PAVEing a Blog

Yes.  I have been avoiding it for sometime now.  Yet, seriously, it has been SIX days since the last show of Fame and yet, STILL, are there words?  Are there the right words?  You can pull, push, tear apart the metaphors, look back on the images, and yet you might come CLOSE, close meaning somewhat in the ballpark of looking back on all the shows and being able to capture a FRACTION of what it felt like to see a transformation occur over that period.

The world doesn’t stop even though it seems to when you are in front of that stage of FAME – look what happened on the outside – Prince – that was a HUGE blow to my psyche when I realized he passed away, the developing drama of the future of the United States amid Trump, Clinton, Bernie, Cruz and more…and these are just two big headlining activities, and yet…those are other blogs…and no sense in avoiding trying to capture April 23rd Fame to the 5th.

As teachers, we’d always joke about when students would see us in the supermarket, and it was like, “Whoa, you are HUMAN!  You get food!  You live outside of the school!  :)”  Okay we get it, seeing teachers outside of school – it was a big deal.  Let’s flip. Seeing students outside of school – it always makes me stop and like, say, what?  So I feel we are in tje same roles.  NOW – whole new picture.  FAME.  After seeing every show – (LOVE) and seeing what individually what actors/actresses, Tech Crew, makeup, costuming, dancers, singers can do – and seeing the other talents that students do outside of FAME?  Then seeing them just day to day?  COMPLETE overhaul when I see them outside in the halls as like, you know, normal students.  It changes everything.  I saw one in the lab taking the NWEA and I waved but wanted to just go over and tackle her and be “YES – you were AMAZING – I loved it, I love this, I loved that, but of course – WEIRDING out those same individuals is not on my checklist. 

It is just this point (there IS one) – what happened that very first day I saw rehearsals, then as I saw the changes through each show – it amplified this last show, because you have memories of the run of this show, that includes the things you bring with you to the last show from previous shows, it becomes emotional, meaningful, and unable to truly put into words.  You could maybe paint a picture, take a picture, and say write a blog (HA!) but yet, ANYTHING you do, will come short of truly capturing that moment.  Now, I am speaking as an audience member, not one of those involved, so you can imagine.  So much so, I couldn’t hang around the lobby at the final show, just COULD NOT DO IT ; I am not good, AT ALL, at saying goodbye, in fact, I sometimes don’t.  I believe there are no goodbyes if we keep to our promises of revisiting the moments that made us feel alive, and I was not ready to say goodbye to FAME.  And yes, I felt alive for a hundred million, billion reasons, and yes, I felt like I was going to live forever.

There always is a back up story to almost any event that occurs in my life  Not sure how that works out.  (Shoulder shrug).  I get into a cab at 4:00 for the 6:00 show thinking, yes, early, behind the stage, early actors/actresses pictures tons of time before the 6:00 start.  The cab driver, every time I say “Observatorio”, takes me further away.  I mean further – other side of Doctores, construction sites.  I ask him, if he understand Doctores is BEHIND  us, and yet he picks this crazy place and then heads towards the airport AWAY from Observatorio.  I am panicking only for the fact that, I am thinking, an HOUR LATER, 5:00 and I am still working this older cab driver into some sort of sanity – NOT WORKING.  I am going to miss this last show ?  Seriously?  HECK NO.  I tell him to stop.  he says HERE?  In the middle of the street?  I say YES, NOW.  He stops, I jump out, TOTALLY IRRITATED, run down three blocks, my camera in tow, see a “normal” looking cab, say Doctores, Hospital ABC, and it looks like we are in business.  Twenty minutes later, I am ready to give this drive three thousand pesos just because I made it.  Only me.  No chance to take backstage, behind the scenes photos, (irritated)… but I tool to the high level to take high from the ground shots. I hoped it would work.  Onto the show so we say…

You HAVE to love the changes you witness in the last show.  In this case, from the Tech all coming out on stage saying NO! to bringing more light to Joe Vegas’s “confessional”, did you notice the spotlights made a heart around Nick and Serena when put together, oin their scene?  I had NO CLUE until the last show, to the mysterious janitor that manages to direct thing  (hmmmmm ) – I LOVE how Iris becomes a “priest” (look closely at her collar in Mabel’s scene) – LOVE, to the near catch/Fall  that Arturo and Sara had at the end (HOLY MOTHER OF FAME I ALMOST PASSED OUT) to waittttt – wasn’t there a conversation on a walkie talkie in one of the first shows with Arturo? – okay look.  You have this flooding of all the previous memories you have, of the previous shows when you see these cool things happening in the LAST show, and all these things just – just – it is an onrush of so many emotions and experiences, trying to contain all the never to – happen again – things – it is hard to try and contain all this and be able to represent it again.  Yet – there is this sweet bitter-sweet realization…

You are part of something bigger than yourself when you have the invitation and opportunity to see a transformation over a full show production, and I have experienced it  EVERY SINGLE TIME when I go to see every show.  After a bit, it never seems like a marathon or an endurance test, it is a reward to be invited into a personal arena of these young artists and be able to share a portion of what they are feeling, I mean, it makes life so much richer to have this experience.  I am more grateful to everyone to be allowed to share something so powerful.  But that realization I mentioned awhile back?

Sure there is an A and B cast, people are double cast and yet – each individual, on their own, has these AMAZING – unique abilities of their own, to just NAIL their role, and YET – in this case, and in some past shows, their unique, individual talents and ability to represent the production at hand, if done well and filled with heart, blends together and as a unit, is more powerful than the individual qualities they each bring to each show.  Such was the case again with this last show, and with the whole run of Fame for 2016.  The ability to realize how talented they are on stage, then to see them off stage, and to realize how powerful they are all together, both on stage and off – that is ALOT to take in – ALOT.    I still have one more blog post to go to celebrate the second half of the IB Visual Exhibition, and some of those artists are overlap of FAME, which is yet another example of amazingness you see – for some of these actors/actresses on and off stage in FAME, you wonder – do they even realize how much this translates to those watching them?  The carry over from stage to other talents off stage – just – WOW is all that is left – no words.

There is this bittersweet emotion as well as seeing this cast for only the second time since the first show – while this takes away NOTHING from both cast and all involved, this element also was yet another element adding to the intensity and power of this last show.  There are scenes that resonate and JUST WON’T LEAVE me because of this and all the comments that have been addressed since the very first show.  In general, if that is possible to even state, the most powerful scenes became these moments:

The development of Nick and Serena through so much that occurs at PA

Tyrone and Iris becoming one through the throes of surviving through different life issues

Carmen – I mean all of it, even when she is gone, it just – agh – no words.

Mabel – I LOVE Mabel and can so relate to her diets, I have this problem with milkshakes.

Ms Sherman – I might not yet have ever seen a role that seemed so fitting and seeming as if she already was in charge of PA.

