Fame The Musical

This was not a 'Show' I had seen previously, but was aware of the story line and some of the music from it. This is an extremely challenging show on several levels, with difficult music where accompaniments do not help with the tune, complicated dance routines, and the characters being from different ethnic groups. As with any youth group you have the older members leaving, and so have restrictions on choice of shows, which fit the age and maturity of the cast. This year everything obviously came together for SPY’S with a large older group who were able to rise to the challenge.

It tells the story of a group of students during four years from their hopes of gaining places at the New York City’s High School of Performing Arts to the day of their graduation, following them through the highs and lows of these years. It explores some of the problems, which face adolescent teenagers such as personal relationships, personal image, trying to achieve recognition and living in the shadow of successful parents. Although it has a disjointed story line it gives the opportunity to many cast members for solo performances.

The stage had been extended in front to bring the action forward; this enabled a drum kit and boxes to be set permanently and represented the music room. The rest of the set was minimal, with a high, narrow platform at the back of the stage accessed by steps and smaller platforms from stage left and stage right, giving excellent opportunity for variation in height. There were pieces of scenery on small trucks to help identify the various the various area of the Academy, two structures, with a barre on one side to represent the dance studio, and when turned around represented other areas. Another small truck with comedy and tragedy masks and fabric draped across one corner like a stage curtain was the ‘drama studio’; with the addition of a backcloth and furniture which were brought on as required, we were taken to all the locations in the story very swiftly and efficiently. The lighting was mostly effective but the follow-spot was not always confidently cued or operated. I liked the lighting for ‘I Want to Make Magic’; it worked well with just a follow spot on the singers’ face and fingertip lights on other members of the cast creating a magical illusion in the blackout. The costumes were appropriate and helped make a clear distinction between the teachers and students. Hairstyles and make-up were in keeping, although I would have liked slightly heavier make-up to help identify the ethnic groups more easily.

It is difficult for young people to portray characters older than themselves unless the character is considerably older or has a defining characteristic disability, but in this production they brought a maturity and air of seniority to the roles, especially Miss Sherman, Ms Bell, Ms Myers and Mr Sheinkopf as they had more time on stage giving them the opportunity to display their characters.

The cast of this show divides into distinct groups the Drama Students, the Dance Students, the Music Students and the Teachers, and while they all interact at various points we come to know the individuals within the groups very well. Everyone had developed well-rounded, believable characters, which convinced us of their understanding of the role. Nick’s determination to be a serious actor; Serena’s acting ambitions and love of Nick; bad boy Joe, the joker of the pack from a difficult background who has feelings for Carmen; Tyrone the hip hop dancer, who rebels at classical ballet and we discover is dyslexic and is humiliated by Miss Sherman; Carmen the one student who has confidence in herself and a burning ambition to become famous, becomes involved with several of the guys and comes to tragic end; Iris, talented but insecure ballet dancer who has a love hate relationship with Tyrone; Mabel, a singer and dancer who has problems with her weight and explains she is on the ‘Sea food diet - I see food and then I eat it’; Schlomo, a talented musician with a famous classical violinist father, who rebels by setting up a rock band with Goody, Benny and mad drummer Lambchops.

As I have said the music for this show is challenging and Musical Director Paul Cragg is to be congratulated for the high standard the young performers achieved and maintained. The Band was always well controlled, lively and enthusiastic, with balance between music and voices being maintained through excellent use of radio microphones. All the songs were well sung, although there were instances when the accompaniment was difficult and did not help the singers by playing the melody line, and a few notes went astray. The ensemble numbers were sung with enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment. There were some lovely moments as with Schlomo and Carmen putting together their song, ‘We can make a difference’, Miss Sherman with ‘See it in my children’ and Mabel with ‘Give me a sign’. There were also many lively numbers with Tyrone’s Rap, Fame, and Dancing on the Sidewalk. Then of course there was Joe’s very naughty but fun number ‘Can’t Keep It Down’. The opening song of the evening ‘Hard Work’ certainly set the standard of what was to follow.

Lucy Gragg had devised some excellent choreography for this demanding show with so many changes of dance style. The routines were very energetic and well executed and I am sure took many of the young people out of their comfort zone. Even the less confident in the cast were trying really hard and were almost enjoying themselves.

Director Ross Brown had worked hard with his cast helping them to understand the complexities of the roles and giving good portrayals. The accents were well maintained and mostly diction was clear. Good use was made of the staging, particularly in the Academy with the Staff on the platform so that they could be seen and heard.

This was a well-presented show led by a talented team who had worked together to inspire the young people to perform to the best of their ability. Well done everyone.

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