Home > Past Buzz > Brisbane Arts Theatre presents - 'Fame - The Musical'
...........................................................................................................

FAME THE MUSICAL creator David De Silva has earned the nickname "Father Fame." He conceived, developed and produced the 1980 film and was a consulting producer on the TV series. The New York City native started out in education: He originally planned to be a history teacher. It was his belief in magnet schools as a way to get disadvantaged kids out of their neighborhoods and onto a solid career path that sparked the idea for "Fame." "It was a good idea waiting to happen," says De Silva. "If I hadn't done it, somebody else would have." Fifteen years after the movie, "Fame" resurfaced as a stage show. The transition from screen to stage was a natural one, De Silva says. "It's organically musical."

The show has created a showcase for younger performers. "It's an opportunity for young people and young directors and choreographers to come through this material in a way that's very special. There haven't really been that many shows for young people in musical theatre. There's 'West Side Story' and 'Grease.' But contemporary shows ... There really has been nothing new for years and years."

Based on the Academy Award winning motion picture, FAME THE MUSICAL brings to life the glamour and sweat that is life at the legendary High School for the Performing Arts in New York (now the Fiorello LaGuardia School of Music and Art and Performing Arts). Following one group of students from their first audition to graduation, FAME THE MUSICAL takes audiences through the highs, lows, friendships, romances and sheer hard work that is daily life for the star-struck pupils in their quest for success. For some it is too much, but ultimately tragedy and triumph combine in a spectacular finale that has prompted standing ovations around the world.

FAME THE MUSICAL premiered in the West End eight years ago and was nominated for two Olivier Awards, its continued worldwide success is inspiring new generations to don leg-warmers and leotards, dance on taxis and live forever. This high-energy show has been labeled "the most inspirational musical of all time."

FAME FACTS:

The original motion picture FAME was directed by Alan Parker, whose other hits include Bugsy Malone, TheCommitments and Evita. The movie grossed over $200 million and won many awards including an Oscar, a Bafta and a Golden Globe for Best Song

The film spawned a TV series that ran for 5 seasons and won multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards. The show was so popular that the ‘Kids from Fame' albums and concerts were huge sellers across the globe.

As well as the worldwide number 1 'Fame', the show spawned other Top 40 hits including Hi-Fidelity, Starmaker and Friday Night.

Irene Cara who sang and released 'Fame' also recorded the hit record 'Flashdance...What a Feeling'

Famous graduates from the real High School of the Performing Arts include Al Pacino, Liza Minelli, Jennifer Aniston, Alicia Keys, Jerome Robbins and Eartha Kitt.

Times: Thurs to Sat at 8pm / Wed 22 Sept at 8pm
Sunday Matinees 12 & 19 Sept at 2pm

< Back to Past Buzz