Fame The Musical at Peacock Theatre

The legendary and quintessential place-to-be for aspiring artists – where dreams are achieved and the sky is the limit – New York City has long been a mecca for passionate theatrical ambitions. 1980s-inspired classic musical Fame, adapted and created by David de Silva (who produced the original film) and directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, embodies that Big Apple spirit via the energy and determination of a group of students at a prestigious performing arts high school in Manhattan.

A coming-of-age story amid a world of dance, theatre, music, film and TV, the show traces the experiences of the teenagers as they learn about relationships, sex, the perils of drugs and becoming responsible adults.

The wow factor in this production comes chiefly from the magnetic, high-octane renditions of the supremely talented cast. Stephanie Rojas is dazzling as the young, ambitious Latina powerhouse Carmen, compelling in her delivery of There She Goes and Fame. As the earnest and dedicated teacher Miss Sherman, Mica Paris is excellent, shining with her song These Are My Children. All the performances are terrific: the engaging Keith Jack as Nick Piazza, singing I Want to Make Magi; Hayley Johnston as the lovable Mable; and the very funny Albey Brooks as Joe crooning Can’t Keep It Down. Playing a troubled Tyrone, Jamal Kane Crawford is hugely appealing with Dancin’ on the Sidewalk. Jorgie Porter as Iris, Louisa Beadel as Lambchops, Alexander Zane as Goody, Simon Anthony as Schlomo and Molly McGuire as Serena deliver comedy and poignancy with aplomb. The entire ensemble performs superbly and seamlessly.

An effective set (Morgan Large) – including high school yearbook photos on the wall – together with astutely moody lighting (Prema Mehta), contributes well to the piece’s atmosphere of youthful trials, tribulations, yearnings, eagerness and jubilation.

Bursting with charisma, fun and joy, a centrepiece of the work is, of course, the outstanding score by Steve Margoshes. Combined with de Silva’s skilful writing, Winston’s admirable choreography and top-notch performances, Fame is ebullient, electric and uplifting – a tremendously enjoyable show.

Catherine Sedgwick
Photo: Alessia Chinazzo

Fame The Musical is at Peacock Theatre from 11^th September until 19^th October 2019. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.