Online theatre...not something I ever imagined would become a “thing” is now becoming part of the new normal as lockdown restrictions continue in what has been the most bizarre year for everyone. As someone who was previously attending live theatre productions at least once a week, theatre has been the one thing I’ve missed the most during lockdown, but with Andrew Lloyd Webber fighting that “the show must go on”, several previously filmed productions have been available to watch free of charge, most Friday nights from 7pm (each one being available for approx 48 hours). This week's instalment was the 30th Anniversary production of the classic 1980's musical “Fame” - which was filmed at Londons Peacock Theatre during its Autumn run (11 Sep - 19 Oct 2019) before going on tour (I also managed to see the tour local to me later that Winter).
The story starts with the students' Freshman Year - 1980, at PA - a multi-cultural and diverse performing arts school in New York City. Amongst the fresh new faces are Carmen Diaz - a talented dancer, budding actor Nick Piazza and piano player Schlomo Metzenbaum - who hails from a musical family, already having a famous father; and takes you through their four years as students there.
As they are introduced to their teachers and to fellow students, each teacher (music/acting/dance) tells their students that “music/acting/dancing is the hardest profession in the world” (“Hard Work”). Nick is already a successful and recognised television commercial actor since childhood but dreams of becoming a “real actor” and making “magic”. Class clown and fellow inspiring actor Joe declares to the rest of his classmates during a lesson game of “Truth or Consequences” that he “Can’t Keep It Down” and that “I’m like what you call an extrovert” to which Carmen retaliates “More like a pervert!”
A late-comer to the school, Iris Kelly - a classically trained ballet dancer - sets tongues wagging when she arrives in a chauffeur-driven flashy car and comes across as a spoilt little rich girl - which turns out to be far from the truth. Iris is soon paired by her dance teacher with Tyrone - a hip hop dancer with little or no training in classical ballet, he comes from a poor family and secretly struggles with the academic side of school, unaware that he is dyslexic. They have somewhat of a love-hate relationship at first, but later it develops into a romantic relationship. During a dance rehearsal together, Iris looses her cool with Tyrone “for gods sake why can’t you get it together?! - these steps are so basic” he argues that he “doesn’t speak French” and she retaliates that it’s just basic ballet terminology and “that every dancer knows them” Then he retaliates with “Blacks can’t cut ballet because their bodies aren’t cut for it”.Later in front of the class Tyrone performs a rap and contemporary dance which he’s also been teaching fellow students, and his teacher praises him that he’s got the makings of a successful choreographer.
As the students settle into life at the school, working hard to achieve their ambition, Carmen (during lunch break in the dining hall) daydreams of seeing her name in lights, claiming that she (“Carmen - not the Opera, but the person) is going to live forever!” She imagines herself winning awards, being on top of the charts. She later leaves for Los Angeles when a so-called talent scout promises her instant success.
When Tyrone starts failing academically, Miss Sherman comes and tells him that he can’t take part in a performance as he’s failed his English paper and has copied Iris’ work. Dance teacher Ms. Bell insists that “this one is different and must have the chance”. The two teachers start to argue (“Teachers Argument”). This musical number is by far THE most powerful number and performance of the show. Mica Paris is outstanding as the firm but fair Miss Sherman. Tyrone approaches the pair - having overheard them arguing and tells them “I don’t need this school!” and storms out.
Whilst Fame is known as a classic '80's musical, this production feels like it could be set in any decade, and the story will always be a relevant one, as literally thousands of budding performers enrol at performing arts schools each year, each one with the ultimate goal of finding fame (and fortune). I would have preferred to see more of an '80's vibe with the costumes and stage set with this production but sadly it seemed to be a stripped back minimalist performance - even failing to have a certain large prop at the end number. Whilst the cast is bursting with huge talent - from Jorgie Porter as Iris Kelly (best known for her role in TVs Hollyoaks) and whilst I’ve never been a Hollyoaks fan, her performance in this production showed that there’s more depth to her talents than a teen/young adult soap drama - her dancing is simply mesmerising to watch; Mica Paris is by far the most outstanding and memorable performer within this cast - her soulful powerful voice making every single hair on the back of my neck stand to attention during “Teacher’s Argument”; whilst Reality Talent TV show runner-up (BBCs “Any Dream Will Do”) Keith Jack gives a performance that makes you question why on Earth he only came second (loosing out to Lee Mead).
Whilst this particular cast is bursting with talent that would otherwise be an ovation worthy production, I personally feel that Fame as a musical in general, is past its sell by date, with no real memorable musical numbers or breathtaking, tear-jerking or feel-good moments in it.
I have tried SO much to really love this show, I’m an '80's kid after all and usually love anything that came out of the decade, but unlike other musicals from the same decade (Phantom Of The Opera, Les Miserables, Little Shop Of Horrors and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to name but a few) it feels amateur and like watching paint dry in comparison to the so many wonderful musicals from the same decade which have far more many memorable musical numbers and notable parts of the story. I think this is one musical that should be laid to rest.
When Tyrone starts failing academically, Miss Sherman comes and tells him that he can’t take part in a performance as he’s failed his English paper and has copied Iris’ work. Dance teacher Ms. Bell insists that “this one is different and must have the chance”. The two teachers start to argue (“Teachers Argument”). This musical number is by far THE most powerful number and performance of the show. Mica Paris is outstanding as the firm but fair Miss Sherman. Tyrone approaches the pair - having overheard them arguing and tells them “I don’t need this school!” and storms out.
Whilst Fame is known as a classic '80's musical, this production feels like it could be set in any decade, and the story will always be a relevant one, as literally thousands of budding performers enrol at performing arts schools each year, each one with the ultimate goal of finding fame (and fortune). I would have preferred to see more of an '80's vibe with the costumes and stage set with this production but sadly it seemed to be a stripped back minimalist performance - even failing to have a certain large prop at the end number. Whilst the cast is bursting with huge talent - from Jorgie Porter as Iris Kelly (best known for her role in TVs Hollyoaks) and whilst I’ve never been a Hollyoaks fan, her performance in this production showed that there’s more depth to her talents than a teen/young adult soap drama - her dancing is simply mesmerising to watch; Mica Paris is by far the most outstanding and memorable performer within this cast - her soulful powerful voice making every single hair on the back of my neck stand to attention during “Teacher’s Argument”; whilst Reality Talent TV show runner-up (BBCs “Any Dream Will Do”) Keith Jack gives a performance that makes you question why on Earth he only came second (loosing out to Lee Mead).
Whilst this particular cast is bursting with talent that would otherwise be an ovation worthy production, I personally feel that Fame as a musical in general, is past its sell by date, with no real memorable musical numbers or breathtaking, tear-jerking or feel-good moments in it.
I have tried SO much to really love this show, I’m an '80's kid after all and usually love anything that came out of the decade, but unlike other musicals from the same decade (Phantom Of The Opera, Les Miserables, Little Shop Of Horrors and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to name but a few) it feels amateur and like watching paint dry in comparison to the so many wonderful musicals from the same decade which have far more many memorable musical numbers and notable parts of the story. I think this is one musical that should be laid to rest.
Reviewer - Lottie Davis-Browne
on - 27/9/20
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