Fame story lives on

NEARLY forty years since FAME the Musical first hit the stage, the story about aspiring performing arts students still resonates with teenagers today.

Ballarat Grammar will be bringing the production to life later this month and staff and students are busy preparing for opening night.

The show follows a group of students at New York’s High School of the Performing Arts as they navigate fulfilling their dreams and growing up.

“It follows their journey through their years…in music, dance and drama,” said director Callan Lewis.

“I’ve always loved the visuals that FAME presents and that famous idea of the energy and the dancing, but in particular I thought it was very relevant that it’s a group of students learning about themselves.”

The performance is centred around a number of characters and Robert, who plays Jack Zakowski, said this adds interest.

“I think the number of plots is pretty cool because within the one show there are a lot of pathways for people to follow,” he said.

“Rather than having one central character, there’s main characters but it gives everyone more of a shot.”

Olivia, who plays Mabel Washington, said the show is a great way for parents and children to connect.

“Getting to know the show, it’s so fun, and I’m so glad we’re bringing it back to a new generation so they can enjoy it,” she said.

“It will give kids a good chance to connect with their parents and understand that their parents sort of knew what they were going through.

“It’s the same sort of struggles just presented in a different way.”

The characters perform a range of dance styles which choreographer Ashleigh Boyd said will entertain audiences.

“The great thing about the show is that each of the songs are really different and they tell a different story in terms of the styles that are required from each of the songs,” she said.

“It’s been great to be able to explore choreography in the sense that they go from a ballet class straight into a hip hop number.”

FAME the Musical will be staged from Thursday 18 July until Saturday 20 July at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts. To book a ticket, visit the WCPA website.