Fame

Conceived and Developed by David De Silva after a book by Jose Fernandez. Lyrics by Jacques Levy, Music by Steve Margoshes. Title Song ‘Fame’ by Dran Pitchford and Michael Gore. Lilydale High School. (Vic). Director: Jackie Goode. Producers: Jackie Goode and Amy Cumming. Music Director: Amy Cumming. Choreography: Halley Metcalfe. August 24-26, 2012.

In the outskirts of Melbourne’s east, where the metropolitan train line comes to a halt, Lilydale High School’s 60-strong cast have been strutting the boards in the school’s annual musical production.

Fame, heavy on individual roles, tells the well-trodden school tale of wannabe stars. Highlights included the crowd-pleasing chorus number Fame, Can’t Keep it Cool featuring Year 10 student Sebastian Carr (Joe) who can really work a crowd, and the anguished performance of In L.A. by Year 8 student Jess Konic (Carmen Diaz). I also appreciated the singing contributions of Eden Burke (Serena), Jess Downing (Mabel) and the fancy-footed Riley Powers (Tyrone).

Representing your own age-group is one thing, but the students playing the oh-so serious teacher roles are commended. Chorus numbers were enthusiastically presented with some fun choreography, and those who’d gone with the big ‘80s hair and leg warmers really looked the part.

Fame does have its particular challenges. Many of the solo lines include some hazardous harmonic modulations, which unfortunately were not always carried off. Deep stage placement of the chorus also meant voices were significantly swallowed up.

Teams of staff, students, and ex-students comprised sound and lighting teams and the pithy seven-piece band. The show was well paced and heartily appreciated by the multi-generational audience. Congratulations to all involved on a great team effort.

Lucy Graham