Fame Jr

I have seen a number of Adult productions of Fame on-stage and of course the Alan Parker film, so I was very familiar with the construct of the show, but this was my first experience of the Junior version and I was intrigued by the opening videography where various key members of the cast introduced themselves in audition pieces.  This was a very innovative opening to the show and gave an insight into the motivations and talents of the various cast members so that once the characters appeared on stage themselves you felt like you already knew something about their journey to this point with their arrival at the Performing Arts School. 

The young cast managed to blend their individual skills to deliver a performance that was in many ways greater than the sum of their parts but also each actor managed to bring out the individually of their characters and loyalty to their respective Music, Drama and Acting teams.

Kate Chamberlain was a very strong and believable Carmen, sure that she is going to be a star in any discipline and with unstoppable determination.  Toby Wyles brought the sarcasm and attitude required to make Tyrone a success. A born dancer the audience were rooting for him despite his apparent bad attitude and contempt for all authority figures resulting from his own uncertainty and lack of self-confidence.  Harry O’Boyle was on great form as Nick Piazza the aspiring serious actor who was always focussed on being "real".

In complete contrast Jack Tuxford was a very sympathetic Schlomo Metzenbaum trying to get along with everyone and able to carry off the pianist skills required for the role.  Rose Staniford brought all the energy and enthusiasm needed to bring drummer Lambchops Lamb to life and, for me, was always on point in her lively interactions with her fellow classmates.  The on-stage band was completed by Noah Hickling as Goody who’s personality and confidence grew as the show developed.  Nice characterisation and story arch from Noah here.  Eleanor Cooper used all her experience with the EMUS team to bring Serena, the aspiring artist, to life both vocally and with her obvious acting talents.  

Lowri Moore succeeded in making Iris initially seem aloof and high-class, a defence mechanism to hide her vulnerability and uncertainty, and used great skill to show Iris’s transition to being just one of the crew as Iris became more comfortable in her own skin.  Ellis Moore was right at home as Joe the school clown loving to bring drama and humour to every scene he was involved in.  Gabriella Tilley was another cast member who drew the audience’s attention in any scene she was involved in and her bubbly characterisation was judged perfectly.

Moving now to the Teachers and Dance, Music and Acting Crews.  Jessie Gatehouse brought just the right authority power and discipline to Miss Sherman the English Teacher.  Jessie was very three dimensional and believable as the matriarch of the school and you could easily see why the pupils treated her with respect and sometimes saw her as someone to rebel against.

Myla Statham-Browne shone as Mrs Bell the Dance Teacher and used her physical stature and vocal power to accentuate her passion for both her students and the joy of Dance.  Also congratulations to the Dance Crew of Lauren, Livvi, Sophie, Lacey, Izzy and Yasmin who all brought huge energy and precision throughout the performance.

Another strong teaching performance was delivered by Grace Sims as Ms. Sheinkopf the Music teacher who brought some comic light and shade to the show but also showed her inner determination to get the best out of her pupils.  She led the Music crew to great effect and was ably supported by Roey, Blake, Eva and Jessie, the Acting Ensemble.

Finally, we come to the Acting crew.  Elouise Chamberlain delivered a very nicely judged performance and ensured that Ms Myers, although she appeared to be the most laid-back of the Teachers, made the audience realise that she would drive her students to make them the best Actors that they could be.  Ably supported by Clarissa, Oliver and Theodore this was a very convincing ensemble who added vocal and dance capability to their on-stage Acting focus.

A very enjoyable night in the Theatre was had by all judging by the audience reaction and “We are EMUS” belting out from behind the curtain at the close of the show.  Congratulations therefore are due to Hayley Wood on her Directing debut with EMUS, the show moved at just the right pace and the care taken to get the full cast to work together as a cohesive team was evident throughout.  Choreography was always on point and clearly pitched at just the right level to get all cast members to have fun and bring the energy.  Great work from Lauren Riley.   Gabryl Oleshko - thanks for all the hard work you clearly put in during the rehearsal period to ensure the timing and diction of the musical numbers was well balanced throughout the performance in solo, group and full ensemble numbers across the night.

I look forward to seeing you again in The Lightning Thief in July.

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