Home > Fame JR in Puerto Rico
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San Juan, Puerto Rico – Just weeks away from the stage debut of the musical FAME JR presented by Fragoso Performing Arts Studio, David De Silva, known as “Father Fame,” the creator and producer of the iconic 1980 musical film Fame, gives his blessing to the production that will soon arrive at the Centro de Bellas Artes de Caguas.

“I received a phone call from his spokesperson /executor expressing how happy David felt to see his work being realized in Puerto Rico. We immediately scheduled a meeting, met him, and received his blessing to move forward with this project aimed at providing space and creating opportunities for new talents,” comments Norwill Fragoso, director of Fragoso Performing Arts Studio.

To continue promoting the performing arts among young people, De Silva founded the Father Fame Foundation. He also conceived a sequel titled Fame Forever: Talent Springs Eternal, which premiered in 2007.

At 88 years old, David De Silva remains an influential figure in the entertainment world, and his vision has inspired generations of artists to “live forever” through art.

Vocal direction is led by Pedro José Rivera, alongside Nicole Sepúlveda and Ana Marta Arraiza. Choreography is by Solimar Arzola, Michi Arzola, and Michelle Alves. Artistic direction will be in the hands of Norwill Fragoso together with Lynnet Fragoso, Edgardo Rodríguez, Isadora Cintrón, Josean Vargas, Jianna Pagán, Heyda Salamán, and Eric Yamil Cruz. Stage management is handled by Rossana Pabón and Melanie Burgos.

Two months ago, he moved to Puerto Rico and will be part of the Fame JR process, which will be performed by the students of Fragoso Performing Arts Studio and is set to debut on May 24, 2025. Tickets are on sale at TicketCel.com.

About De Silva:
Born on August 14, 1936, in New York, De Silva studied history at Queens College and trained in acting with the renowned Stella Adler. Before dedicating himself to production, he worked as an actor and talent agent, representing figures like Jerry Orbach and Jessica Walter.

Inspired by the energy and diversity of the students at the High School of Performing Arts in New York, De Silva conceived the idea of a film that captured their aspirations and challenges. In 1977, he collaborated with screenwriter Christopher Gore on a script titled Hot Lunch, which was later acquired by MGM and renamed Fame due to the existence of a pornographic film with the same original title. The film, directed by Alan Parker, premiered in 1980 and received four Oscar nominations, winning in the Best Original Song category.

De Silva retained the theatrical rights to the film and developed Fame – The Musical, which debuted at the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami in 1988. The play was adapted by José Fernández (book), Steve Margoshes (music), and Jacques Levy (lyrics), and has since been performed in over 25 countries and translated into multiple languages. Additionally, De Silva served as a consulting producer on the television series Fame, which aired for six seasons and was broadcast in 68 countries.