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'Fame' scores with universal appeal
By Xu Wei
Shanghai Daily 12-27-2009
EVER since its debut in 1988, "Fame," the Broadway musical, has
toured around 30 countries and regions, winning high praise from
spectators.
So far the musical based on the 1980 film of the same name has
grossed more than US$300 million.
It is the first time both the show and its veteran producer David
De Silva have stopped in Shanghai, bringing an inspiring message to
young, aspiring wannabes who dream of overnight fame.
"Fame" is currently running at Shanghai City Theater through to
January 3 in its original English version with Chinese
subtitles.
It centers on a group of talented kids entering the famous High
School for Performing Arts in New York.
Though the students come from different backgrounds, they share
the same dream of being famous. But gradually they find that fame
is hard work and must be won one song, one dance at a time.
Silva is widely known as "Father Fame." He conceived, created and
produced the MGM motion picture, which received six Academy Award
nominations, winning Best Song for "Fame" and Best Original
Score.
He was also consulting producer on the "Fame" television series
that ran for six years and was broadcast in over 60 countries in
different languages. But then Silva found that his heart was in
stage and that "Fame" could truly "live forever" in the
theater.
He says the story about discovering one's uniqueness and the
pursuit of dreams has universal appeal.
Q: Why did you want to make a musical stage
version of the Oscar-winning film "Fame?"
A: My first love has always been theater. When I
sold the screen play to MGM, I retained the stage rights because I
always knew I would develop it as a stage musical.
The story is organically musical because it brings together
students who are training to sing and dance.
In movies the creative process is over when the camera stops
shooting. In the world of live theater it lives on for performers
and audiences forever.
Q: In your opinion, what's the major reason for
the long-time popularity of "Fame?"
A: A major reason for its popularity is that it
is the ultimate inspirational musical for young people. The ethnic
and social mix of characters is theatrically dramatic. Everyone in
the audience has a character they can relate to and care
about.
Q: What kind of message does "Fame" want to
convey to the Chinese audience, who may have different taste from
Americans?
A: "Fame" has proven all over the world that it
relates to a universal taste. For example both the Italian and
French governments have supported national tours of the show in
their countries.
Hundreds of school productions are produced every year in many
countries and in many languages. I think young Chinese audiences
will be very receptive to the music and the energy of the
show.
Q: Compared with other stage productions which
also focus on the dreams of young people, what's the unique charm
of "Fame?" In the future will it include some new fashionable
elements to cater to new generations of young people?
A: "Fame" is locked into a special time which is
1980 to 1984. This was a more romantic period in America, before
hip-hop reality affected high school students. So musically it will
always be locked into this period.
The unique charm of "Fame" is that it covers four years of
relationships in high school from freshmen to senior years. And it
is bittersweet to see how these relationships change and grow with
time.
Q: Star-making reality TV shows are very popular
in China such as "My Show" and "Super Girl." Is it also common for
American young people to gain quick fame though such shows?
A: Reality TV is very popular in the United
States but to me that is all about being an instant celebrity.
"Fame" is about training and discipline and learning your
craft.
As the opening number in the musical goes it's "hard work." It
needs good teachers and dedication.
I believe that the training you get in a school like "Performing
Arts" will teach you to be confident and successful in life no
matter what you do professionally.
Q: What's your new working plan after
"Fame?"
A: My dream plan is to come back to China in 2011
to see a Chinese company perform "Fame" in Mandarin.
And that "Fame" will become a springboard for Chinese talent who
can do everything in musical theater - act, sing and dance.
And even compose and create new contemporary theater works for
Chinese audiences.
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