Fame

Thank you very much for inviting me to your youth production of Fame and what a fantastic opening night you had.

Upon entering the theatre the atmosphere was set from the get go with a simple but effective pre-set highlighted with blue LED’s. This was the set that featured for most of the show with the occasional prop added by members of the cast as required. This enabled an effective use of stage space and became a space in which the ensemble moved freely around the school. The only time I feel stage space could have been utilised better was during the scene where the production moves between each of the classes (Dance, Music and Drama) in quick succession. I feel that each class could have had their own section and transitioned from one to the next through some nice fading of lights avoiding too many blackouts for the quick scene changes.

 

This show is set in America and so accents all around were required. These were handled well all round though a couple of cast members in particular really stood out. Miss Sherman had an excellent accent throughout and was a strong performer with some exceptional characterisation. This came to its peak towards the end of the show where she showed her characters’ vulnerable side. Her performance was real and believable and her song “my children” really showed the tenderness of her character.

Serena. Wow. What a performer this young actress is. This is certainly a young performer in the making to be watched. Her hold over her performance skills was exceptional and believable throughout and the subtleties she showed in her performance brought so much light and shade to her character. One minute she had the audience almost in tears the next erupting with laughter.

Nick, a rising star brought out from the darkness. Why this young actor has been hiding behind the curtains working back stage is a big question. I am glad he has finally seen the light and has made his appearance on the stage. Right where he belongs. “I want to make magic” was beautifully sung and the relationship and chemistry between Nick and Serena was fantastic. Jo was a good actress who had some great comedy throughout with her sheer love of eating.

 

Though I have highlighted some key performers this show is absolutely an ensemble production and the whole cast worked incredibly well together. The songs were loud and projected excellently. The ‘Dance class’ students danced well together with good synchronicity. Choreography was well suited to the group and featured many whole cast dances. I really enjoy how the ‘minis’ are incorporated into productions which gives them an opportunity to get on stage and get such valuable experience from their more senior performers. “Dancing on the Sidewalk” was a great song full of energy throughout. All round the ensemble worked great together and had a great blend with no one character standing out more than the other which was exactly what was needed.

 

All around this was a fabulous show and one in which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was clear that every member of the cast enjoyed it and that only helped sell it even more to the audience.

Kind regards

   Ryan Procter

   District 3 Representative

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