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REDFORD OBSERVER Thurston students aim for 'Fame'
By Stephanie Angelyn Casola
Staff Writer

Thurston High School students donned their dance gear this week, all in preparation for opening night of the spring musical, Fame.

"I've never seen the kids this excited," said Dareth Davey, drama teacher. "Because of the fame of the musical, we had a lot of people audition who had never auditioned before. The cast includes a whole set of dancers. They are thriving."

Auditions were held in mid-February and the cast has grown to a massive 55 students, supported by a crew of about 15. The set involves a simple blackbox set up, which allowed for the crew to complete their work ahead of schedule. That's not usually the case, according to Kelly Mandeville, technical director.

She said the dancers are "using the space incredibly well." "They're making the stage look a lot bigger than it is."

The crew actually had to build the stage out further just to accommodate the large cast of dancers.

The music and choreography will be the big draws of the show, Davey said.

Joshua Williams will portray the role of Tyrone Johnson in Fame. Joshua has been dancing since he was in sixth grade and just moved to South Redford in February. He gain an ideal role, he said. "It was a very hard task to put on," he said. "I made it through it. I can't wait to see the crowd and the audience."

Amanda Broadwater, assistant technical director, said Fame will be her final production at Thurston and she was glad to be part of something that has "become more of an art form."

For Breea Peck, flautist, being part of the musical is all about the family atmosphere that grows out of the experience. She's hoping the show will draw a large crowd.

So is Tony Blauvelt, assistant director. He said being part of the past five productions has convinced him - he loves being on-stage. And making the audience laugh, he said, makes all of the work worth it.

Fame runs April 21-23 in the school's auditorium. Shows begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $9 for adults, and $5 for students (with I.D.) and senior citizens. Call Lora at (313) 535-4000, ext. 1168 for more information.

scasola@oe.homecomm.net

 

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