The development of Ms Bell, Ms Myers, Mr Sheinkopf, (oh my GOSH will a cowbell NEVER leave me memory, I wake UP to the sound of a cowbell thanks to Schlomo and Mr. Sheinkopf!)

I LOVE, LOVE LOVE LOVE the scene of Schlomo and that FU*%ing cowbell, maybe because it reminds me of my spazziness all through since, well, birth? – but I could see that scene 1000 times and still never ever, tire of it)

Of course, there is the serious side to Schlomo that is also amazing between Schlomo and Carmen

Grace “lambchop” and well, all you need to see – LOVE.

The creativity of the stage crew and directors, managers, sound production.

The appearance of the characters due to the depth of their costumes and makeup, and the spotlighting, so easy to take for granted, and so powerful when you take into consideration.

The AMAZING representation of the parents and their visibility, you want to hug every single one of them due to their commitment to the show, to their daughters/sons, and to their heart.

I knew we were onto something when, one of my most hysterical and humorous advocacy 10th grade students, would NOT STOP SINGING “I want to make Magic”…over, and over and over (it has been five days now) – but that – THAT SAYS alot.

I almost want to go back into every single moment and relive, recomment, but it is AMAZING how draining it is to try and cover so much that meant so much during this run, and again, I am only speaking from a spectator’s position, so imagine those involved with the life of FAME from beginning to end, those you see and don’t see.

The graduation scene KILLS you.  I get teary-eyed at CAPPING ceremony, so yes, of course, the symbolims of this coming to an end, ugh.  Killer heart string puller.

I have to do this, I want to name names so bad but I won’t – but receiving this email, this excerpt is AMAZING.  Just read.

” I believe every person to have a very unique spark, and I also believe that every spark can be turned into an explosion…And for that reason I’ve learned to value every single little detail presented in my life and treasure it as I keep going. Because those little things are the ones that make the difference. The difference between having your feet landed or not I guess. I know for a fact that there are times and will continue to be, where not everything will be easy, and I will struggle. But even in the darkest moments there will be some type of light. Even if it is I tiny little spark, I try my hardest to focus on that tiny little one, even if I find myself in a big dark room.”

ALL I have to say is tears, total tears when I realized I was receiving this email and connecting this to what I had seen in Fame thus far.

I pride myself in trying to open the window of technology, the arts, and information and just grab onto everything.  This month is April of course, and National Poetry Month.  True, as a Media Specialist, Librarian, Media-technology-infatuated individual, I try to stretch myself in many, many areas to benefit myself and those around me.  The above has been, to date, probably the most profound element of poetry I have taking in – for longer than a can remember.  It is so so fitting this came from a member of Fame, because JUST like this last show that somehow manage to represent every single person involved from day-to-day every show and a whirlwind of emotion in the last one, the above comments can apply to EVERY SINGLE PERSON involved, and I was lucky enough to receive these words as well.   For reasons I could never put into words, I am one of the riches people IN THE WORLD to be able to spend time with such talented individuals, and be able to share a fraction of how they feel and experience this powerful experience.    Poetry Month for sure, there has been so much poetry of emotion, dancing, acting, technical skill, dialogue, and more in ways I never expected, Poetry Month of course has taken on a whole new meaning.

From the first day I decided to be a part of education, I never would have known how amazing and luck I would be to be surrounded and part of the days of growing with so many talented individuals and what dreams they would have and make occur.  As much as I want to say, “Yeah, I had a part in that…” I have to be honest, I would be absolutely nothing without their energy, vision, dreams, and vitality, nothing.  I never learned in my educational years in college how to handle these experiences that would reach in, touch your heart, and never let go.  In this case FAME did just that – and has the ability – if we let it – to never let go of our dream to live forever.  We will in some fashion if we are true to those very realistic dreams each of us cling to.

Of course the final words are difficult, but you just HAVE to be there to take it all in, HAVE TO BE. You see the packed Fine Arts Center, the final words that need to be said the celebration of everyone that makes it possible, of course it is FAME.  What else could it possibly be?  Yet redefining FAME was what became this productions greatest poetry they would ever write.  Bravo Fame – you made poetry every time you decided to light up the stage, and light up the stage you did.  Thank you for making each one of us want to feel as if we would live forever so many times.

It gets to be something beyond words when you get into the next to last night and last night of Fame, for many reasons, among many different casts and many different outputs of events.

The fourth night emphasized the importance of what Fame was trying to get across – and I felt it did. Cementing that despite the cast – you should take each scene in as an experience – so you want examples right?  Of curse you do and heck, what is a post without specific examples?

“Hard Work” established the fact that – despite criticism, despite the individuals that seem to know you, the dreams, the aspirations you have are still yours.  These remained intact as a whole group and seemed even more possible.  What was exciting was to see the members eyes as they sang this and you coul see the exhilaration as one unit when they sang this.  This was a great way to begin.  In the very first show, it seemed not rhythmic – not a song you’d imagine, at least to me, and then by the fourth and fifth show, I looked forward to it.  Funny how that works.  LOL.

“I Want to Make Magic” and reprise – Arturo and Susanne bring a sense of “magic” to this scene – and I thought it was just me, but no, both have grown into this role much.  By the fourth night – Susanne’s voice – it just gre stronger and more confident – and you could sense that.  Arturo’s emotions were flowing and you could definitely feel this – which was exciting to see this building and building into the role more and more every night.  When Arturo returns to this score in the second half, you still get a sense of building on what he hopes for as Nick, and you continue to feel this, not just left to feel it in the first half, but as well as see it all the way to the end.

“Can’t Keep it Down” – Aside from the enthusiasm and the laughter Joe Vegas brings to the stage Pablo was GREAT.  I LOVED the music track LOVED, and the reactions of the cast as a whole, and supporting his various stories, you become hooked to seeing Pablo from hereon after – and the pulse of the show is born. 

“Tyrone’s Rap” – Tyrone does not just bring the character to life through is ability to portray machismo, his reactions to Iris get better and faster as the shows progress, and he does an amazing job of representing a character outside of his usual persona, but one essential to FAME.  (You might be tempted to see the old show WE watched and see how the attitude and persona carried over from the original show).  Don’t forget, Iris, thanks to Nicole also brought out so much of these scenes and Jorge as well.  Of course, the language and rap is older audience intended, and yes, it works.  It works well.

“There She Goes” and Reprise – Love.  Isabel brought this home Friday and then some.  Her voice, powerful, steady, strong, it brings back the roles she has played in the past musicals, easily.  The supporting cast – absolutely amazing as well in playing the fans and the following Carmen has in mind.  Every level and moment of the song felt right and you really dig into what PA and Fame means to the cast, on and off stage, starting with one person and spreading to everyone.  When you see the second Act of “There She Goes”, you see Isabel bring Carmen to the height she dreams of, and Pablo able to support that amid his hilarity, but also with this talent.  Red is perfect and appropriate, matching the colorful personalities as well – and the song resides alongside you.

