FAME – The Musical

It’s your typical cringe-worthy clichéd musical about hopes and dreams, but thankfully this version of FAME broke through the stereotype to some extent with fresh and mind-blowing dancing.

 Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane
Sunday, 20 June, 2010
It’s your typical cringe-worthy clichéd musical about hopes and dreams, but thankfully this version of FAME broke through the stereotype to some extent with fresh and mind-blowing dancing.
The focus was taken off the corny story and instead centralised on the brilliant dance routines that were filled with power and intense energy. Home-grown choreographer and director, Kelley Abbey, who grew up in Brisbane’s Inala, has done a fantastic job.
When a group of hopefuls are accepted into a renowned arts school they begin the hard work towards careers in acting, singing and dancing. They face personal struggles and successes as well as a few relationship dramas and bad get-famous-fast experiences. The dancing was modern, fast, strong and fabulous, so it’s a shame the story has stayed stuck in the 1980s. But on the other hand the predictability of the show’s fundamentals allowed the dancing and visual aspects to take on a new form without losing its original flavour. This is what the audience enjoys and FAME’s long-lasting popularity is evidence of that.
Through grand song, amazing dance and average acting, the cast expressed their talents with the oomph you would expect from opening night. Outstanding dancers included Timomatic as Tyrone Jackson, who pulled striking moves including the famous moon-walk, and stunning ballet dancer, Talia Fowler, as the school’s newcomer Iris Kelly. Rowena Vilar, as the independent and fierce Carmen Diaz, gave a good acting performance and also shone as a dancer. Sam Ludeman’s dancing and comedy was impressive as the class clown, Joe Vegas. Over-eater Mabel Washing, played by Jaz Flowers, received the loudest ovation of the night for her solo song and her quirky attitude received many laughs. Darlene Love did a great job with Miss Sherman, but unfortunately, as with all the stereotyped characters, I found them incredibly false and painful to watch. 
Set design, costumes and lighting were professional perfection. While the dancing was the crux of the show, the atmosphere created by these efforts made it shine – literally and metaphorically. It was a feast for the eyes when the dancing and design came together. And I must not forget the wonderful orchestra backstage that provided the music for the night. 
FAME has a lot of punch and it won’t disappoint Brisbane audiences. Now if only someone could re-write the script! Bookings at www.ticketek.com.au Until 1 August 2010