Fame Jr.

Fame is a stage musical based on the 1980 film of the same name, with book by Jose Fernandez, music by Steve Margoshes and lyrics by Jacques Levy. It premiered in Miami, Florida in 1988 followed by a 6 season television series. The stage show then opened in the West End in 1995. The story is a “bittersweet but inspiring one of a diverse group of students at the New York High School for the Performing Arts, who dedicate themselves to four years of study in pursuit of their artistic dreams”.

Avenue Arts Academy are slowly developing a de-consecrated church into a small theatre and stage school. First they attended to providing stage and lighting while still seating their audience in pews. This year they have removed the pews, re-floored the auditorium and seated their audiences on upholstered hotel style upright chairs and plan to install retractable tiered seating in the future.

The Set for “Fame Jr”  re-used the basic high walkway across the back of the stage with a central door and a flight of stairs at either side – which was used for “Titanic” last year – above which was a red brick “wall”  adorned with graffiti . A few props such as school lockers, ballet bars and working keyboard were in evidence. Costumes were mostly provided by the cast I presume, with some matching coloured “gowns”. All were suitable for the era with lots of legwarmers on show!  Sound was pretty well-balanced and Lighting was very well designed with lots of moving colour lighting in the production numbers.

The story line gave different characters specific scenes in which to feature. The show opened with the  full cast singing about their hopes to gain a place to study at the prestigious High School for the Performing Arts in New York. They burst with excitement as they opened acceptance letters! When the students arrived they met teachers – Miss Sherman, Ms Bell and Miss Sheinkopf. Mary-Kate McSorley played Miss Sherman who was convincing as an old-fashioned English teacher and very strict! Chrissy Hindley was Dance teacher Ms Bell, who showed empathy and great support to her pupils. Miss Sheinkopf (usually MR Sheinkopf) was portrayed by Ava-Rose McSorley – a Music teacher who much preferred Classical to Rock music. These three girls took the adult roles although much the same age group as the rest of the youth cast – not easy but each rose well to the task.

Newcomer to the Avenue Arts Academy, Mason McLoughlin took the role of Nick Piazza, who turns out to be a seasoned “advertisement actor” whose face was easily recognised. His rendition of “I want to make Magic”, where he told Serena of his ambition to be a “real” actor was sung with assurance. His new friend Serena (Holly McDonell) was played as a shy but talented student who showed a growing interest in Nick – again singing well. As José, the Spanish comic (otherwise known as Joe), Dev Chaudhry had a crush on Carmen and enjoyed ‘larking around’ and showing the less popular sides to his character. Carmen (Sophie Mallard) was obsessed with ambition to become famous and was very confident in her dance ability. She was easily persuaded to abandon her course when offered a chance for fame by her agent – even though she was in a short relationship with Tyrone.  She did however, return at the end of the show. Isaac Pyper took the role of Tyrone – a talented hip-hop dancer but dyslexic when academic subjects were involved. Tyrone was from a poor family and Isaac was convincing in the part. He and Iris (Lilah Patton) shared a love/hate relationship when they worked together over a ballet movement. Lilah was a lovely dancer (as was Martha Moore who shared that role, I’m sure). The part of Mabel was nicely handled with humour by Clara Devine in relation to an eating problem,  while Jude Garrett as Schlomo was honest as a quiet classical pianist. Poor fellow hated being the son of a famous father. Jude – who really did play the keyboard - started a college band with Grace/Lambchops Lamb (Aimee McSparren) and Goodman/Goody (Milo Greer). Aimee was a bit of a comedienne and Milo a master of sarcasm – both filled their roles with enthusiasm. The 16 strong Ensemble were fully engaged in the action whenever they were on stage and their singing and dancing added much to the atmosphere of the piece.

Jess Teague, with her assistant Niamh McAuley, directed a very pacy show where many young actors had a chance to shine. It was evident that all the cast were enjoying themselves! Sarah Johnstone’s choreography was well conceived and thoroughly drilled so that it was all visually delightful. Musical Director Keith Pyper kept the musical numbers so well timed that I wasn’t sure if it was tracked or a live band!!

Many thanks for the invitation to the junior Avenue Arts Academy production of “Fame” – I had a great evening’s entertainment and look forward to the Senior show very soon.

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