporting cast is one of the wiliest, wackiest bunches of character actors you'll find on a Los Angeles stage. 10 year-old Sophie Lachman will leave you in stitches as the sassy secretary Mabel and sixth grader Jack Odea is outright hilarious as the womanizing Prez. They're all an absolute riot.

As mentioned before, the rest of the production is top of the line. Stephanie Simpson's choreography is charming, precise, and well-suited to such a small space as The Eclectic. Anybody who knows musical theatre knows how iconic and difficult the number "Steam Heat" is, and it's done flawlessly. Director Richard Israel, whose handiwork was recently seen at the NoHo Arts Center in Interact's Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, has done marvelous work here. Everything moves, every moment is played for the right effects, and it's all around just an absolutely delightful night of theatre. Congrats to all!

The Pajama Game plays at the Eclectic Company Theatre (5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd.) until March 28^th. Shows are Fri-Sat at 7pm, Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $15. For more information about the show or other productions from The Children's Theatre Group of Southern California, visit www.ctgsc.org

 

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