FAME the musical

Fame, the Musical is based on the 1980 hit film featuring the famous title song. After the film’s success a TV series was mounted and ran for six seasons. The score for the stage musical was completely re-written by Steve Margoshes (music), Jacques Levy (lyrics) and Jose Fernandez (book) in 1995 and the title track only included as an addition.

This production opened with a large number of young people (50?) auditioning for the NYC High School of Performing Arts in a very effective explosion of sound and colour. An Acting group, Dance group and Music group made up a superbly engaged Ensemble. Good harmonies were evident and all sang and danced with great energy. All the principal students and teachers were introduced in cameos, leaving the audience in no doubt about their featured roles. Ben Logan (Mr Myers – Acting), Luke O’Callaghan (Mr Sheinkopf – Music), Eve Elliott/Amy Jayne McGinn (Miss Bell – Dancing) and Sophie Martin/Aoife Mageean (Mrs Sherman – Home Tutor) coped well with their adult roles. Luke kept up his German accent throughout and Sophie and Eve’s “Argument” was well interpreted. “These are my Children” was also beautifully sung. The roles of Miss Bell and of Mrs Sherman were both shared and I’m sure the others played the parts equally competently.

Jonathan Brown was Nick – a young man serious about learning the art of acting. He was suitably sincere as well as displaying a fine singing voice. Katy Anderson and Amy Cahoon alternated in the role of Serena, who fancied Nick and tried to win his affection. I loved the number “Think of Meryl Streep” where Serena and chorus members tried to channel their emotions and begin to understand acting - this was a very clever piece.

Great comedy was provided by Shane Ferris as Joe. In an animated performance he teased every ounce of humour from his role. Bailey Camack had the difficult task of portraying Tyrone (an ultra-talented Black dancer) and his efforts were most credible. When he had a chance to sing he displayed a very pleasant tone. His on stage girlfriend, Iris (Ciara McAdam) was well cast as lead ballet dancer. Anna Smith was an ultra slim Mabel, who was supposed to be an overweight dancer on a “see food and eat it” diet! (Jessica Burns shared the role.) Although not ideal casting, I am impressed that the Academy had no overweight students to choose from! Anna impressed in the part and sang “Mabel’s Prayer” beautifully.

The three music students who formed a band – Schlomo (Alex McKelvey), Goody (Pierce Barrington-Wilson) and Lambchops (Aoife Bennett) were a lively and convincing group. I particularly noticed Aoife’s imaginary drum playing which was very believable! Schlomo’s quiet devotion to Carmen was entirely credible. Emma Dougan made an excellent Carmen. From over confident and ambitious student to sad and disillusioned drug addict she gave a very impressive performance.

Featuring many scenes, Director Shane chose to use decorated box cubes, which were moved quickly and efficiently by the cast to create different scenarios. 80s themed side flats were painted in luminous colours and upright trusses across the back supported a walkway. Props were inventive – particularly the changing pages of the chorus notebooks in “Think of Meryl Streep”. Sound and Lighting were mostly without fault and Costumes were colourful and appropriate.

This was a good “company” show with differing principal roles and plenty of chorus work. Wilson’s excellent  band gave the impression of being bigger than 5 pieces but was always sympathetic to the singers. Rachel’s choreography was well rehearsed and pacey as was Shane’s direction. Although not the greatest musical ever written, Fame was extremely watchable and I thoroughly enjoyed my evening with the young people of Belvoir Academy. I welcome the company to NODA and thank them for inviting me to their show.

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