A stellar line-up has been announced for the Musical Theatre Summer School production of world-wide phenomenon FAME The Musical.
Co-presented by HOTA (Home of the Arts) and by renowned Australian production company, Matt Ward Entertainment, this exciting rendition of the iconic pursuit of dreams tale will showcase a talented line up, both on and off the stage this January.
Supported by a cast of 40 young performers who have undertaken performance-based training as part of the Musical Theatre Summer School program, are a host of talented newcomers seeking to parallel the hopes and aspirations of their on-stage personas, alongside a seasoned crew of key professionals.
Bianca Coxeter, a graduate from Promenade Dance Studio, will play the lead role of Carmen and join recent graduate of Dance Force Fulltime Dance Academy, Devante LaTorre in the role of Tyrone. Locals Jake Binns (Joe), Chelsea Burton (Serena), Tomer Diamanstein (Schlomo), Taye Grant (Goody), Saskia Ramsey (Iris), Lara Salamacha (Lambchop) Nicole Barrett (Mabel) and Liam Head in the role of Nick, will bring both talent and training to the principal cast as graduates of the Musical Theatre Summer School program.
In addition, seasoned actors Cessalee Stovall, direct from the USA and Australian tour of Book of Mormon will play Miss Sherman, alongside Hugh Parker as Mr Schmirof, Aurelie Roque who was recently announced as Glinda in The Wizard of Oz Arena Tour as Miss Bell and James Shaw (Mamma Mia international tour & RENT) as Mr Meyers, will deliver high octane performances to complement the Musical Theatre Summer School graduates.
Producer Matt Ward said the combination of young talent, peppered with seasoned performers is the essence of what Musical Theatre Summer School is all about. “Bringing together a highly professional team, led by some of the industry’s best, sets our trainees up for an opportunity to show audiences their skills and talent and make a name for themselves.”
Matt said that fostering talent, while also producing an exceptionally entertaining show was why he partnered with HOTA to bring FAME to the Gold Coast in January.
“Our creative team is incredible, and their tutorage and experience are why the Musical Theatre Summer School program delivers emerging artists with a platform to launch their performing careers, while also providing access to some of the best mentors and professionals in the business.”
FAME The Musical, is choreographed by Kate Wormald (Channel 7’s Dance Boss, So You Think You Can Dance, The Voice and Happy Feet 2), directed by Tim Hill (RENT, Mary Poppins, Into The Woods) and Musical direction by Ben Murray, with Vocal Director Jacqui Devereux.
According to Matt Ward, FAME The Musical is as relevant now as it was decades ago. “I love the symmetry of what we are setting out to achieve with the Musical Theatre Summer School, imbedded quite literally in the Home of the Arts, running parallel with the end-production of FAME The Musical.”
“At its core FAME is a story of young people giving it all to pursue their dreams in the creative industries and it resonates similarly today as it did almost four decades ago,” said Matt. “So, get ready to don the legwarmers and headbands this January and get set to watch them shine.”
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