East Meadow High School Theatre Guild brings a classic to life

Members of the East Meadow High School Theatre Guild and music department performed George Abbott and Richard Pike Bissell’s “The Pajama Game” to crowded audiences on Dec. 7, 8 and 9.

The play, based of Richard Bissell’s 1953 novel “7 1/2 cents,” follows the plight of the workers at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory, where unbearable conditions have led union workers to go on strike in demand of a seven and a half cent raise. As the strike grows, its two leaders Sid Sorokin and Babe Williams dive into a romantic relationship that will not only have to endure this conflict between management and labor, but also a battle of the sexes.

Directed by East Meadow High School chorus teacher Caitlin Hale, the cast and crew traveled back to the 1950s with the energetic songs and dance routines of this musical comedy.

The fall musical was made possible with the help of Hale, Music Chairperson Stephen Engle, who conducted the pit orchestra, Art Teacher Ingo Prangenberg, who was the play’s technical advisor, Music Teacher Bill Kinslow, who was in charge of sound design and Board of Education Trustee Scott Eckers, who carried out lighting design.