“Let’s Play a Love Scene” – As I mentioned, I felt Susanne really came into her own on Thursday with not only her voice, but this scene, this song, this moment with Arturo and Susanne, and you get a sense you are caught between high school and the transition between someone who has a little more than a crush – that ties to her future, and maybe his.   At first I as like, okay, maybe a little too emotional and mushy for me.  I got over it by the fourth night thanks to the quality of the songs with the cast.

“Bring on Tomorrow” – I love the personality and the pushiness (slight) Isabel brings to this characters.  The naturalness that Pedro brings to the character – reacting to the teasing of another, nothing is unbelievable here in the least – and you LOVE seeing what will be the ending theme play out.

“The Teacher’s Argument” – I have to admit, at first I found this scene rocky, between the music design, the tempo, it just didn’t work for me as far as the feel – what Ximena and maria brought to the characters were more adult-like than I expected.  I left Thursday with a much better liking for this score, with some preferable parts to others, but overall, you become impressed with the topic of the argument and the intensity of the characters, and at least for me, I preferred this to the actual score of the song.  The maturity and “adultness” represented – I do not think could be done by any other cast members.

“Hard Work” – Again what reinforces the anticipation of this score is the intensity of every single member of FAME as they look directly upwards into the audience, and you can see the dreams they hold close.  Every cast member at this moment is a lead, and that is important that every member feels and shows this.  If you look closely over the period of four nights, you see this as evident as what the main theme of Fame is supposed to be.  Each one represents this perfectly.

“Think of Meryl Streep” – Susanne at first, due to the first scene, comes off as a PA potential with a crush, so that is cute.  Yet, the seriousness she brings when it comes to her voice erases that first element, and you realize, she is working through a relationship and her ability to become something more at the same time.  it is funny to hear references to actresses we know, yet, Susanne convinces you she is getting a grasp on herself as a professional, and yes, she is doing this on and off stage.  It makes you feel better seeing the maturity of a singer, as well as playing Serena, occur before your eyes.

“Mabel’s Prayer”- Honestly.  Enough can’t be said about Mabel throughout the WHOLE musical.  Her smile, her sassiness, her VOICE!  Yet, she still manages to bring a smile to your face with the ability she has in her voice, her personality, and she just BRINGS it.  LOVE this song, love the fact that Iris becomes a priest at one point, and how Carmen becomes involved and in turn, every member becomes involved in this scene.  You see glints of Mabel (Sofia) early on and the humor she can bring and does bring, but here you capitalize on the power of all these elements and you wish you had been able to see her even more so – yet you get the feeling this is NOT the last you will see of her as a result of this great performance.

“Dancing on the Sidewalk” – This is one of those scores again that the firs few time, not sure how I felt about it.  it wasn’t the typical score that drew you in, it just was a part of the overall musical and yet as time passed, you begin to connect the emotional elements of what occurs in the scene to the score.  By the fourth night, you take in the clapping and participation of the whole cast, and you begin to see how the leads contribute even more.  Fourth night and yes, you are in a spot where this score is a welcome part, for me, it just took awhile due to the different sound and feel this score brought.  Yet, amid all this, much energy and acting from Jorge and Maria, let alone the supporting cast that jumps in (the whole cast) makes this a score you appreciate more due to the amount of time you came to terms with it.  I felt the cast was growing along with this score.

“These Are My Children” – Not your typical score, for me.  It had its ups and downs vocally.  Yet, you walk away with one main thing, at least I did.  The unbelievable thought that Maria plays the role of an adult, AS an adult.  She to me, WAS THE leader of the school and it felt as if that was her, and is, her calling.  She pulls of this role perfectly, it fits her.  You see the intensity of wanting to be in this position, a rough front that she puts on and the realization of how much more than the position, but the cast, means to her.  I think there is alot of truth to these comments in reality, but seeing her intensity and passion through this score is a HUGE HUGE turn towards the conclusion of this production.

“In L.A.” –  WOW.  Isabel does a 360 and you feel this.  You feel the soul, funk, and jazz aspects of the score funneled through Isabel and she brings this scene home.  100%.  Despite the transformation shock of Carmen (done very well Paloma!) – you sense the overall goal of Fame from the rises to the falls, and your heart becomes part of the musical score when this scene concludes.  The life lessons come through crystal clear due to the intensity and passion Isabel puts forth in her song, and Pedro only emphasizes this at the end of the scene.

“Let’s Play a Love Scene” – The final leg of this seems to be the measuring tape of the origination when we first saw Susanne and Arturo work through the idea of the relationship itself, the roles they played professionally and personally, and now you see the ending result. It is exciting to be able to sense this growth in characters, and I feel, they grew in the success of their voices and ability to get this across to the audience.  I felt this transformation, not just since the beginning of the show, but since the beginning of the run of FAME, and you begin to see this reflective nature as the cast overall works through what will be their actual final time as well, of course through FAME but at ASF.  I think you can only thin one thing, Bittersweet.

“Bring On Tomorrow” – I think I am right in saying the last night approacheth too soon.  I felt this when I hear this song, and I also feel the loss of Carmen – many losses come rushing back and this score, with the ability of the whole cast to send it out to the audience? – it sums up what the FAME and PA experience is supposed to be, and then – it is too easy to see each cast member and see how this relates to them as you have watched them become a part of this production – hard to do as an audience member – so think how much that occurs as a cast member.

This was the fourth night words are words and truly can’t capture the feel this show has had over the course of every night, and yet I can tell you this.  I can’t possibly do justice and go on to describe the fifth night yet.  I am emotionally spent after reliving the highlights of this fourth night.  Give me a few days, and then you will relive the last final night of FAME with me, with all the changes you happened to “stumble on” (sorry Arturo) – but to do it justice, it will need to be done right.  🙂   Seeing so many alumni come back to support this show was a prelude to what to expect for the last evening of Fame. 

April 21st – You have to wonder how much more can you say about one musical, one production, one show?  Turns out much.

Up to this point, you have alot of individual comments that have been made, with much willingness and “deservedness”, however, you also begin to notice the aspects of what make a production memorable.  What often matters most is what feeling you have in your heart during a production, and following a production.  Sometimes these feelings occur from one person and are contagious.  Other times, they remain around one person – but can be seen in others.  Despite all the possible scenarios, seeing FAME each night has been an opportunity to see this transformation of individuals into a group, a group that supports each other in ways you see on stage and in ways you don’t see on stage.

A few realizations occurred at April 21st’s production – When you see Isabel as Carmen, not sure how, why or what specifically, but the strength of her voice, her emotions, and appearance is even more pronounced than the first night.  Her stature, height, and demeanor carried through the role of Carmen all night – in a way that reaches into seeing what she brings to this character, at some point you disengage from this being Isabel and transforming into Carmen.  In her absence later in the production, this is even more pronounced – she brings it home in so many ways that you just have to see it, then you will feel it they way you were meant to.

