On Stage Tonight - "The Pajama Game"

The touring show of the Broadway hit musical The Pajama Game hits the stage at the Paramount Arts Center tonight. Here's the story from the Herald-Dispatch by my pal Beth Hendricks:

It's love on the factory line.

The Tony Award-winning Broadway hit The Pajama Game unfolds at the Paramount Arts Center tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $60.

Chock full of musical numbers such as "Hey There," "Steam Heat" and "Hernando's Hideaway" and romantic subplots, the storyline revolves around a raise demanded by the factory workers and the dispute between them and the labor union. Main characters "Sid," the factory superintendent, and "Babe," a representative of the grievances committee, struggle with doing their jobs and their feelings for each other. The original 1955 production and a subsequent revival in 2006 received 12 Tony Award nominations. Additionally, a movie starring Doris Day and John Raitt was produced in the late 1950s.

"It's a very simple plot that goes through the lives of the people in the factory with a love story that goes on throughout the show," said Dionysia Williams, who plays "Poopsie." "It's very high in entertainment value because of the songs and dance numbers, but it's also very relevant to life today with the economy and the way things are for the working class."

Williams, who hails from Circleville, Ohio, describes the show as fresh, funny and energetic and - maybe - even a little sexy (though still entirely kid-appropriate).

"There is very much a 'girl power' aspect to this, but the guy is a good guy and he really wants to do the right thing for everybody," Williams said. "There are so many relevant topics in this show."

For more information or tickets, call 606-324-3175 or visit www.paramountartscenter.com.