Theatre listings >
Theatre Index >>

FAME - touring (details of originators of musical and the London production at foot of review)

Director and additional choreographer- Karen Bruce
Set Designer - Adrian Rees
Lighting Designer - Graham McClusky
Musical Director -Steve Hill
Producers - Adam Spiegel and Mark Goucher
Seen for review at Edinburgh Festival Theatre in March 2002
Run Time - 2hrs 30mins including interval
Reviewer - Veera Airas

True talent on stage!

What makes me stand out from the crowd? Will my voice be heard? Do I have the right look, moves and talent? All questions that aspiring performers have to ask themselves -it's the nature of the battle of being the "Next best thing". FAME, based on the New York High School of Performing Arts, is the musical which brilliantly shows us this in this high impact production. And the amazing singing in these performances, many just launched on their own careers, will make shivers run down your spine

Karen Bruce's sharp direction and additional new choreography shows there truly is new talent in young directors. She skilfully draws out the best in her cast and crew, bringing new energy into the musical. With its multi- talented performers, this FAME will give you moments of laughter, sadness and most importantly the urge to get off your seat and party with the music encouraged by its mainly young and enthusiastic cast, but the older ones playing the teachers give excellent performances as strong as the younger cast.

I hate to pick anyone out from the cast but here goes. Ben Heathcote's Jo (Jose) Vega charismatically engages the audience as he shows his talent for stand up comedy, acting and singing. Julie Atherton brings out the sweetness and strength from her playing of Serena Kaz, at first a shy character she transforms into a Juliet giving new meaning to "don't judge a book by it's cover". Chris Copeland gives an amazing performance as the cool and charming Tyrone Jackson, who will not let anyone put him down, who touches us as he struggles with authority and words. However, these are just three of the incredible 35 cast members that this production of FAME has.

At first the set on stage, a building with balconies, upper walkway and spiral staircases could be anywhere but an interesting and creative beginning shows through a projected film and pictures, we're in New York City. From the very start, lighting plays an important part in this energetic and gripping production, giving extra feeling to songs, dances and acting. Many of the technical aspects were extravagant and immaculate. With slick set and costume changes this physical piece keeps moving swiftly, never slowing down the pace of the performance.

A definite must for anyone who enjoys extravaganzas, musicals or just seeing true talent on stage!
© Veera Airas 25th March 2002 - Published on EdinburghGuide.com

Fame was Conceived and Developed by David De Silva
Book - Jose Fernandez
Lyrics - Jacques Levy
Music - Steve Margoshes
Original London production's director - Runar Borge
Original London production's choreographer - Lars Bethke

Theatre listings >>
Theatre Index >>

E-MAIL THIS PAGE Enter recipient's e-mail:

• EDINBURGH FILM GUIDE
  Edinburgh Cinemas
  
  
• THEATRE LISTINGS
  in Edinburgh
  in Glasgow
  in rest of Scotland
  
  
• MUSIC LISTINGS
  in Edinburgh
  
  
• ON THE BOARDS
  Read and post on the Edinburgh arts & entertainment bulletin boards
  
  
• A&E SECTIONS
  Edinburgh Festivals
  Edinburgh Live Music
  Edinburgh Galleries
  Edinburgh Night Clubs
  Edinburgh Photography