Add to this the strength that Susanne brings to her role even more so at Thursday’s performance, and you sit back and realize what magic you are seeing occurring over a two-week period – it is something many do not realize unless they see the subtle changes over a period of time.  Susanne was yet another example of how getting “caught up” in the moment will effect you and motivate you into the future.  She shows this in excellent fasghip through her intensity and voice.  Susanne’s even stronger performance caught to Arturo’s and combined to make again, an influential scene. Then Carmen’s performance to Pedro’s. I could list several more instances that returns back to the overall cast.

There is truly something to be said when you receive the feeling following the performance of Bring on Tomorrow both in the first half and the second half.  I could pick people out constantly and note the strengths they brought over and over – and anyone can pick out the areas for improvement, but to take in the overall effect in these last two weeks if something that few can pick up on unless you are a member of the cast or are willing to take in the differences from night to night.  That sounds tedious, right?  But as much as the person that loves to hear their favorite style of music over and over, the same power and emotion is seen through each of these contributor to Fame, whether on an individual basis or as a group, whether seen or unseen (stage crew, lighting, props, scenery, music, – on and on and on…)

I said it before, seeing the cast in graduation attire does something to you when you see so many shine individually, and then when they come together to perform as a group, the graduation robes truly emphasize this by the end of the production.  You don’t want to see some aspects of this production ever end, and most of that are the parts that remain in your heart.  Both individually and as a group, Fame reaches out to you in many ways to pull on your soul and heart-strings, and extends beyond what you see and hear on stage.  It is what you dream of beyond that makes it so powerful.

Two was DEFINITELY a crowd April 15th for Fame’s second production show.  No wonder, the night – when you can hardly find words to describe an event, you have something there.  Add to the fact that the Fame cast was even more electrified, even more plugged in, despite a GREAT first night of FAME? Literally, words can barely grasp the feeling the audience held – you could see it in the way audience members were smiling following the show, the excitement and questions audience members were asking BEFORE the show as the cast signed up for auditions…

Yes, the lobby was buzzing with excitement and to see the PA hopefuls sign up with the instructors, on the lobby before the show, as the audience stood by and watched this process – the WHOLE recreation of FAME – even starting at 4:50 – was mesmerizing.  I could feel the electrifying moment in everyone present.

Finding my seat in the audience, and having already had an idea of the potential students wanting to get into PA, and from their entrance interviews – I thought, I kind of have a gasp on this.  Get ready for a reality check.  Before I realized it, a soon to be PA auditioning member cast down beside me and started taking to be about how I could rely on him if I needed anything to get the “extra energy” I needed.  When you realize, as an audience member, the cast has worked to turn this experience, INTO an experience, from inside out, now all of a sudden you have an EXPERIENCE beyond a musical.

Most musicals, and of FAME, of course start with the curtain rising, actors in place, and you hear word of their acceptance to PA as any normal production with actors would begin.  Taking the experience of auditioning, taking the experience of the nervousness built up before the actual event, and putting it RIGHT INTO THE LAP OF THE audience members – from the beginning – when you are waiting in the lobby? – No curtain is needed when potential PA auditioning students come up to you and ask you if YOU are auditioning, wondering why YOU are here – oblivious to this being a show  – they have made this a reality for each and every attending member – now THAT – is truly an EXPERIENCE.  Way to go Arturo and Lara, just two of a huge cast that took the idea of FAME, and turned into a personal experience – and sharing it with a larger crowd.  How memorable is that? – I’d say beyond expectations!

Let’s just delve right in and see what occurred the second night – but let me tell you, with a first night without any major bumps, stops, and interruptions, you have to wonder, how can he second night pull off a event that leaves you wanting to go out and audition somewhere?  Well the cast did that and more…

Alani – The shirt, the way she wears her hat sideways, without saying a word, you already understand she has some high expectations of herself and what she envisions PA adding to her life, or her adding to PA.  Perfectly played, Alani pushes the mentality of an intimidating experience and adds intimidating to something she rolls over.  You see this in the auditions, you see this on stage, it works all the way through this production.

Alejandra – When not trying to recite her lines before auditioning, or into her ear buds trying to concentrate, being reprimanded to giving her full attention to being a part of PA, her seriousness flows from her.  You feel the character she portrays in doing anything and folding in herself to be a part of PA and make it.  Through this process you begin to see her develop as a PA student and even loosen up a little by the time graduation begin.  A part well, well-played.

Ana – She comes off an portraying the ultimate ballet /dancer potential PA.  She smiles, she pushes herself through amid others and I have a feeling, this is not the last we are going to see of Ana in a production, at least we hope not.  Headphones as a part of her that seems to be not able to be separated, she has this spunk in they way she carries herself that lets you know not underestimate her.

Ana G – While she certainly takes being a PA student seriously from her lessons of “finding her emotions” in a particular class, and becoming a world-class chair lifting champion during the process, it is easy to see her positive demeanor is promoted by those students around her.  She is able to take the idea of PA, the stress of performing, but seems to handle it well, positively, and feed off the pressure to succeed – a natural addition to the FAME cast it seems from the beginning.  As strange as it sounds, the flowers she wears say alot about how her personality in FAME reflects as well, you get the sense she will make it no matter what just based on her personality.

Ana Paula – I can’t think of anyone else that would be at the keyboard and still carry the enthusiasm she brings to a musician’s group – her energy and excitement – when she runs on stage is one of many fuels to the FAME fire that excites the audience when the plot is unfolding. Usually you see her attached to Tamara, but you still get a sense of wherever you see Ana Paula, a level of energy that represents the PA and the theme of FAME is there as well.

Ana Sofia – LOVE that mischievous grin and you always wonder, what is she going to bring out of that ability to drum and challenge any authority for the sake of music.  You just end up looking for that mischievous smile and looking forward to what Ana is going to do next. A little bit of rebel wants to come out of you in the process  🙂  (I think the drumsticks and bandanna secures this vibe she produces to the audience from the very beginning).

Ana Victoria – Maybe it was sitting so close to the stage this time, but you can see the concern, you can see how she does indeed feel the hilarity of what the PA students bring to auditions, (and trying to suppress the urge to laugh) as well as trying to get alot of the PA students past their egos to perform and “find themselves.”  She does so with a grace only an educator can try to find in themselves.  If possible, she seemed even more chill the second night, yet with an urgency to move her students forward.

Annabella – Okay, I have to admit, it’s odd to NOT see Annabella as the drummer – she fit into the role so well. Yet, it is exhilarating to see herself still maintain a bit of rebel as she supports Mabel and anyone else putting up a little bit of a fight/and revealing some rebelliousness.  Yes, she still maintains that aspect of her character in FAME on the stage and does it well.

