REVIEW
Fame - The Musical
Presented by Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society
Palace Theatre, Southend-on-Sea
WED 3 - SAT 6 MAY 2023
Fame - The Musical
Presented by Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society
Palace Theatre, Southend-on-Sea
WED 3 - SAT 6 MAY 2023
Anyone who was around in the Eighties wouldn’t have been able to avoid the phenomenon that was Fame. The 1980 film produced the hit song Fame sung by Irene Cara with the accompanying music video showing the students of the New York School of Performing Arts filling the streets and dancing over yellow cabs. Anyone who had any kind of musical theatre leanings, would have totally been in their element. Leg warmers and leotards were flying off store shelves. Then along came the spin off tv series, The Kids From Fame. Younger readers, think High School Musical but with slightly more grit.
I guess it was inevitable that the Fame, The Musical would eventually spill into Broadway and West End theatres. For one week only Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society have brought their production to Westcliff’s Palace Theatre and, if last night’s audience reaction is any indication of how popular this show is going to be, then you better grab your tickets fast.
The first thing to point out about Fame, The Musical is that the only number you will probably recognise in the show is the title song, Fame but don't let this hold you back, because this production has a simply sensational score, written by Steve Margoshes and Jacques Levy.
Just like the film and tv series, the stage production follows the lives of the students of the New York Performing Arts School. Set from 1980 to 1984, the focus is on fame-obsessed Carmen, ambitious actress Serena, wisecracking comedian/bad boy Joe, quiet violinist Schlomo, talented dancer Tyrone, determined actor Nick, dancer Mabel who struggles with weight issues, and serious dancer, Iris, who comes from a poor background and their struggles to reach their goals in the competitive world that is show biz.
The show, directed and choreographed by Sallie Warrington, kicks off to an impressive start with the aptly titled Hard Work number and you can instantly see that this is a strong cast and ensemble. These guys are sharp. With the drama, music and dance students split across the stage each with their own delivery, the musical timing is amazing for such a complicated number.
The first student we are introduced to is acting student, Nick, played by James Cohen who gets the opportunity to show off his vocals in I Want to Make Magic full of romanticism and hope and then, in contrast, we are given an eye-opening insight into the life of Joe as he sings Can’t Keep it Down, giving Declan Wright the opportunity to show us his comedy bones (no pun intended) in this hilarious number.
It’s great to see Monty Irving back on stage with LODS and he has found great depth of character in the role of Tyrone Jackson, a young man who is trying to hide his dyslexia from teachers and blag his way through school. He can rap, dance, sing and act all the while delivering a wonderfully natural performance. Also giving a beautifully played portrayal of character is Danielle Griggs as dancer, Iris; you wouldn’t believe that this is her debut as a principal performer.
There are plenty of strong characters in this show, with vocals to boot but Eleanor Hudson and Eleanor Softly really stand out, fabulously belting out every number in the roles of Carmen and Serena respectively. There She Goes/Fame is obviously going to be a pivotal number for audiences but Hudson truly embraces her character here as she sings out the lyrics “I’m gonna live for ever!” Likewise for Softly in Let’s Play a Love Scene.
The Teachers’ Argument between Miss Sherman (Maria Madren) and Ms Bell (Emma Woolner) is a great duet and a massive hats off to Madren for taking on the vocally challenging and super emotionally charged number, These Are My Children - Wowzers!
Other stand out roles come from Cody Gray’s rock chick drummer, Grace which is full of fabulous attitude and Tilly Darragh’s, Mabel, which really endears. James Boatright gives a nicely understated performance as Schlomo.
The great thing about this production is that every character has been beautifully drawn enabling the audience to fully invest in each of their storylines. This also goes for the ensemble characters too. The choreography in this production is simply stunning and it is blatantly obvious that this cast has been worked hard. There’s a well known quote from the film that goes something like ‘fame costs and right here is where you start paying…in sweat.” Well this cast have clearly given that and more. They've also been given some great retro looking costumes to squeeze into.
The cast also sound amazing in all the company numbers and huge credit to Music Director, Rachael Plunkett, who has brought out the very best of everyone’s vocals. It’s a powerful production in every sense of the word and the final number truly delivers.
As always sound and lighting from Glen Oxenbury and Joshua Blows are sharp and spot on and Stuart Woolner conducting the eight piece band does a great job out of sight from the audience.
Fame, The Musical takes us on a journey of hope, fears, dreams and triumphs as each student makes their way towards graduation. It’s not afraid to shy away from complex issues such as prejudice, substance abuse and sexual exploitation with characters coming face to face with the realities of having a career in show business. It’s hard hitting yet beautifully depicted.
Every member of the cast deserves their own bow and indeed that’s exactly what they get at the end of this well produced show.
Remember their names, the cast of Fame, The Musical have really learned how to fly!
