‘This year will be different.’ A tune many are familiar with, pun intended. After the previous show was forced completely online, we truly hoped for a live outcome for Fame. The cast and crew worked hard and kept good spirits regardless of some admin and management obstacles. Eventually, the live show got postponed to being a recorded show in March. Luckily, that disappointment evaporated the instant the cast and crew stepped on the stage at The Registry Theatre.
FAME; the OG High School Musical. Anyone familiar with Fame can understand the blood and sweat that goes into preparing for a physical production of this nature. But somehow, the exhaustion and tears created a type of family not easily reproduced in other activities. Through some of the problematic language we were able to have deeply meaningful discussions and we grew to love and support each other throughout the show. We navigated teen angst and heartache, substance abuse, learning disabilities and body image issues. Fame might be dated, but the subject matter around performing arts remain valid today.
Everyone, cast and crew, went above and beyond to ensure that the show goes on. We stumbled together, we cried together, we sweat together, and we laughed together. For that I am grateful. Yes, a well-produced film as evidence is a great reward. But the friendships and camaraderie built over the last couple of months can never be replaced and my heart swells when I think, ever so fondly, of each and everyone thriving in Fame, despite such remarkably difficult times.
These will forever be ‘my children' and may you all look to the future and say: ‘Bring on Tomorrow’.
