This Golden Age classic features upbeat show tunes with catchy melodies and clever lyrics that capture the humor, romance, and labor tensions of a 1950s pajama factory—updated with modern sensibilities.
MEET YOYO ZHOU
We spoke to Yoyo Zhou who plays Gladys, the fun-loving secretary at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory. Yoyo tells us all about the production, her time at MSM, and why people should come and see this production.
Read our interview with Yoyo below.
Originally from Guangzhou, China, Yoyo Zhou (BM ’25) is a senior Musical Theatre student at MSM studying with Andrea Green. Yoyo’s performance credits at MSM include The Hills Are Alive! (2024), Newsies workshop reading (2024), Bye Bye Birdie (2024), Paperboy (2023), The Cunning Little Vixen (2023), and Valentino’s Tango (2022). Her upcoming performances include Reb+ VoDKa+ Me with the Musical Theatre Lab Series and Alpha Psi Omega’s annual dance show. Other credits include Industry Showcase from Steps on Broadway; Judy Garland: We Need A Little Christmas (Carnegie Hall); and Ballet and Broadway at American Academy of Ballet.
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Ross and Richard Adler Book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell
Chloe Treat, Director Sebastiani Romagnolo, Choreographer David Loud, Music Director
Talk back immediately following the Nov 10 performance
Tickets Required $30 adults, $15 non-MSM students and seniors
Neidorff-Karpati Hall 130 Claremont Avenue
Yoyo: Let’s just say, there is a lot going on at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the 1950s! The Pajama Game explores themes of capitalism, unions, inequality, and sexism in the workplace. Relationships—whether friendships or romances—become complicated, especially in a workplace setting.
The story centers on the factory workers’ fight, including the efforts of women, to secure fair working conditions and a seven-and-a-half-cent raise. Things get even more complicated when a new factory superintendent, Sid Sorkin, arrives in town and catches the eye of grievance committee member Babe Williams. Difficult choices must be made: should one fight for rights and a cause, or for love? Is it possible to do both?
Though set in the 1950s, the musical touches on topics still relevant today. The fight for women’s rights, labor unions, and equality in opportunities and pay continue.
This MSM production of The Pajama Game brings a modern, non-traditional, wild, and wacky interpretation to the stage. While it stays true to classic elements of the traditional script and score, the creative vision for this production aims to connect a 1950s gem with a modern 2024 audience.
Yoyo: This production of The Pajama Game is unlike any you’ve seen before. While we stay true to the classic elements of the show, our vision uses modern ideas to connect this 1950s gem to the world of 2024. We are so fortunate to attend Manhattan School of Music for many reasons, but one of the best is that when musical season rolls around, our fellow students play in the orchestra pit. Every MSM musical feels like Broadway because of the talented musicians we have, and this show is no different.
“The MSM Musical Theatre department feels like a family. Everyone, no matter their background, is there for one another.” Yoyo Zhou (BM ‘25)
“The MSM Musical Theatre department feels like a family. Everyone, no matter their background, is there for one another.”
Yoyo Zhou (BM ‘25)
Yoyo: I’m playing Gladys Hotchkiss in the show. She’s a beautiful and sexy young woman, but don’t let that fool you—at her core, she is a strong, independent, hard worker. As actors, our goal is to become one with our characters. What helped me step into Gladys’s shoes was figuring out her individual mannerisms. How would she walk? What kind of vocal reactions does she have? How does she interact with her boss? How is that different from how she interacts with her boyfriend? I had to answer all these questions to truly embody Gladys Hotchkiss.
Yoyo: There are so many reasons I like studying in NYC. But most of all, there are countless opportunities to reach for, talented people everywhere, and unparalleled diversity. This city provides an excellent platform for promoting inclusivity and expanding your perspectives.
Yoyo Zhou (right) in The Pajama Game rehearsal
Yoyo: In the Musical Theatre department here at MSM, we bring in active, working professionals to be on our creative teams. Last year, while working on MSM’s production of Bye Bye Birdie, I had the opportunity to work closely with Katie Spelman, who is currently the choreographer for The Notebook on Broadway. Living here in New York City, I’ve also had the opportunity to take dance classes at Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center, where I’ve been fortunate to meet many wonderful working professionals.
Yoyo: The MSM Musical Theatre department feels like a family (some might even say we’re like a union!). Everyone, no matter their background, is there for one another. The teachers and faculty at MSM are patient mentors, knowledgeable experts, and genuinely care about their students. The opportunities and connections made as part of an education at MSM in New York City are unlike any other.
We have many opportunities through classes, private lessons, and productions to become well-rounded performers. The Musical Theatre faculty understands the importance of student involvement with both traditional and brand-new works. We’re also very fortunate to have the MT Lab Program. This year, seven brand-new shows are being brought to MSM for workshop readings, offering us as students additional opportunities to be involved both on stage and behind the scenes as part of the creative team.
Yoyo: Colorful, diverse, and SO many hot dogs!
Yoyo Zhou
Email This Page
Email Message
Page Reference (will be sent in email)
https://www.msmnyc.edu/news/msm-spotlight-meet-yoyo-zhou-a-featured-performer-in-the-pajama-game-on-stage-nov-8-to-nov-10/
This site uses cookies to improve user experience. By continuing, you agree to our updated policy. To find out more, visit our cookie & information use policy.