The Pajama Game to present five benefit performances

Tue 11 Apr 2006 The Roundabout Theatre Company have announced that The Pajama Game, starring Henry Connick, Jr. will present five benefit performaces from the 13 - 17 Jun 2006. Proceeds from the performances will benefit 'The ActorsFund of America,' 'The New Orleans Habitat Musicians Village' and the Roundabout Theatre Company's Education Programs & Musical Theatre Fund. The Pajama Game began previews at the American Airlines Theatre on the 19 Jan 2006 and opens on the 23 Feb. In a statement about the performances Harry Connick, Jr sais "The Broadway community has been so supportive and welcoming to me in my debut that I simply HAD to find a way to show my appreciation. The producers, cast and crew have generously agreed to join me in extending the run of The Pajama Game for a series of benefit performances. All proceeds from these five shows will benefit the Broadway Community as well as the displaced musicians of my hometown of New Orleans. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." The cast The Pajama Game also features Peter Benson (Prez), Joyce Chittick (Mae, Steam Heat), Megan Lawrence (Gladys), Michael McCormick (Pop, Ganzenlicher), Richard Poe (Hasler) and Roz Ryan (Mabel). The Pajama Game will be directed and choreographed by Kathleen Marshall who won a 2004 Tony Award for Wonderful Town. The ensemble includes Bridget Berger, Stephen Berger, Kate Chapman, Paula Leggett Chase, Jennifer Cody, David Eggers, Michael O�Donnell, Vince Pesce, Devin Richards, Jeffrey Schecter, Amber Stone and Debra Walton. The Pajama Game features the classic songs �Hey There,� �Steam Heat� and �Hernando�s Hideaway.� The musical is set in the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory during a strenuous labor negotiation. At the musical�s center is the simmering attraction between a handsome new manager and a lovely union representative. But their budding romance is threatened by the impending strike. The Pajama Game features a book by the legendary George Abbott & Richard Bissell based on Mr. Bissell�s novel, 7 � Cents, and music and lyrics by Richard Adler & Jerry Ross. The book has been adapted for this production by Peter Ackerman. The design team includes Derek McLane (sets), Martin Pakledinaz (costumes), Peter Kaczorowski (lights). Kevin Stites is the music director. The Pajama Game opened on Broadway on May 13, 1954, ran for 1063 performances and won the Tony Award for Best Musical of 1955. A movie version starring Doris Day was released in 1957. The musical was last seen on Broadway in a production starring Hal Linden and Barbara McNair in 1973. (For more information click here)