'Fame - The Musical' dances into Riley Center
“Fame - The Musical” will bring youthful exuberance and a whole lot of singing and dancing to the MSU Riley Center Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Like the 1980 movie “Fame” that inspired it, this musical adaptation follows a diverse group of talented teenagers through four years of love, heartbreak, disappointment and triumph at New York’s elite High School of the Performing Arts. All of the characters and songs are new -- except for the iconic title song itself, which makes a rousing return at the perfect moment.
Schlomo, the classical musician-turned-rocker, loves Carmen, the ambitious dancer -- but so does Joe, the bad-boy actor struggling to rise above his broken family life. Nerdy Serena and serious classical actor Nick can’t figure out how to express their interest in each other. Tyrone, the hip-hop dancer, and Iris, the ballerina, share a love-hate relationship and an artistic bond. Faculty members have their own conflicts. Overriding everything else is the drive to make it to the top.
In this age of TV talent competitions and instant celebrity, the musical’s backstage look at the pursuit of stardom rings truer than ever. “Fame - The Musical” guarantees a great time, with moments both heart-touching and uplifting. And you never know: One of the energetic young cast members just might become the next big thing on Broadway.
Tickets are $46 and $40 at the MSU Riley Center Box Office, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets can be purchased online at www.msurileycenter.com or by calling the box office at 601-696-2200.
