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The Pajama Game 1954

Opened: May 13, 1954

The Pajama Game - 1954 Broadway History , Info & More

The Pajama Game, a delightful musical brimming with romance, labor disputes, and catchy tunes, is the brainchild of the songwriting duo Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, with a book by Richard Bissell. It premiered on Broadway in 1954 and quickly captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. The musical's success was solidified with a Tony Award for Best Musical in 1955.



Set in a bustling pajama factory in the American Midwest, the story centers around the sassy and determined Babe Williams, the leader of the factory's grievance committee. The workers are frustrated by a recent pay cut and clash with the factory superintendent, Sid Sorokin. Sparks fly between Babe and Sid, despite their opposing positions in the labor dispute. Their simmering tension takes a playful turn when a new rule is implemented – employees must wear pajamas to work!



The Pajama Game is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and social commentary. The infectious score features iconic songs like "Hey There," "Steam Heat," and "Hernando's Hideaway," which burst with energy and perfectly capture the playful spirit of the story. Despite the underlying labor strife, the musical ultimately celebrates the power of love, finding common ground, and the importance of fighting for what you believe in.


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BWW Flashback: A Look Back on the Exceptional Career of the Great Hal Prince
by Team BWW - Jan 30, 2023


In honor of what would have been been his 95th Birthday, BroadwayWorld is looking back on the career of Hal Prince. See highlights from his incredible career in our interactive timeline and watch past performances from his works.

What Was the Golden Age of Broadway?
by Team BWW - Feb 19, 2022


We're studying up on musical theatre's most glorious time- the Golden Age. What was the Golden Age of Broadway all about and what years did it cover? Learn all about the period which began in the 1940s and produced some of the most iconic musicals.

UN DÍA COMO HOY: nacía Bob Fosse
by Nuria Pedret - Jun 23, 2021


Con motivo del aniversario del coreógrafo y director, recordamos algunos de sus espectáculos más emblemáticos

The Drama Desk Awards to Posthumously Honor Hal Prince with Namesake Lifetime Achievement Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 19, 2020


The 65th Annual Drama Desk Awards will celebrate the life and legacy of American theater producer and director Harold 'Hal' Prince with the Drama Desk's newly established lifetime achievement honor.

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by Stephi Wild - Aug 31, 2019


BroadwayWorld has learned that Ken LeRoy recently passed away at age 92. No other details of his death are known at this time.

All Broadway Theatres to Dim Lights for Hal Prince
by Julie Musbach - Jul 31, 2019


The Broadway community mourns the loss of prolific producer, director, writer, and the individual recipient of the most Tony Awards in multiple categories in history, Harold Prince, who passed away on July 31, 2019 at age 91. To commemorate his life and work, the Committee of Theatre Owners will dim the lights of Broadway theatres in New York for one minute on Wednesday, July 31 at exactly 7:45pm.

Hal Prince, Legendary Broadway Producer and Director, Passes Away at 91
by Alan Henry - Jul 31, 2019


BroadwayWorld is saddened to report the passing of legendary Broadway director and producer Hal Prince at 91 years of age after a brief illness, in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Stage Directors & Choreographers Foundation Announces Annual Gala
by Julie Musbach - Sep 19, 2018


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Photo Flashback: A Fond Farewell to Those We Lost in 2015
by Walter McBride - Dec 31, 2015


Below, BroadwayWorld sends a fond farewell to those who passed away in 2015.

Photo Coverage: Remembering Julie Wilson
by Walter McBride - Apr 6, 2015


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Rick McKay Remembers Recently Departed Julie Wilson
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 6, 2015


As BroadwayWorld reported this morning, stage, screen, and cabaret star Julie Wilson passed away yesterday, April 5, from complications from two recent stokes. She was 90 years old. Rick McKay, the producer/director of Rick McKay's Broadway: The Golden Age Film Trilogy, recently took to Facebook to bid farewell to his friend:

Tony Nominee Julie Wilson Passes Away at 90
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Review Roundup: West End's THE PAJAMA GAME
by Nicole Rosky - May 14, 2014


In 1950s America, love is in the air at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory as handsome new Superintendent Sid Sorokin (Michael Xavier) falls head-over-heels for firebrand Union rep Babe Williams (Joanna Riding). Sparks fly when the employees are refused a seven-and-a-half cents raise, leaving Sid and Babe deliciously at odds as the temperature rises. . . Will love, eventually, conquer all? Let's see what the critics had to say...

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by BWW News Desk - Jul 26, 2013


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by Tyler Peterson - Jun 14, 2013


The award winning Foothill Music Theatre swings for the fences this summer with the Tony Award-winning musical DAMN YANKEES. This production will be helmed by Tom Gough with music direction by Catherine Snider, and choreography by Katie O'Bryon and plays July 26 - August 18 in the Smithwick Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Rd., Los Altos Hills.

Brinberg's 'A Simply Barbra' Holiday Spectacular with Guests Wilson, Burgess and More Celebrates 12/20
by Eddie Varley - Dec 20, 2008


Julie Wilson, the legendary theatre and cabaret star, will make a guest appearance at Steven Brinberg's A Simply Barbra Holiday Spectacular.She joins the previously announced Tituss Burgess and The Broadway Boys. The event will benefit The Ali Forney Center, New York's primary emergency housing resource for homeless LGBT youth. A Simply Barbra Holiday Spectacular will play at Symphony Space (2357 Broadway at 95th Street) on Saturday, December 20 at 8 pm.

Wilson Joins Brinberg's 'A Simply Barbra' Holiday Spectacular
by Eddie Varley - Dec 11, 2008


Julie Wilson, the legendary theatre and cabaret star, will make a guest appearance at Steven Brinberg's A Simply Barbra Holiday Spectacular.She joins the previously announced Tituss Burgess and The Broadway Boys. The event will benefit The Ali Forney Center, New York's primary emergency housing resource for homeless LGBT youth. A Simply Barbra Holiday Spectacular will play at Symphony Space (2357 Broadway at 95th Street) on Saturday, December 20 at 8 pm.

Roundabout Announces Harry Connick, Jr. to Star in The Pajama Game
by BWW News Desk - Aug 16, 2005


Performances of THE PAJAMA GAME will begin Friday, January 27th on Broadway at the American Airlines Theatre with the official opening set for Thursday, March 2nd. The limited engagement is scheduled to run 20 weeks through June 18th, 2006.

The Pajama Game History

Other Productions of The Pajama Game

1954   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1955   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
1955   West End London Production
West End
1957   Off-Broadway City Center Revival
Off-Broadway
1973   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1986   Off-Off-Broadway Equity Library Theatre Revival
Off-Off-Broadway
1989   Off-Broadway New York City Opera Revival
Off-Broadway
1999   West End London Revival
West End
2002   Off-Broadway Encores! Concert
Off-Broadway
2006   Broadway Roundabout Revival
Broadway

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