Fame The Musical

I was welcomed warmly by Luke Jeffs on a chilly Autumn evening to The Mill Theatre to be transported back to a time of colourful pop socks and perms for WBOS Youtheatre’s production of Fame.

Fame the Musical follows the highs and lows of the final class of New York City's illustrious High School for the Performing Arts from their first year in 1980 to their graduation in 1984. It tells the story of several of the students, depicting their struggles, triumphs and tempestuous relationships with sincerity and dramatic effect.

Director Rachel Engel was able to use the relatively limited spaces of the Mill Theatre to great effect.  Considering the almost 50 cast members on stage, at no time did it look over crowded. You can tell she has great attention to detail as the actors were clear about where they needed to be, with their acting seeming natural and diction clear and unrushed.  Choreographer Kate Hemingbrough clearly had a great time in being able to work with a very talented array of dancers, but was also able to give the less skilled dancers in the cast movement direction which made each number in the show flow superbly.  Dan Hardy and Amber Seddon really nailed the 80s vibe of the music with a flawless orchestra, the cast had no issues hitting some difficult harmony and chorus vocals with principals being skilfully led to some lovely performances. Lighting by the Lighting Factory was fun, slick and on theme, with the same team doing a faultless job on Sound.

So, on to the cast.  There really was no weakness in this cast - Fame the musical really does suit them, and im sure a few of them will go on to have their own Fame in the future.  Special mentions have to go out to Dylan O’Connor for a solid and soulful performance of love torn musician Schlomo Metzenbaum.  Madison Jeffs really showed her triple threat performance future with a captivating performance of the troubled Carmen Diaz.  Holly Page gave my performance of the night as teacher Miss Sherman.  She was able to skilfully portray an older person effectively (easier said than done in a Youth Production), but then brought the house down with her vocal performance of “These Are my Children”.

Great show WBOS Youth, I’m really looking forward to your next one of Sister Act Jr 11-13th April 2024.

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