Analise – From when she stands on the chairs to sing and dance to participating in what that PA students do to survive, Analise is really everywhere on stage as well.  it is not easy to miss her and she plays her role seriously and with determination at the same time.  She makes herself visible and is easily a part of the cast, and simply seems a natural part of the cast – making this whole FAME plot very familiar to the audience.  I feel I miss some details she brings to the show as well with so many people on stage and look forward to those in the next couple of shows.

Arturo – Attitude, a secret kind of something going on behind the scenes, and not taking much if anything from anyone.  While not Nick tonight, he didn’t need to be.  He was his own person and lets it be known on stage.  Played perfectly and it is awesome to see how versatile he can be before the show in his role, and during, excellent transition and ability that pushes the whole FAME plot forward.

Caroline – Again, maybe because I was sitting so close to the stage this time, but the attitude and sense of overconfidence you see in the promo video – it eeks out a bit if you watch Caroline on stage, it’s perfect!  I can definitely see her confidence, and ability, if you see where and when she contributes to being a PA student, she does, she pushes those buttons, and she insures everyone around her knows it, you feel this when you see her on stage.  She is coming to her realizations of what she wants to do as an actor – this is super exciting to see.  Maybe it’s the hat?  I think it’s the hat that sets the tone from the very beginning, but it all works together  🙂

Emiliano – It threw me off – I was expecting to see him holding the trumpet, and when he wasn’t I was like…WHERE?….but yes!  In blue!   From the very beginning if the auditions, to being one of many interested in PA, Emiliano plays the part of being a FAME cast member and a potential PA artists, with or without trombone.  He wears this expression as if he is just on the eve of something devilish…

Giulia – Okay so first, let’s get this straight.  It was not that she could wriggle her NOSE, it was her eyebrows.  Now that we have that out-of-the-way, I am not sure what it is, but you sense this level of something ready to be hysterical under the surface and Giulia will be right there.  Not sure where that comes from but it is there.  On stage you sense her willingness to want to be there, a supporter, a reinforcer and just – it is hard to imagine her NOT on stage after the first night, so having the presence? Check.  Being a member of FAME and the PA without having to go out of her way?  Check.  It is excellent to have someone that is just a natural fit, as fits Giulia.

Hunter – Hear more of his voice we did.  It was so so cool to see him cast as Nick and the way he brings a slightly different, almost soft element to this character, and yet, his eyes come alive when he sees what he wants his future to be.  Hunter never crosses the line of having to represent himself by any bravado, but is able to represent himself through the mastery he seemingly knows of his talent.  He knows himself, what he wants, and we find out by the end he learns his mistakes oto avoid losing those nearest to him.  Pretty powerful when you can get the audience reeled in that deeply.

Ingrid – WHOA!    I mean W H O A!  I loved how Ingrid brought a completely new and dynamic meaning to the role that Serena play in FAME.  “She is naturally Serena!” and you almost leave this production thinking her real name SHOULD be Serena – she is – well she IS Serena!  It was awesome seeing Ingrid come upon realization after realization, often found through disappointment but she completely envelops the role of Serena and makes it her own, 100%, absolute.

Isabel – It’s funny, despite being Carmen the first show, Isabel STILL stands out in FAME due to her stature, the way she carries her self, and just her demeanor.  If anyone belonged to PA before they auditioned, you immediately have the feel this would be Isabel.  True, I am biased from her experience as Carmen the night before, but you will see it.  Her confidence, her wanting to be a key element and her ability to be a standout in all she projects to the audience – you realize this in seeing Isabel a natural part of this whole process surrounding everyone auditioning.

Isabella P – I love the way she just blends in with potential PA members that seem to share her passion for rock, for being a little rebellious, but not having to do anything to show it.  Isabella seems to just FIT into this whole plot naturally the way she carries herself, reacts to others, reacts to the whole musical in general.  It is easy to see what being a natural is when you fit in as well as she does!

Jorge – EVERYTIME I see this role I see a new facet of personality ALSO brought out in someone else. Be it Iris, or Mabel, or one of the instructors, not only does Jorge bring a strength to his own role, but brings out elements in others personalities that you only see after seeing repetitively.  That becomes a whole new level of performing and often it is not possible to find the words to show the power and understanding Jorge moves through in this production. Amazing.

Juan Manuel – I think it was the hat.  Yeah, maybe the hat.  Yet Juan Manuel was much more of a presence this second show, and yet he easily fit into the role of someone kind of hanging back and yet, he seems he as alot to surprise the PA staff with his ability.  He can do all this without truly saying a word, you just get this FEEL.  This is pretty darn great, and it is a testament to what he brings to the stage of FAME.

Juliana – I love how you realize things even more as they progress.  Or you catch the details you miss at first.  The way Juliana’s eyes light up when she sees the opportunity PA provides to her, the look of disbelief when Mabel is finishing a bag of chips at the BEGINNING of ballet, they all enhance her role.  Her optimism seems to pour from her expressions, and she does this so well in the way she carries herself on the stage, you just expect it to all turn out well.  She is made for productions, to this I have no doubt.

Lara – Lara carries this tailgating, cheerleading, shouting for a fellow PA student mentality that just naturally makes her part of the whole FAME scheme.  She is ever-present based on her energy and enthusiasm she shows, from the very beginning greeting everyone to rooting for them and chanting for them when they have their moment in the spotlight – she is a definite ever-present part of what PA becomes.

Lu – I will never stop having such a hard time getting over the raw emotion when I saw her expressing what LA did to her. Whoa, I am still carrying that memory.  The intensity of the emotions she hands to the audience, coupled with a voice that moves through you –  I mean THROUGH you – and the slight smirk she is able to produce at the exact right moment – there is nothing I can say about how amazing it was to see Carmen develop and unfolds in front of you, making it even harder to see it all fall apart by the end.  Lu takes you there and makes it impossible for you to return from this experience.

Maria – Nailed it.  I felt that way the first show, and even more so this second show.  It makes such a difference being so close to the stage, almost as if I am seeing a different person, with the same ability x5.  Her gutsiest (new word), commitment even when it shows conflicts with other admin, and her genuine demeanor when it comes to reflecting on her role – in front of students and one on one, there is no doubt when she comes on and off stage she was made for this role.  Absolute and GREAT to see.

Elisa – More of a presence than the first night you see her into everything PA offers and what FAME represents.  You could see her, feel her optimism, and enjoy the carrying-on of the key people who try to shake things up at the PA.  More than just someone hanging back, she asserted herself more so – whether that was from her increased energy level or – it is difficult to put an exact reason on it, but definitely, it is almost that you feel at ease when you see Elisa on stage.

Marion – More so than the first night, I kept trying to figure out how I didn’t remember Marion more from the first show, but she stood out even more during the second show absolutely.  When you see her smile, her expressions, she seems to be looking right at YOU, as if you are the only one in the audience.  To be able to do that and not have from the beginning a very specific role that leads out – she has this energy you see as soon as she hits the stage.  It was great realizing and seeing this, and was a definite plus to the overall production of FAME this second show.

