Drama Dawgs play the ‘Pajama Game’

PHOTOS BY LISA McGINTY | LMc Photography

Need to know
What: Dalton High spring show “The Pajama Game”
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 24 and 25, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 26
Where: DHS auditorium, 177 N Mill St., Dalton
Tickets: Can be reserved in advance or purchased at the door. All seats $10. Call the high school office at 330-828-2405 and visit www.daltonlocal.org to reserve tickets.

DALTON  Some students love those theme and spirit days at school when they have an excuse to roll out of bed and continue wearing their comfiest pajamas in the classroom.

Hitting the stage sporting PJs is a bonus.

Add to that performing with your best friends an art that you love for an appreciative audience of family and community members and – to a Drama Dawg – it doesn’t get much better than that.

Dalton High School’s theater program is presenting “The Pajama Game” at 7 p.m. March 24 and 25 and 2 p.m. March 26 at DHS Auditorium, 177 N Mill St., Dalton. The musical comedy is directed by Robin Evans-DelCiappo with music by choir director Heather Carr. All seats are $10. Tickets may be reserved in advance or purchased at the door. Visit www.daltonlocal.org.

A senior citizens breakfast and performance will be March 23. Breakfast is sponsored by the National Honor Society and cost is $8 per person. The breakfast will be served in the high school cafeteria at 9 a.m. and the show will follow in the auditorium. Any senior citizen in the Dalton/Kidron area may attend. To reserve a breakfast, call the high school office at 330-828-2405. Donations for the senior citizens performance will also be accepted but not mandatory.

Senior Marley Clark plays “Babe Williams,” which was Doris Day’s starring role in the 1957 film of the same name according to IMDb.com (International Movie Database) and based on the novel “71/2 Cents.” Legendary choreographer Bob Fosse staged dances for “The Pajama Game.” The original Broadway production opened in 1954 and won a Tony Award for Best Musical. The 2006 Broadway revival also won a Tony award for Best Revival of a Musical.

“I really like this play,” Clark said in an emailed response, “because there is always so much going on and it’s so fun to see what each character’s story looks like. There’s comedy, romance, and suspense which makes for a super fun and interesting storyline. I love being part of drama because of the positive atmosphere and the people. It truly is the best part of my day and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! The cast and crew have worked extremely hard so far and I cannot wait to put on this show for our community!”

Senior Kyli Marie Justice is a member of the chorus for the spring production. She wanted to be a Drama Dawg at least one year of high school. This was her last chance before graduation, so she “decided to ignore my stage fright and go for it! And I’m so glad I did!”

Other students were bitten by the acting bug earlier on. Senior Matéa Martinez plays Carmen.

“Even though my role is small, I still feel just as important as anyone else,” Martinez wrote in an email. “The first musical I ever participated in was during my eighth grade year at Dalton Middle School. I was Charlie’s mom in Willy Wonka Jr. Ever since, I have loved every minute of being on stage and have continued to pursue acting.”

Senior Faith McCourt, who plays the principal role of Gladys, shared a sentiment similar to Justice and said that getting up on stage is beyond the boundaries of her comfort zone but she loves all aspects of putting on a show at Dalton.

“I love the different personalities in each character, and the music,” she said about “The Pajama Game” in particular. As for being a theater student: “I love forming relationships with my fellow classmates, doing what I love, and getting out of my comfort zone.”

Cast members agreed that the comedic elements of the show are a draw for them and they anticipate the audience will be laughing along.

“I like the comedy that cuts in every once in a while with the amazing cast we have and how amazing their acting skills are,” Justice continued. “And how we get to wear pajamas every rehearsal. I enjoy being a Drama Dawg because of all the wonderful people you get to meet and hang out with during rehearsals and when the show is on.”

“The Pajama Game” is one of senior Callie Jones’ favorite productions that she has been a part of, she said.

“I enjoy being a part of this production because I am able to put on a play with my best friends,” Jones wrote in an email. “In particular, this year has been bittersweet because even though I love putting on a play, I know that it is my last one.”

She explained how the play takes place in a pajama factory where all of the employees are trying to get a seven and a half cent raise, “and it is full of humor, love and a few twists along the way. I really enjoy ‘The Pajama Game’ because it makes me laugh every time.”

Jones plays the character Mabel, the secretary to the lead, Sid Sorokin, and the “matchmaker for the office.” She describes her character as “dynamic and witty.”

“This production has challenged me and helped me grow as an actor and as a person,” Jones wrote. “It has been a challenge this year, as there has not been as much time for rehearsals, but everyone has worked extremely hard. Everyone is absolutely perfect for their roles, and truly take them on. I think that this year will be one of the best years yet, and I hope the community enjoys it!”

Senior Jaden Schlabach agreed he likes the musical because it is comedic and he also noted that it “is unique from the musicals we have done in the past.”

Schlabach plays the role of “Prez” the union president.

“I like being a Drama Dawg because I get to meet new people and it’s fun to see us improve on our characters and lines every week.”

Jones said she has always been thankful to the community for their support and she hopes they will fill the house the weekend of March 24-26.

“What I love most about being a Drama Dawg is the relationships that I have been able to have,” Jones said in the email. “I have met some of my best friends through the plays, and I have been able to make more connections and friendships throughout my four years. I also love the community support that is unique to Dalton.

There are many drama clubs out there that perform to a handful of people each night, but I am thankful that our community is willing to come and support us and giving us a full house! I am grateful that they are able to see all of our hard work, and to see us have a good time on stage!”