Principal cast for FAME announced

The reality dance program So You Think You Can Dance has helped cast the upcoming Australian production of Fame.

Produced by John Frost and directed and choreographed by Kelley Abbey, the musical that inspired new generations to fight for fame and light up the sky like a flame is back in Australia next year.

Fame is, almost uniquely, a classic of cinema, television and music theatre. The movie, released in 1980, won an Academy Award and swept the world. The TV show ran for six seasons, won numerous Emmy Awards and was broadcast in over 70 countries. The musical version ran for a decade on London’s West End and has been seen by over 10 million worldwide.

It follows the story of a diverse group of students at New York City’s celebrated High School of the Performing Arts who inspired a generation.

So You Think You Can Dance 2009 winner Talia Fowler will play the classically trained ballerina Iris Kelly in the production.

In a case of life imitating art, Talia, who began training in ballet, jazz and tap aged 3, and enjoyed an inspiring and enviable career as a ballerina prior to her win, recently turned down a contract with the San Francisco Ballet company to take up this role!

Playing the role of the cheeky Tyrone will be Nigerian born Tim ‘Timomatic’ Omaji. Tim has inspired dance students of all ages and has built a solid reputation as a leader of Hip Hop culture as well as making the Top 8 for the 2009 So You Think You Can Dance.

Ever popular performer Andrew McFarlane, seen most recently in Underbelly, but known to many for his role in the long running soap The Sullivans, will play Mr Myers the drama teacher at the New York High School of Performing Arts.

Joining him on stage, in the role of music teacher Mr Scheinkopf, is another long serving performer, the loveable Brian Wenzel, best known for his role as Sergeant Frank Gilroy from A Country Practice.

Taking on the role of English teacher Miss Sherman, is celebrated American theatrical and popular music performer Darlene Love, who worked with many of the legends of rock and soul, such as Sam Cooke, Dionne Warwick, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley and Sonny & Cher.