Natalia – Seriously, she GLARED at me in the lobby.  This was so well done, her role is so well-played from beginning to end.  Take the promo video of her role, and add consecutive degrees of confidence from the first night and you see Natalia continuing to make the idea of FAME her own.  You can’t really say enough to state how well she nails her roles  🙂

Nathalie Z – If you notice Nathalie’s expressions and the way she just naturally is a presence – the wantingness that is felt to belong in PA is shown all over her smile, her hustling back and forth in the beginning to various auditions, and continuing to support the funny the serious, the dramatic, the newly occurring.  She seems to be involved in every character’s dilemma, decision, and advent, and overall, very difficult to see how she would not be on stage to be an overall part of the PA and Fame.  Present from the beginning when all potential students converge for auditions, she seems to be an integral part of all that happens and you begin to look for her at each of the two performances so far. 

Nicolas – Okay, yes.  He does get worked up.  ALOT.  So why do we love seeing this so much?  His demeanor, his ability to turn an accent into an event you look forward too when combined with his frustration – true it makes you worn out a bit when it comes to the amount of time you are laughing.  Plus it is good to see an admin show some frustration when we normally see such cool and relaxed responses.  Nicolas is able to turn the level of “I’m going to bust an artery” into hilarity when the music he envisions, does not match at all with what he receives.  But let me emphasize, the cowbell ?  It is a home run.

Nicole – She doesn’t soften necessarily, but it is almost as you see even more of the who Nicole is as Iris in the second show.  Why?  How?  I can’t put my finger on it, but certainly her intensity, desire, and ability to be that central key and doorway for success for not ony Tyrone, but for the ideal that finding yourself involves getting past something you see as yourself, and coming into your own thanks to the interpretations of reality – she seems to be able to define this.  Hence, this, and Nicole herself, becomes a central part of taking experiences and becoming a new person as a result – how lucky can you be to see this unfold in front of you through this production?

Pablo – CLASSIC FAME.  The ability to get others to fall into his charms, or to walk away in disgust take work from some, but none from Pablo.  He is everywhere at the same time, and he leaves memories of what FAME becomes to everyone from the beginning to the very end, in so many ways, I can’t even attempt to list them all here.  From his memories of a funeral that impacted his life, to the ability to turn a Romeo and Juliet scene into hilarity, these become two of countless ways he lets everyone know, he is absolutely Joe Vegas.

Pedro – Just when you think you know a character and you have seen it before – Bam!   Not at all.  I thought I was seeing a new character – and I liked the Pedro from the FIRST NIGHT!  The energy and ability to put himself into the role when tragedy hits Carmen, sympathizing and it seeming as this was occurring to HIS character, and the passion he puts into that cowbell (I could watch that 100 times and still not get tired of it, after I get my breath from laughing) – I LOVE THIS CHARACTER and his growth in one night, when it was a good performance to begin with? – All I can see is GREAT – GREAT – GREAT.

Sara – I am not going to spoil anything from her IB Visual review (coming!) – but – if you had to pick of all the cast one that is finding herself in volumes, I pick Sara as a definite.  She rocked the first night with being a team player as part of the ballet troupe, but something just clicked up a notch the second night even more.  Her smile, her interactions with Joe Vegas, I am not sure, but you sense her confidence a huge notch, heck a whole level more so on the second night and to not have her in FAME?  It just seems unnatural to NOT see her on the stage!

Sarah  – I noticed it when Sarah first came to ASF – and I notice it on stage.  She has a confidence and “I do not care in the least what others think – if it fits me it is all that matters.”  This says everything about her ability and confidence to be an absolute member of the PA and in the FAME set.  You will sense this every time you see her encourage Tyrone, Pablo and those around her.  She carries this sense of mischievousness and plotting that you can sense when it comes to the ego carrying Pablo and Tyrone, and she is ever-present no matter where she is on stage.  LOVE.

Sofia- You can’t take anything away from the supporting hilarity, and cheerleading Sofia brings to those around her.  In no way does she appear a weak character, until it comes to a scale or going more than 30 minutes without food, but her wit, strength, and smile – 100% contagious and genuine in the whole scheme of things when it comes to FAME.  The second night it only amplified and made you laugh even harder.  Love looking forward to her role for each production.

Sofia I – She is the PA member you can probably bounce any thoughts, fears, or comments off of.  From the very beginning of the auditioning process, she welcomes a wide array of friends and she comes off as being the ultimate person you can trust.  Despite the advances of Joe Vegas in the ballet room no less, her expressions, ability to take you in as a welcoming part of FAME, and shaking your had with her reactions to all around her – she is no doubt a part of the FAME cast from the very beginning.

Susanne – While I enjoyed Susanne as Serena so much, I think seeing her in that lead role emphasized her role as part of the PA – and NOT being Susanne as well in the second night.  You don’t need to look for Susanne to know she is a part of the PA and fame cast – you just know.  That says volumes about what she is capable of, without having to be over the top assertive, she just IS – love that about her as a part of any production we have seen her in so far.

Tamara – Okay, seriously, I admit it, I am LOOKING FORWARD to the high five when it comes to rewarding the comments made about Death of a Salesman.  Tamara is the ultimate cheerleader and supporter of all things that moves the PA students together.  Do NOT let the lying down and tired during introductions at PA fool you, her “this is going to be good” smile when something is about to happen and ability to push forward an event to the point of hilarity – it is always there in queue – priceless.

Ximena – Receptive but standing her ground, being able to pull out that stubborn backbone when it is required, you see this even more in the second show.  From the very beginning when you see her taking auditions, to caring for her daughter during rehearsals at the PA school if you have any doubts of whether she has made PA her home, then we’re watching the wrong show.  She’ll argue, she’ll fight, she’ll go the extra mile in soft and loud actions – but she will be there no matter what.  Ximena just keeps reinforcing the energy and ability to assert herself in this role, and positions herself in the cast of FAME even more in the second.  (How is that possible?)

To have a director return, a dance coordinator, a music coordinator, building and Arts directors, and a Tech Club with stage crew abilities do so much, when so much is asked and many do not expect a level of thanks back with such a needed job – and receiving kudos and thanks back – and doing such an amazing job that a level of even more enthusiasm – see Paty, see Javier, see Jose!, see Isabel, Ale, EVER Tech crew member when they come on

stage to receive well-deserved applause – in no sense of the way does Tech Crew or the lighting, or the stage crew go unnoticed – as it should be.

When you leave the second night’s show with a feeling like this, you can’t help but think – PA?  FAME?  Yeah let’s do this a few more times at least!  Bravo FAME crew – which

covers MUCH support – as a whole – which makes each one of us feel as if we want to live forever.

