Home > Reviews > Packed house as lure of Fame still burns bright.
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By Elaine Smyth, Belfast Telegraph
November 10, 2004

Fame, The Musical, Grand Opera House.

Fame at the Grand Opera House opened to a full house last night proving that this musical has a wider and more lasting appeal beyond that of a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who remember the film and TV series.
The show kicked off with the cast dancing behind a gossamer curtain upon which various bustling film scenes of New York were screened.
And so, with such an energetic start the stage was set as dance routine after dance routine and song after song tumbled out one after another in this pacy and vibrant show.
The musical follows the fortunes of a group of young hopefuls chasing success from their first audition to their graduation from New York's High School for Performing Arts.
Although many of the characters seemed a tad stereotyped ie the violinist who wants to be a rock star, the driven classically trained dancer who falls for the street-wise guy, they were played with originality and empathy.
Craig Stein as Tyrone Jackson, the male lead, proved a talented and inspiring dancer.  Some of the company dance routines did, however, appear stilted in places but nonetheless the sheer energy and exuberance of the performances could not fail to impress.
Rachel Hales as Serena and Leila Benn Harris as Carmen Diaz, the female lead, both gave strong performances.
Rachel's song ‘Think of Meryl Streep' was a real crowd pleaser and Leila's number ‘In LA' where she sings of how her hasty pursuit of fame came crashing down to earth was very powerfully performed.
The finale where the company sang the legendary ‘Fame' with Leila coming on stage standing on top of a yellow taxi was electric and had the audience cheering, clapping and singing along.
Fame is a fun night out guaranteed to please all the family and will undoubtedly inspire many budding stars of the future.

Fame will run until Saturday, November 13.

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