Fame (musical)
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Fame The Musical conceived and developed by David De Silva (AKA Father Fame) is a musical with a book by Jose Fernandez, music by Steve Margoshes and lyrics by Jacques Levy. It has been seen by nearly 4 million people since its West End launch in 1995, for which it was nominated for 2 Laurence Olivier Awards. Since its London premiere at the Cambridge Theatre in July 1995, the production has completed four UK national tours, with another opening in Nottingham in January 2007. The show has transferred across London's theatres to the Victoria Palace Theatre, Prince of Wales Theatre, back to the Victoria Palace, then back to the Cambridge and onto the Aldwych Theatre where it had been playing since September 2001, before closing in 22 April 2006. The show is produced in the UK by Mark Goucher and Adam Spiegel.
A complete Portuguese production has been playing since 2005 with great success all over the country. More info in http://www.fameomusical.com
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[edit] Plot
Fame follows a group of star-struck pupils on their ride through triumph, heartache and romance at New York’s High School for the Performing Arts. The highs and lows are too much for some but the kids' determination to "live forever" shines through. The plot is punctuated by a number of dance routines and ballads.
Carmen Diaz, a Spanish dancer, is determined to become a famous star, but her determination leads her into running away to LA and becoming addicted to cocaine. She later returns to the school, but dies.
Nick, a young ambitous actor, denies any feeling of interest towards his lovesick stage partner Serena. However, he finally releases his feelings and admits his love for her publicly.
Mabel, a fat dancer, is the comic of the show, as she tries any means to lose her weight.
Joe Vegas chases Carmen continually, determined to 'get her.'
Schlomo, a shy violinist who composed a song with Carmen and was infatuated by her, plays their song at their graduation.
Gody and Lambchops, along with Schlomo, finally complete their band.
Tyrone, a black rapper, finds love in Iris, a classically trained ballet dancer, as they find ways to accept their differences.
In 1982 at the University of Southern California the first attempt to bring FAME to the stage was cast and even included in the USC Yearbook, but the production was stopped when the rights were pulled. The first stage production closely followed the movie script.
[edit] The Characters
- Nick Piazza - classical actor
- Serena Katz - young actress
- Jose 'Joe' Vegas - Hispanic comedian
- Carmen Diaz - Spanish dancer
- Tyrone Jackson - hip-hop dancer
- Mabel Washington - chubby diva
- Iris Kelly - classically trained ballet dancer
- Schlomo Metzenbaum - shy violinist
- Grace 'Lambchops' Lamb - punky tomboy drummer
- Goodman 'Goody' King - mellow sax player
- Miss Esther Sherman - dedicated English teacher
- Ms. Greta Bell - young dance tutor
- Mr. Meyers - acting teacher
- Mr. Shienkopf - European Music tutor
[edit] Musical Numbers
[edit] Headline text
- Pray I Make P.A.
- Hard Work
- I Want to Make Magic
- Can't Keep It Down
- Tyrone's Rap
- There She Goes! /Fame
- Let's Play a Love Scene
- Bring on Tomorrow
- Teacher's Argument
- Hard Work (Reprise)
- I Want to Make Magic (Reprise) (Some versions of this contained "I Sing the body Electric" instead)
- Mabel's Prayer
- Think of Meryl Streep
- Dancin' on the Sidewalk
- These Are My Children
- In L.A.
- Let's Play a Love Scene (Reprise)
- Bring on Tomorrow (Reprise)
- Hard Work
- Fame
Remember Me
