When the movie "Fame" came out in 1980, the concept of a high school dedicated to the performing arts was unusual and unique. Today, there is much more opportunity for budding artists with the growth of performing arts charter schools across the country in elementary through high school, including in the Lehigh Valley.Cedar Crest College Performing Arts Departments "Fame the Musical" is based on the film, and follows students at New York City's High School of Performing Arts. The virtual production hits particularly close to home, since its cast includes students from the Valleys Charter High School for the Arts and the Arts Academy Middle School, along with college students and alumni.The result creates an appealingly youthful vibe on stage.
The musical was livestreamed from Cedar Crests Samuels Theatre with the cast wearing face shields and remaining socially distanced “ which was especially challenging for the pas de deux.Despite those impediments, the cast still manages to do lots of singing and dancing on a simple but functional two story set that recreates the halls and rooms of the New York high school. Director Bill Mutimer keeps the story moving nimbly forward.
Cindy Lozada is the unabashedly ambitious dancer and singer Carmen Diaz, a focal point in the ensemble cast. She leads the cast in the best known song "Fame" which became a hit after the original film was released. Lozada imbues Carmen with plenty of energy and charisma.The musical adaptation was written with new songs, but the best songs in the show are those that were featured in the film.A highlight is "Out Here on My Own," soulfully sung by Rosemarie Kramer as Grace "Lambchops" Lamb, a blue-haired drummer and outsider. Kramer conveys the powerful emotions of an artist struggling to find her place in the world.Another highlight is the heartfelt ensemble number "I Sing the Body Electric" that closes the first act. Ably led by Ashlyn Auriemma, as Iris Kelly, a talented dancer from poor family, the song truly captures the drive and passion of the young performers.The other songs, while not as memorable, are delivered with plenty of heart.Danny Garcia makes the wise-cracking Tyrone Jackson appealing and sympathetic. Tyrone is a talented dancer who struggles with a learning disability and uses attitude to hide it. Garcia shows off his rapping chops in "Tyrones Rap" and is impressive in "Dancin' on the Sidewalk" along with fellow dancers Auriemma and Mackenzie Lewis, who plays the reserved acting student Serena Katz.As serious actor Nick Piazza, Maxwell J. Wetherhold demonstrates he can, indeed, act; and Chayse Magliane provides comic relief as the perpetually randy Joe Vega, who leads the other boys in the somewhat raunchy "Cant Keep it Down."Maximilian Hostage makes Schlomo Metzenbaum, the musical prodigy who feels pressured by his family, realistic and likeable, and Logan Keim is engaging as musician Goodman "Goody" King.Emily Badman is amusing as Mabel Washington, a dancer who struggles with her weight. Todd Croslis and Vasilis Motsenigos add energy to fill out the stage in ensemble numbers.As teachers at the school, Kathleen Graham and Sieanna Rahatt debate differing concepts in the intriguing "The Teachers' Argument," and Graham is touching on "These Are My Children."Rounding out the cast with strong performances as caring teachers are Becky Andruchek and JoAnn Wichek Basist.For information go to cedarcrest.edu/stage, or call 610-606-4608.
The cast performs in "Fame"Photo by Amico Studios