FAME
Information
- Date
- 14th July 2012
- Society
- Riverside Theatre Company
- Venue
- The Mumford Theatre
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Richard Mann
- Musical Director
- Ian Tipping
- Choreographer
- Sara Johnson
Thank you to Nicki Compson and the Front of House Team who welcomed us to this marvellous production of “FAME”. The open set, on several well used levels, was very well constructed and painted by all concerned, the Director’s use of the cast to bring other manageable bits of scenery on and off set was well executed and avoided lengthy scene changes, which I am sure also made life easier for the Stage Manager .The sound and light at the Mumford was great throughout. The balance between singers and the fantastic orchestra, was perfect, and I also thought the use of the NYC street ambience was a nice touch. The lighting design was of a professional standard, with some wonderful use of specials, and some real scene setting washes‘. Technically this was a perfect production, and my congratulations go to SM, Matt Watson, Lighting designer and technician, Chris Glenton, and sound engineer Scott Andrews. Richard Mann’s direction was faultless. He made full use of the many stage levels, creating the illusion that the action on the fixed set, was taking place in many different locations. The relationships between the characters were clearly defined and formed. Musical Director, Ian Tipping’s orchestra were excellent, when you forget the orchestra are there, but stop until they have played the last note of the evening, then, in my opinion, you know that they have done a first class job. Sara Johnson’s choreography was varied and inventive, and deserved to be on a bigger stage, where I am sure the dancers could have spread themselves more and been a little less restricted, particularly in the main chorus numbers. However an excellent job overall, and I thought the random moves of some of the individuals was inspired and very watchable. The contempory costumes were well considered and put together by Carol Ridge & Kim Clegg, but I did think a few more changes to signify passages of time and seasons would have been appropriate. Riverside are a very talented youth group and the full extent of that talent was on stage for this lively and exuberant production of “ FAME “. The story picks up following the TV and film versions, and their effect on the characters at the real performing arts school in New York. Victoria Stockbridge gave a confident performance as bubbly streetwise Carmen Diaz, as she descends into prostitution and drug abuse, which becomes her fatal downfall. Her relationship with fellow student Schlomo Metzenbaum, played by Edward Shelton, was nicely played with some really tender moments. Jonny Prestney as Tyrone Jackson did a terrific job of singing whilst also performing some energetic dancing, and also created some beautifully choreographed lines with Stacey Pearson, as his ballet dancing love interest. Gemma Foulkes as the ever hungry Mabel Washington, performed very well in all aspects and belted out a great gospel style number. Josh Haynes as wannabe Shakespearian actor Nick Piazza and Rebecca Clegg as Serena Katz, made an endearing and romantic couple. Rebecca is a little pocket rocket with a ton of talent, and made the absolute most of her character. Overseeing all of the students was the Principle, Miss Esther Sherman, played by Emily Compson, who sang beautifully with a wonderfully haunting vibrato. Harriet Haynes as dance teacher Ms. Greta Bell, also gave an excellent and believable performance, and their duet was poignant and memorable. The Chorus and Dancers were vibrant and energetic and did a superb job. This is one of the best productions that I have seen this season, including the adult shows. The young performers and production team should be very proud of this excellent effort.
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