The Pajama Game: Cast Interview with Ryan Butler

UB Theatre and Dance’s annual spring musical “The Pajama Game” opens for a two-week run at UB Center for the Arts, from April 25 – May 4, 2025. Get best seats early at:
https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=ub%20center%20for%20the%20arts%20pajama%20game

Sophomore Theatre Performance major Ryan Butler plays Sid Sorokin, the new factory superintendent who falls in love with Catherine “Babe” Williams, despite their being on opposite sides of the labor dispute central to the plot. We interviewed Ryan to get his insights about “The Pajama Game.”

Butler’s previous UB credits include: A Crack in the Egg, Puffs, 9 to 5 (Hart), The 39 Steps (Clown 1), and Ride the Cyclone (Mischa). Other favorite shows include Newsies, (having played both Jack and Davey), Something Rotten (Shakespeare), Pete the Cat (Jimmy), and many more. Ryan is a immy Awards nominee and Kenny Award winner.

What made you want to become a performer, and when did you first act on stage? Is anyone else in your family artistic?

My chorus teacher encouraged me to audition for the 6th grade musical, I was reluctant at first, but I ended up doing it and loving it. That was my first ever performance. My grandfather is/was in a band, so some of the artistry genes could have come from him.

What's been one of your favorite experiences on stage?

That has got to be getting to perform a sensory-friendly performance of “Pete the Cat The Musical.” It was wonderful getting to take pictures with all of the kids afterwards as well.

How difficult or easily do you find it to memorize dialogue, songs, melodies and then incorporate them with the choreography? Do you have a personal 'method' for this?

Memorization has always been somewhat difficult for me, especially with a behemoth role like Sid. But the most effective method for me is to drill and repeat scenes and then piece it together slowly. Maybe not the most interesting method, but it works for me.

What's your day-of-show routine like before the lights go up?

On the day of a show, I get up real early and get my pipes nice and warm as soon as possible. And of course, staying hydrated all throughout the day is always very important. Closer to the show, I’ll do a quick physical warm up and try to say a little something to everyone involved. Then it’s on with the show.

Have you watched the movie version of "The Pajama Game" from 1957? If so, what do you think of it and the performance by John Raitt as Sid? Does it in any way inform your own, even if by opposition?

Yes, I have seen it. It’s quite different from the musical but I like it a lot. John does an incredible job with the role, and I’ve definitely used a couple of his quirks in my own performance.

"The Pajama Game" novel ("7 1/2 Cents"), musical and movie all came out in the 1950s, a time only older Americans would remember.  Is UB's production modernized, or is it set in the 1950s like the original?

It’s set in the 1950s, but the way it’s directed and performed is easily understandable and relatable for modern audiences.

How would you describe the dialogue, songs and choreography in this show compared to what we see in modern musicals? To what extent is the show relevant to contemporary audiences?

It’s definitely different, and somewhat of a challenge to get used to. But I think it could be considered unique in today’s standards. I think it’s important to perform older pieces like this, especially as an homage to the theatre that helped us get what we have today. It’s extremely relevant, and I think audiences will see why. It’s a David and Goliath meets Romeo and Juliet story.

Who are some of your favorite performers, either from the musical theatre world, or just in general? Why?

Some of my favorite performers I'd say are Robin Williams, Derek Klena, and Cristin Millioti. Robin because he's an absolute masterclass in comedy and just an all-around beautiful performer and person. Derek because I want his voice so bad and would kill to play any of the roles he's played. And Cristin because she's such an underrated and hilarious actress and she's in my favorite TV show.

The production values on THD musicals are high, from cast and crew to directors/music direction, costuming, sets, live music, lighting design. Can you tell us a little about the scope and scale of the work that goes on behind the scenes which people might not know about?

Everyone works their absolute tail off to make each show as great as it can be. Every designer, director, performer, etc. is determined to put on the best show possible. And behind the scenes the process starts early and fast. Without any specific role in the process the whole thing would fall apart. Every single person involved in putting a show together is just as important and it's beautiful to see what comes of it.

Aside from "The Pajama Game," is there a 'dream role' which you've always wanted to play?

My absolute dream role is to play Riff in “West Side Story.” It's been my favorite musical since I was a wee lad and I would do anything to be a part of it. The show and role are so impactful to me, and I hope to achieve that dream some day.

What would be your 'quick pitch' to potential patrons who are unfamiliar with the show about why they should come to see "The Pajama Game?"

Have you ever wondered what would happen if Romeo and Juliet took place in a Pajama Factory in the 1950s? Yeah, me neither. But I gotta say, it's one of the most entertaining, funny, heartfelt, and surprisingly relatable shows you'll ever see. Don't miss the chance to see it, you really won't regret it! It's extremely whimsical.