Review: Kim Tobin
The show continue all this week
Weds-Sat 7.30pm £21.50 / all matinees + Fri 5pm £20.50
Concessions: All Matinees + Fri 5pm £19.50 / Weds & Thurs 7.30pm £20.50 (no concs. Fri & Sat eve)
A £3.65 transaction fee may apply to your order.
https://southendtheatres.org.uk/online/tickets-fame-the-musical-lods-southend-2023
I guess it was inevitable that the Fame, The Musical would eventually spill into Broadway and West End theatres. For one week only Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society have brought their production to Westcliff’s Palace Theatre and, if last night’s audience reaction is any indication of how popular this show is going to be, then you better grab your tickets fast.
The first thing to point out about Fame, The Musical is that the only number you will probably recognise in the show is the title song, Fame but don't let this hold you back, because this production has a simply sensational score, written by Steve Margoshes and Jacques Levy.
Just like the film and tv series, the stage production follows the lives of the students of the New York Performing Arts School. Set from 1980 to 1984, the focus is on fame-obsessed Carmen, ambitious actress Serena, wisecracking comedian/bad boy Joe, quiet violinist Schlomo, talented dancer Tyrone, determined actor Nick, dancer Mabel who struggles with weight issues, and serious dancer, Iris, who comes from a poor background and their struggles to reach their goals in the competitive world that is show biz.
The show, directed and choreographed by Sallie Warrington, kicks off to an impressive start with the aptly titled Hard Work number and you can instantly see that this is a strong cast and ensemble. These guys are sharp. With the drama, music and dance students split across the stage each with their own delivery, the musical timing is amazing for such a complicated number.
The first student we are introduced to is acting student, Nick, played by James Cohen who gets the opportunity to show off his vocals in I Want to Make Magic full of romanticism and hope and then, in contrast, we are given an eye-opening insight into the life of Joe as he sings Can’t Keep it Down, giving Declan Wright the opportunity to show us his comedy bones (no pun intended) in this hilarious number.
It’s great to see Monty Irving back on stage with LODS and he has found great depth of character in the role of Tyrone Jackson, a young man who is trying to hide his dyslexia from teachers and blag his way through school. He can rap, dance, sing and act all the while delivering a wonderfully natural performance. Also giving a beautifully played portrayal of character is Danielle Griggs as dancer, Iris; you wouldn’t believe that this is her debut as a principal performer.
There are plenty of strong characters in this show, with vocals to boot but Eleanor Hudson and Eleanor Softly really stand out, fabulously belting out every number in the roles of Carmen and Serena respectively. There She Goes/Fame is obviously going to be a pivotal number for audiences but Hudson truly embraces her character here as she sings out the lyrics “I’m gonna live for ever!” Likewise for Softly in Let’s Play a Love Scene.
The Teachers’ Argument between Miss Sherman (Maria Madren) and Ms Bell (Emma Woolner) is a great duet and a massive hats off to Madren for taking on the vocally challenging and super emotionally charged number, These Are My Children - Wowzers!
Other stand out roles come from Cody Gray’s rock chick drummer, Grace which is full of fabulous attitude and Tilly Darragh’s, Mabel, which really endears. James Boatright gives a nicely understated performance as Schlomo.
The great thing about this production is that every character has been beautifully drawn enabling the audience to fully invest in each of their storylines. This also goes for the ensemble characters too. The choreography in this production is simply stunning and it is blatantly obvious that this cast has been worked hard. There’s a well known quote from the film that goes something like ‘fame costs and right here is where you start paying…in sweat.” Well this cast have clearly given that and more. They've also been given some great retro looking costumes to squeeze into.
The cast also sound amazing in all the company numbers and huge credit to Music Director, Rachael Plunkett, who has brought out the very best of everyone’s vocals. It’s a powerful production in every sense of the word and the final number truly delivers.
As always sound and lighting from Glen Oxenbury and Joshua Blows are sharp and spot on and Stuart Woolner conducting the eight piece band does a great job out of sight from the audience.
Fame, The Musical takes us on a journey of hope, fears, dreams and triumphs as each student makes their way towards graduation. It’s not afraid to shy away from complex issues such as prejudice, substance abuse and sexual exploitation with characters coming face to face with the realities of having a career in show business. It’s hard hitting yet beautifully depicted.
Every member of the cast deserves their own bow and indeed that’s exactly what they get at the end of this well produced show.
Remember their names, the cast of Fame, The Musical have really learned how to fly!
Review: Kim Tobin
The show continue all this week
Weds-Sat 7.30pm £21.50 / all matinees + Fri 5pm £20.50
Concessions: All Matinees + Fri 5pm £19.50 / Weds & Thurs 7.30pm £20.50 (no concs. Fri & Sat eve)
A £3.65 transaction fee may apply to your order.
https://southendtheatres.org.uk/online/tickets-fame-the-musical-lods-southend-2023
