Book by Jose
Fernandez - Lyrics by Jacques Levy – Music by Steve Margoshes
Directed by
Jarrad West
Musical
Direction by Katrina Tang -Choreographed by Michelle Heine
Set designed
by Chris Zuber, Martin Searles & Jarrad West
Costumes designed
by Susan Cooper
Presented by
Supa Productions – The Q, Queanbeyan, May 11 – 26th, 2018
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
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| The cast of "Fame" |
Based on a
1980 movie which spawned a six-season television series, and this stage
version, “Fame – The Musical” tells the story of several students who attend
the High School of Performing Arts. Despite its lack-lustre score and a set of
self-obsessed characters with whom it’s hard to engage, this musical has
received hundreds of productions around the world. Indeed Canberra has seen several,
both professional and amateur.
For this
production, Supa Productions has assembled a young and energetic cast, but
despite their obvious commitment, it’s difficult to believe that many of them
would have made it into a School of the Performing Arts, or that such a school
would be staffed with such dour, uninspiring teachers.
The
production’s strength’s include its excellent set design, the cleverly
choreographed, though often carelessly-performed, dance routines, and a
terrific band, which on opening night played so enthusiastically that a duet
between two teachers became a screaming match.
 |
| Jack Tinga (Tyrone Jackson) |
There are
strong performances from Janie Lawson as head teacher, Miss Sherman, Pippin
Carroll as the quiet pianist, Schlomo, Maddie Betts as the tragic, fame-obsessed,
Cameron Diaz and Jack Tinga as the talented but dyslexic dancer, Tyrone. Chris
Baldock brings quiet dignity to the largely cameo role of Mr Myers. Elsewhere
there are some promising performances among the large ensemble cast which will doubtlessly
flower during the season but on opening night lacked sufficient nuance to
convince as believable characterisations.
But if
you’re looking for an evening of entertaining musical theatre, this production
has much to recommend it including a knock-out finale and the opportunity to
spot your own future star among its large cast of young emerging talent.
 |
| The cast of 'FAME" |
Images: Janelle McMenamin
This review first published in the digital edition of 'CITY NEWS' ON 12.05.18
