Making it to stardom in Seoul

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Making it to stardom in Seoul

Generally, memorable musicals make it to the silver screen after they find success on Broadway, as was the case with “My Fair Lady” and “The Sound of Music.” But the musical “Fame” first achieved phenomenal success as a motion picture (nominated for four Academy Awards and winner for best musical score) and later as a long-running television series before its stage adaptation.
Tonight, the team that has appeared on Broadway and toured North America is making its debut in Seoul to perform “2005 Fame Korea” until May 22 at the Dome Art Hall on the grounds of Children’s Grand Park in eastern Seoul.
“Fame” has been seen in 18 cities all over the world, creating a sensation from South America to Asia.
Set in New York City in the early 1980s, the musical draws upon the life of students at the celebrated La Guardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts, whose graduates include actors Al Pacino and Liza Minnelli, and writer Erica Jong, among many other famous names.
This inspiring tale tells of the trials and triumphs of a diverse group of students undergoing demanding academic and artistic training. The musical is basically about hot-blooded young people and their ambitions to achieve success and immortality in the arts.
From audition to graduation, “Fame” chronicles the four years of school life of young men and women of talent hoping to make it big in the entertainment world. The story touches upon such subjects as persevering in the face of hardship, overcoming prejudices, questioning one’s self worth, and other issues, such as literacy, sexuality and drugs, that pertain to modern youth.
The creator of “Fame,” David De Silva, always believed in the idealism of youth, and that the energy of live performances would be an inspiration for all.
The cast is a multi-ethnic one, with a diverse group playing aspiring actors, singers, dancers and musicians. The actors actually play the piano, drums, saxophone and violin ― all live performances ― and do ballet and modern dance.
The score is full of vigor and high spirits, based on pop melodies and rhythms. The immortalized title song, which brought stardom to Irene Cara after she sang it in the movie, is one of the highlights. The 22 characters in the musical sing jazz, hip-hop, and R&B among others, accompanied by a seven-member orchestra.


by Choi Jie-ho

Performances will be held until May 22 at 8 p.m. on weekdays, and at 2 and 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays. No show on Mondays. Ticket prices range from 50,000 won to 120,000 won. Discount programs are available. Children must be age seven or over. For more information, call (02) 556-0382 or visit www.famekorea.com.
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