Conceived and designed for the North Shore's unique in-the-round stage, Fame will begin performances May 31 with an official opening set for June 2. The production, directed and choreographed by Richard Stafford, will play through June 19.
Fame, which concerns the lives of up-n-coming performing artists attending New York's High School of Performing Arts, will feature the talents of Eric Anthony (Tyrone), Julie Craig (Ensemble), Warren Freeman (Goody), Jenna Gavigan (Serena Katz), Jonathan Groff (Nick Piazza), Eric Hatch (Ensemble), Garrett Hawe (Ensemble), Kristie Kerwin (Ensemble), Nicole Mangi (Ensemble), Lynnette Marrero (Carmen Diaz), Dennis Moench (Schlomo Metzenbaum), Kathleen Nanni (Iris), Krystle N. Pyram (Mabel Washington), Vincent Rodriguez III (Ensemble), Ambere Rogers (Grace "Lambchops" Lamb) and Gerard Salvador (Joe Vegas). Also featured in the cast are Inga Ballard (Miss Sherman), Michael Brian Dunn (Mr. Meyers), Rosemary Loar (Miss Bell) and Rex Hays (Mr. Sheinkopf).
Twelve local young artists representing ten North Shore communities will also be part of the ensemble, including Kelly Buck (North Andover), Alex DeLeo (North Reading), Ashley Alexandra Fichera (Lawrence), Molly Gachignard (Salem), Jacob Liberman (Needham), Chris Martel (Salem), Presilah Nunez (Lynn), Melody Oleson (Marblehead), Amanda Rodhe (Manchester), Peter Romagna (Burlington), Alison Sabean (Danvers) and Amy Sabean (Danvers).
The creative team of Fame comprises Andrew Graham (musical director), Jonathan Stahl (associate choreographer), Howard C. Jones (scenic designer), Joanna E. Murphy (costume designer), David Neville (lighting designer), John A. Stone (sound designer) and Gerard Kelly (hair and wig designer).
Fame — based on the acclaimed film and subsequent television series of the same name — features a book by Jose Fernandez and a score by Jacques Levy (lyrics) and Steve Margoshes (music). The title song — originally performed by Irene Cara in the film — was written by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore. The North Shore Music Theatre is located at 62 Dunham Road in Beverly, MA. Tickets, priced $30-$63, are available by calling (978) 232-7200. Visit www.nsmt.org for more information.
