Fame JR

‘I first saw ‘Fame JR’ a few weeks ago performed by a junior group.  I was so certain that they had further cut the original to fit with their performers .To my  complete surprise I realised that what I saw was exactly what the rights holder were presenting as the junior version of a first rate show. Because of the cuts, any resemblance to the unabridged version comes just from the music and dance, therefore a production team is left with a song and dance presentation. The leading performers are unable to establish their characters with their teenage troubles in the minimal amount of dialogue time and the show becomes very short.’ The uncut original script includes problems with race, sexual orientation, love, self harming, drugs and death.  I am not suggesting that this exposure is suitable for the younger members of the group, but the JR version leaves little opportunity for the cast to demonstrate acting skills.   My opinion only!

I am putting the above in italics so that the cast and production team can be certain there is no implied criticism of the ‘Oppits’ presentation of ‘Fame JR’. Because in reality I saw immensely talented young people using 100% of their energy and talents to give a very entertaining performance.

The single stage set immediately placed us in a high school and the addition of good large scenic props created the many short scenes, but the flow of the thin story was constantly broken by blackouts and changes by the adult crew.

The singing and dancing was performed to backing tracks and this was a big advantage to the young performers who were skillfully rehearsed with the recorded music and never missed a beat or an entrance or exit. The whole cast often included the principal performers working as a total team and their smiles and infectious enthusiasm lit up the stage. The colourful costumes added to the visually excellent display.  The Production Team had obviously worked extremely hard with their colleagues to execute top rate singing and dancing and performance.

The principal performers did their utmost to act out their roles, trying to tell in few words the difficulties they were experiencing … relationships with other pupils and teachers and dyslexia and weight issues.  

It was great to see that the ‘Oppitts’ has attracted and kept a number of boys, many of whom had principal roles. There were very strong performances from the principals playing Nick, Serena, Joe, Tyrone, Schlomo and Mabel. Other members of the cast performed their cameo roles very well.

But outstanding among the performers were Freya Perrins as Carmen Diaz, her fantastic vocals and assured performance were a delight to hear and see, and in her first leading role, Mollie-Mae Mills was remarkable as Iris Kelly, Mollie- Mae’s ballet skills were quite outstanding and she can sing and act. What a future I predict for these two girls!

Although I have commented about the differences between Fame and Fame JR, I can hand on heart say I greatly enjoyed watching this talented team and their performance.  Youth theatre is alive and very healthy in Weston Super Mare, very well done.

 

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