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NU Theatre presents 'The Pajama Game'

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Wed, Apr 5th 2017 07:35 pm

Exploding with fun and nostalgic theatricality, Niagara University Theatre tops off its 53rd season with an energetic production of "The Pajama Game" April 20-30. The show is based on the book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell, with and music and lyrics by Richard Adler & Jerry Ross.

Directed by associate professor/choreographer Terri Filips Vaughan, the golden-age classic "The Pajama Game" tells the story of Babe, a feisty pajama factory employee representative who meets her match in Sid, the shop superintendent. Overflowing with song, dance and pajamas, the conflicts between labor union and management provide a sparkling backdrop for the blossoming romance between the two employees.

Winner of multiple Tony Awards (including Best Musical), "The Pajama Game" is brimming with songs and dances that have become beloved musical theater standards, including "Steam Heat" and "Hernando's Hideaway."

"The Pajama Game" will be on stage in the Leary Theatre within the Elizabeth Ann Clune Center for Theatre, Clet Hall, at 7 p.m. Thursdays, April 20 and 27. The musical will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, Saturday, April 22, and Friday, April 28. In addition, 2 p.m. matinees will be held on April 22, 23 (with post-show discussion) and Sunday, April 30.

Niagara University Theatre performance majors who are in the cast include: Peter S. Raimondo (Sid Sorkin) of Brockport; Nicholas Edwards (Myron "Old Man" Hasler) of Colchester, Connecticut; Brendan Didio (Vernon Hines) of Oneida; Jonathan O'Rourke (Prez) of Buffalo; Kevin Trala (Pop) of Lackawanna; Russell Wilson (Max) of Buffalo; Matt Dell O'lio (Joe) of Ontario, New York; Elijah Vazquez (Charlie) of Hammond, Indiana; Matthew Myers (Gus/Helper One) of Orchard Park; Ronnie Stewart (Helper Two) of Buffalo; Esteban Valentin (Waiter) of Greenacres, Florida; Heather Joan Casseri (Catherine "Babe" Williams) of Tonawanda; Shelby N. Ehrenreich (Gladys Hotchkiss) of North Tonawanda; Carly L. Weldy (Mabel) of West Seneca; Sabrina Kahwaty (Mae) of East Amherst; Cassidy Kruezer (Brenda) of Cheektowaga; Britini Margaret Anne D'Angelo (Virginia) of Niagara Falls; Clarissa Maloy (Poopsie) of Niagara Falls; Katie Rose Gould (Mara/Charlene) of New Castle, Pennsylvania; Anika Pace (Rita) of Buffalo; Lauren McCall (Mary/Ann) of Rochester; Lindsey Pastuszynski (Sandra/Sara) of Hamburg; and Marissa DelVecchio (Carmen) of Churchville.

Music direction is by adjunct faculty member Randy Andropolis, with choreography by associate professor of dance Vaughan and dance faculty member Natalie Slipko. Set design is by associate professor David Dwyer, with hair and costume design by associate professor Maureen T. Stevens. Light design is by Jason Clark, with sound design by adjunct faculty member Glenn Bernardis. Stage manager is theater design/production major Marissa Allen, while assistant stage managers include theater design/production major Jeremy Warsitz and theater performance major Kalee George.

Visit http://theatre.niagara.edu/ for ticket information.

•On Saturday, April 29, the Friends of Niagara University Theatre will host the 32nd annual Friends of Niagara University Theatre Gala. The event includes a 4 p.m. production of "The Pajama Game" at the Leary Theatre, and a cocktail reception, dinner and silent and live auction at the Niagara Falls Country Club. Tickets for the gala are $150 per person general admission, or $175 per person for gala patrons. For more information about the gala, contact the Niagara University Theatre Department at 716-286-8483.

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