First nights are…nerve-wracking, full of anticipation, open a window of what is to come, and that is just what comes to memory first about first nights.   With the 2016 production of Fame, you have a cast, audience, and group of fans all expecting, wondering, and speculating on how things will be different.  No different was the case with ASF’s production of FAME April 14th either.  There are so many things that will, I believe, come out of this first night production, and that already HAVE come out of this first night production, I feel lile this a daunting task to address it and yet – as an audience member much of this lingers with you after seeing FAME.

This is hard to do without giving spoilers but yes, it can be done  🙂   First coming into the FAC lobby, the efficiency of the parents supporting this production, as always is superb.  Having the ability for sandwiches toasted and a plethora of options is EXCELLENT for an after school production, this was definitely the case.  As you are seated you notice the bubbling and sounds, as well as the use of the side areas of the FAC inside, typical of what you would expect of those waiting to enter the Arts building where individuals were about to perform.  The casual nature of the side areas leading to the stage, the FAC area, very well done.  You will see this as you become an audience member of FAME as well – very very well planned.

From the very beginning to end, there is so much happening, you need to make sure you are seeing the leads, as well as the supporting actors 100%, and this takes much scanning of the action on stage, center, left and right stage, even the front and back stage.  I like this as every single potential student of the Performing Arts School and star wannabe has a part to play and does have the ability to do something with their part extraordinary.  This often is not the case in a production, where often it is quite obvious why someone is cast in a specific role.  Along those lines, I never felt during this particular night, that anyone was miscast, everyone had a purpose and a role that seemed to be predestined by this first night’s showing. 

I felt over the course of the whole Fame first night production there were moments that I wanted the sound, music, and voices to be even more elevated, to match the emotions that I felt could be even more elevated as well.  I have a feeling this is a first night discovery and as you will see below, specific cast have definitely been able to reach inside and grab what affects them, moves them, and pushes them to sending that emotion through their voice out to the audience.  There are still some that I want to see project those feelings, disappointments, exciting moments, and their deepest feelings even stronger; I can feel they have much more to say and show about those emotions – to the point that the music, their voice, and their emotions can be elevated to an even higher level to move, shock, and paralyze me in the moment. 

I felt this myself, that this particular production had the potential for all involved to dip inside a real situation of their lives currently, being students and trying to hold onto the memories of the very halls, rooms, and teachers that paralyzed them in moments that they are unable to turn their back on, even at graduation.  With that opportunity at their feet to relive the very moments that will stick with them beyond high school, and to match that with where they hope to go and be after college graduation, this is their moment to live within themselves and project the very emotions that have come up against so far, and definitely I felt that in some of the actors and actresses this first night, and others I so see them just beginning to reach that powerful point, and want to see that occur even more to see how they develop by the end of this production.  This is exciting for me as an audience member and I can only imagine how it must be for the cast themselves.

On a technical standpoint and from behind the camera, I was stunned at how the lighting was brilliant and made for specific moments throughout the show.  My camera told me so as I tried to capture some moments that were difficult to say at best.  Along with my camera the key moments that were lighted amazingly, all was done absolutely in style.  Technical-wise, the set was moved to what seemed to be effortlessly, and as always, the Tech Club and stage crew was on cue and even more than I can remember for a first night performance.  I have said it once before and will say it again, it is so easy to take for granted the opportunity to look over how the set is arranged, how the lighting adds to the overall performance, and how the movement of actors, scenery, and all fits together with the lines of the performers – and yet all flowed better than you’d hope for in a first night performance.

The intermission was again, a necessity to take in the details.  If you notice a prop in the FAC lobby, then you are half way there – and the details there are worth taking in.  On top of that, add the edition of the PA weekly to the list to the pluses of this production, and it is the exact right touch.  YOU DEFINITELY will love how the PA is represented from the PA weekly – and this was a brilliant addition to what you are absorbing from the overall FAME production.  Without further adieu, let’s deep into the details:

Alani- Remember when it was mentioned details are important?  Her facial expressions, reactions, and overall presence is evident from the very beginning and very much belongs in the PA – a great part of the cast.

Alejandra – Definitely having grown from last year’s production, Alejandra positions herself right in the middle of the crowds of students, cliques and drama that usually is being discussed among the students.

Ana – I think one of the youngest PA students and yet she fits right in with everyone as part of the action.  Very cool to see a new face.

Ana G – Always participating 100% with the lessons, students and the action going on.  It has been a pleasure to see her as a regular during this production.

Ana Paula – Optimistic, energetic and always in the middle of the crowds of PA – excellent to see her a part of this team!

Ana Sofia – I find it hysterical she is a pro-rocker for the band she is in and her general enthusiasm for being a part of PA – it is contagious!

Ana Victoria – Her “chillness” is VERY believable – and also contagious to all the potential soon-to be stars, and glad she tried to make certain members that decided to leave PA, try to stay.

Annabella – I have to say, the IDEAL rocker and drummer, I couldn’t picture anyone else as being more the rebel or wanting to be, played perfectly.

Analise – Not afraid to be right in the middle of the action and supporting the energy flowing through the PA students, excellent member of the cast.

Arturo – Yes.  He pulls tug of war perfectly and is a perfect fit for this role, and yes, does justice to the role of Romeo.

Caroline – She doesn’t come off as being the stuck up, arrogant student she appears to be in the promo video, and yet, this was the first night.  We will wait and see- but she is always also in the middle of everything at the PA – right where she should be.  She seems to have grown alot more confidence from last year which is evidence of her growing into roles.

Emiliano – Yes – he plays the part of friend/trickster and trumpet gesture member great – I think as his voice becomes louder with more frequent performances, his personality will also come out more, a good fit it seemed for this role.

Giulia – While we did not get to see her nose wriggling ability as claimed in her promo video, her enthusiasm is evident through all scenes in the production, which easily maker her part of the cast.

Hunter – from the last catch and carry of cast members at the end to the beginning of the production, Hunter is very much a part of the action and is a very supportive cast role in FAME – good to see him as I do not recall him in productions before, but a welcome member with his ability.  I’d like to hear more of his voice!

Isabel – Wow.  To avoid spoilers, her passion to do what she wants and so full of herself to certain level sets up quite a twist in the end – and she is able tp move towards that unexpected twist perfectly, loved her as part of this cast and seeing her at the bottom, towards the end, more than believable – and heart-breaking at the same time.

Isabella P – I can’t recall seeing Isabella in a production before and yet – she fits the role as a tough, rocker, rebellious yet strong PA student, she fits, she JUST DOES  🙂

Jorge – Holy *&$)*(&!#*)_!#@.  YES.  His strength, bravado, machismo, his not giving in and then giving in under tough terms, EVERYTHING.  YES.  All of it, – WHAT A GREAT casting role and played PERFECTLY – LOVED his presence and PA and FAME, much less without even considering and discussing his overall role and presence, excellent – period.

Juan Manuel – While not a lead very much present and a supporting member of the PA and overall student body – he also helped build a strong crowd of students working towards success.

