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15 November 2007

Fame: The Musical

By Pauline Hawkins
The Halifax Playhouse

AH, the energy of youth. The arrogance, the indestructibility, the intensity of emotion.

From the atmospheric opening scene of Calder Valley Youth Theatre's production of Fame: The Musical with its silhouetted New York skyline, to the dramatic finale featuring an unexpected "star" on stage, this was a performance bristling with confidence and power.

Producer Felicity Dargan-Bell, only 22, moulded a tremendously talented cast, with an average age of 15.

The tale of dance, music and drama students who learn about l ove, life and relationships at the New York City High School of Performing Arts was a hit long before the cast was born. But the sheer enthusiasm they transmitted energised the audience and by the end of the two-hour show we had shared the sorrows of their characters, laughed with them and become immersed in their desire for success. There was quality acting and some of the teenagers' voices were exceptional.

Amazing dance moves included break-dancing (where did they learn that?) and elegant ballet sequences punctuated the storyline.

Choreographer Angela Marshall, musical director David Mitchell and singing coach Ben Smith must take credit for such a polished and professional performance.

But the main praise is for Calderdale's own kids from Fame. Surely many are destined for stardom.

Catch them tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 7.15pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm.


The full article contains 232 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.

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