Fame

Following eight diverse students through their four years of study at New York’s High School for the Performing Arts, Fame is a contemporary musical that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Supported by hundreds of extras, the mostly novice cast handle their more dramatic scenes with ease. Among them are Coco (Irene Cara) the singer, Bruno (Lee Curreri) the composer, Montgomery (Paul McCrane) the lonely actor, Ralph (Barry Miller) the Freddie Prinze wannabe, Leroy (Gene Anthony Ray) the illiterate dancer, and Doris (Maureen Teefy) the insecure wallflower. It is clear everyone involved knew they were part of something special, and gave everything they had.

The screenplay by Christopher Gore (who also co-wrote some of the songs) covers every emotion, and is quite powerful at times. There is great depth to the characters who, fully aware that fame can be elusive, refuse to give up on their dreams. Broken into a series of vignettes, their voyages of self-discovery are chronicled at key points in their lives.

In the masterful hands of director Alan Parker, every scene is filled with movement and energy, with lightning editing and sound from one scene that carries into the visuals of the next. The excellent (albeit skimpy) soundtrack is enhanced by great dance sequences and a triumphant finale that leaves you wanting more.

Perfectly capturing the mood of the Eighties, Fame is a spirited gem. Rating: 8 out of 10.