Juliana – Her smile, enthusiasm, energy, grace – she totally, 100% works as part of the cast and then some, I see her becoming more powerful in voice, roles, and energy in upcoming shows of Fame and other productions.  She definitely has this diamond in the rough ability.

Lara – Perhaps one of the most telling moments was the Romeo & Juliet scene, the smile on her face – larger than I’ve ever seen. Her energy and positive energy is very evident all the way to the audience, without a doubt  🙂

Lu – I cheated and saw her performance as a lead in practice, and this evening, her supporting participation in the student body, performing, and of course voice – she is stil a standout and is going to be a blockbuster asset to all performances – truly a diamond in her participation in all things musical, dramatic, and staged – she is AWESOME!

Maria – As headmaster, nemesis to Jorge’s character, arguing with Ximena, sharing the emotions of what it means to be director of PA, and all scenes involved, while I can’t recall her as a lead in past productions, she is PERFECT for this role – I mean she fit amazingly.  Her stance, posture, actions, all of it – YES.  Thanks PA and Fame for letting her having this role it was exact.

Elisa – Obviously from the time she waits to get into PA at the beginning to the tryouts to being in PA – a few things you will notice – HUGE smile always remains, while you might not have seen her in any previous productions she fits in perfectly, plays the part and just – well, why hasn’t she been in previous productions?!  🙂

Marion – Again, after seeing Marion naturally become part of the PA students accepted, she fits naturally in, she is a part easily, naturally, and it is excellent to see her as part of the PA students accepted.  You want to see her succeed due to her optimism.

Natalia – Absolutely represented from Les Miserables, Natalia has this outpouring of optimism and energy that you cannot imagine NOT being on the stage.  NOT AT ALL.  Love Natalia’s optimism, spunk, and energy. 

Nathalie Z – Willingness, energy, and bringing what FAME represents is all part of when we see Nathalie as a part of a production she believes in and of course, she does.  You can tell from her expressions, her desire to be involved and on stage, her heart is with all she does involving drama and the arts.

Nicolas – If you have followed Nicolas’ involvement in the arts – then you know – the unexpected quirky roles he takes – hysterical and they always work.  Tonight was not the exception in the least.  Absolutely, Nicolas carries the weight of hilarity, plot, and personality, and always in a different way – in every production – and this continues through FAME …

Nicole – You watch and are into the relationship that could, would, and does ensue between Nicole and…..you’ll have to see…she does so so well – you expect to see these two in the same situation off stage.  effortlessly, gracefully, and without any drawbacks, Nicole is essential to Fame for so many reasons – and you will see why within ten minutes of her entering PA as one of the best dancers in the institution.

Pablo – If you had to bottle 1% of his energy, hilarity, jibes, and jabs, and the gusto Pablo brings to stage – you’d never be able to stop – and Pablo does not.  To the credit of the Fame plot line – itself – he is able to pull off an endless pursuit of many, he IS the energizer bunny of insult and hormones, and he is AMAZING on the FAME set.

Pedro – I have seen Pedro transform into more confidence onstage within one year and the FAME stage proves this.  I hope to hear hos voice and confidence still begin to rise, as I feel he has even more to show and reach into the audience.  His availability and reliability to those around him are essential and Fame and it is exciting to see him grow as a cast member absolute!

Sara – The shine you see in her smile, dance, and mingling as a student, artists and FAME cast member is unmistakable.  When she is lifted up high into the air at the end by Hunter, it fits – and she belongs on this FAME cast and stage for various reasons.  It is exciting to see her on stage – and rewarding.

Sarah  – Her boldness, confidence, and presence is one of many that insures her reason to not only be a part of PA, but it is exciting to see her involved in a production – I think for the first time.  I feel it is completely appropriate based on her graduating, her role seems to represent how confident she can be, is, and will be.  Love seeing her in this production for many reasons.

Sofia- Can you picture her saying “OHMYGOSH, SEAFOOD -(you’ll catch the meaning during the production) – however, when you hear and see ‘FEED ME!”  – she nails it, she nails the bravado, personality, the Mojo of an artist and IS the personality of her role  EXCELLENT.

Sofia I – She is coming into her own, becoming bolder, still quiet and yet she is able to represent a presence on stage without much effort.  HOW DOES SHE DO THAT?  She is someone you just want to be a part of any production you are involved in – and she fits in easily with all the students of the PA.

Susanne – It was an absolute pleasure to see Susanne work through the conflicts of someone that has been around her all her life, and try to figure it out along the way.  She does with grace, talent, and this sense of optimism, trying to make it work for her.  She makes it work for her as a part of the cast of FAME, and then some.  It is a JOY to see her back on the stage for this year’s production.

Tamara – It’s funny she represents the details you do NOT want to miss, but easily could, if you do not pay attention to EVERYTHING that is happening on stage.  She has always been able to be counted on for something that adds to the plot and scenes, and FAME is no exception.  Her energy, facial expressions, and overall contributing to the plot and cast as it moves forward always has you looking for her in every production she is in, this is no exception.

Ximena – I love seeing Ximena as a leader in this role for FAME, for she is a leader in all she does, be it art, music, performing, contributing, heart and soul.  It is WONDERFUL to see Ximena, knowing what she does with her heart and soul, on stage and off stage, and you just know, yep, teacher, leader, contributing member of FAME?  TOTALLY XIMENA – love love love.

This is almost IMPOSSIBLE to state but, Alejandra, Andrea, Carlos, Elisa, Enrique, Isabel, Javier, Jose, Julia, Mateo, Mauricio, Patricia, Regina, Robbie, Rodolfo, Stefan, Victor Paulina, (and Paulina could be seen throughout several places throughout the production – she was naturally a part of the FAME environment!) and Paloma – all together?  Under one roof – they are a power house of insuring the lighting, the transitions, the cues, the props, the set, EVERY SINGLE thing that you could take for granted, and shouldn’t look as if they are planned a year ahead of time.  Stage crew, tech Club, and lighting, as well as music, sound, and SO MUCH MORE, the makeup, the costumes, and more than we can list – thank goodness we have these amazing people as part of FAME, hence, no FAME.

You will learn to recognize Teruhi, Hugo, Rosanna, Carolina, Alvaro, Rob for the time, vision, and energy they have devoted to create a risk of a production that is for many, something so different, it takes MUCH risk to even attempt it.  Yet, attempting it they did, have done, and for a first night production, you begin to realize as the acting, boldness, and pure talent thrown into a completely new situation and only better things are to happen from this experience.

You sense the feeling of a family – that is true, from everyone interacting on stage, and I get a feeling that is only going to increase as the shows progress.  How lucky are we to see this happening each show – pretty much beyond being able to put into words.

CONGRATS FAME team for creating an experience – beyond what FAME was in the series on television and bringing some feeling of finishing one’s period, in life, and moving onto a brighter one – filled with memories, nostalgia, and a road towards an artistic future.