Character guide
Gladys Hotchkiss
from The Pajama Game
Gladys Hotchkiss is a supporting character in The Pajama Game, the 1954 musical by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, working as secretary to the factory's efficiency expert.
- Show
- The Pajama Game
- Broadway premiere
- 1954
- Role
- Supporting
- Music by
- Adler & Ross
Gladys Hotchkiss on stage vs screen
Broadway compared with the 1957 film
Carol Haney won a Tony as Gladys on Broadway in 1954 and repeated the role in the 1957 film, so Steam Heat, the Bob Fosse number she performs with the Box Boys, was preserved on screen with Fosse again handling the choreography. She leads Hernando's Hideaway in both versions too.
What Gladys loses on film is Her Is, her stage duet with the union president Prez, which is not among the film's numbers. In the 2006 Broadway revival, Steam Heat went to the character Mae instead of Gladys.
Who is Gladys Hotchkiss?
Gladys works in the office of the Sleep Tite Pajama Factory and is the girlfriend of Vernon Hines, the jealous and excitable time study man. She is spirited and independent minded, often exasperated by Hines's possessive streak even as she remains committed to him.
Gladys provides much of the show's comic energy on the factory's administrative side, balancing office routine with her volatile relationship with Hines and her enthusiasm for a good night out.
Gladys's role in The Pajama Game
Gladys is a supporting role best known for the dance number Steam Heat, a showcase built around sharp, percussive choreography that became one of the production's signature moments. The role calls for a strong dancer as much as a singer, since her big number is driven largely by movement.
Carol Haney originated the role on Broadway in 1954 and won a Tony Award for the performance, largely on the strength of Steam Heat, which helped establish Bob Fosse's choreographic style early in his career.
Gladys Hotchkiss: frequently asked questions
What show is Gladys Hotchkiss from?
Gladys Hotchkiss is a supporting character in The Pajama Game, which opened on Broadway in 1954.
Is Gladys Hotchkiss a lead or supporting role?
Gladys is a supporting role, best known for the dance number Steam Heat.
Who wrote the music for The Pajama Game?
Richard Adler and Jerry Ross wrote the music and lyrics for The Pajama Game.
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