Fame

HD&OS Young Idea

Fame the Musical, the 1980’s iconic movie of the same title inspired generations to follow in the footsteps of Irene Cara and pursue a career in performance. It is these memories that were uprooted in my heart once again whilst attending this production.

Directed by Scott Welsh, a certain realism was achieved by combining the bright leotards, leg-warmers and headbands with drug abuse, the urgency to find fame, weight-issues, sexuality, loneliness and learning difficulties. By stressing these themes, it made the piece more relevant than I can ever remember this show being.

Musically, this show had much to offer, exploring a good number of styles and genres within the score. The ensemble work was of a good standard and MD Joanna Pierce achieved a good sound from the cast. The opening number set a very high bar for this group of youngsters and they were on top form throughout. The final song, really showcasing the range of vocals within this cast.

The band were tight and fully engaged in the score. If I am to find anything negative within the musicality, it will be to say that the band during underscore sections and particularly Tyrone’s Rap were too loud. Something to consider for future productions.

Wendy Couldridge and Heidi Koutselinis displayed their ability as choreographers to the full. Effective, modern and energetic routines were executed well by her cast, keeping the movement simple in places to cater for each ability on stage. The movement was at times repetitive with minor changes, this kept it fresh while also ensuring the cast were not overloaded and solely focused on the movement. Job very well done.

Iris Kelly, was well cast. Delivery of lines was well paced and modulation good. However, pointe work lacked strength and required more work.

Macy Pollington as Carmen Diaz, played a street-wise popular girl very well. An intelligent performer and her accent suited the role very well, excellent characterisation. Her interaction with fellow cast members, particularly the banter between her and Joe Vegas was very believable. Her vocal was so lovely on the lower register but I felt she was struggling  a little on the higher belt in this performance, I can’t say it detracted from her performance, but I was more concerned that she had to do it all again the next day.

Joe Savill as Nick Piazza, firstly, I must say I enjoyed “I want to make Magic” so much and I was delighted to hear it again in its reprise. He dealt with this number with sincerity and it was stripped back to allow us to see a real heart-felt performance. I felt his interaction with Serena was good but it lacked a little chemistry at times.

Joshua Langley as Jose “Joe” Vegas, what a performer, an excellent portrayal of his character, bringing all the comedy value to his scenes without much effort. His performance of “Can’t Keep it down” was one of the highlights of the performance.

Charlie Gates as Tyrone Jackson, performed well and certainly got his character across. This was a difficult one to portray but his reaction within the class-based scenes was very believable.

Mollie Brown as Serena, played a nice character which had plenty of scope to grow as the story progressed. I felt there was a build-up of chemistry missing between her and Nick, and it was a pity as it had great potential at the start. Mollie is a sensitive actress with a great future and her rendition of “Think of Meryl Streep” was heartfelt and very well-considered in her facial expressions. Vocal quality was good  throughout.

Amelia Acheson as Mabel, was perfect for this role. Very good casting here. Witty and full of life in her scenes, she lit the stage up. The vocal was stunning with “Mabel’s Prayer” being a very good moment in the show.

Tate Pollington as Schlomo Metzenbaum, really got the most from this character. The harmonies achieved in his song with Carmen “Bring on Tomorrow” were beautiful. We could see him falling in love with her, again bringing the realism to the fore.

Lily O’Hare as Miss Sherman, gave in my opinion, the most stunning vocal performance of “These are my Children” that I have heard from a youth production. What a great grasp of her role, and only when her story is revealed do we see the real character come out. Good acting performance, she played it cold and standoffish, leaving her a definite area of growth for her character.

Zoe Martin as Ms Bell, gave a creditable performance but wanted a touch more sass . I enjoyed her performance with Miss Sherman “Teachers Argument” and at this point I felt she had nailed the character. Zoe has a nice vocal and I felt she was more confident when she was in duet.

Ciaran Couldridge as Mr Myers, gave a solid performance. His reaction during the “I can’t keep it down” was commendable and he delivered his character well.

Sophie Nichol performed well as Miss Sheinkopf, but wished there was more for this character, her short stage time indicated that there is potential here. The accent was convincing.

All other supporting roles were well executed, developed and supported the director’s vision perfectly.

The set was good and functional with multi- levels, leading to a central balcony on the higher level. This was well used and was very effective.

Lighting was good. I only felt that there was a lack of lighting at the outer edge of the stage that is my only fault. The lighting plot created by the team led by Ken Allford was super, giving great life to the high moments and suitable dullness when required.

Sound was good mostly, on occasions I felt the ques were slow and was it necessary to use the echo facility so often? Minor issue but this is something I really feel is so important and certainly out of control of the performers.

Costumes for the production suited the overall vision. Suitable attire worn for the dance classes and so on.

Overall this was a very enjoyable performance with some standout performances. The cast worked so hard to go outside their comfort zone and for this alone I commend each one of you.

This was a great night out and I thank you for your hospitality

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