Why is Fame the Musical so lame?

[Mart isn't easy]

Posted: 4/18/07 at 7:07pm

I've seen this show a couple of times and it's just pointless. The story has characters who are - let's be kind - homages to the movie/tv kids, who have been inspired to attend the Academy of Performing Arts because of the film and TV show. They then spend the show in near-identical scenarios, while singing songs with similar sentiments to the ones wee like, only not as good.

Why not just have a stage version of Alan Parker's film and the subsequent telly show? Rights?

(Am I OK asking this question? The show looks only to have played off-Broadway and around the US)

[blaxx]

Posted: 4/18/07 at 7:25pm

Actually, if I'm not wrong, it started in London, where they seem to keep trying to make it work year after year.

The show is not bad - it's beyond terrible and has no redeeming qualities. From this pseudo franchise, this seems to be the worst product of them all.

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 4/18/07 at 8:09pm

Fame is a young fun show what started out as a very entertaining musical(cocunut grove playhouse 88, pretty gritty) and has been watered down so much its got very camp but pulls the audiences in all over the world except the states.

London dont keep trying to make it work, it DOES work here, it is one of the longest running musicals in west end history and one of the most profitable shows around.

The show is also a great platform for young performers (especially dancers) its just a shame its had to get so camp.

I did this show for 2 years though and had the best time and the audiences were amazing and we were always full.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 4/18/07 at 8:45pm

I think it's a great musical, great dancing, good songs, very inspiring for any young person interested in the arts and musical theatre, I don't know why people say it's so bad.
Not "lame" at all in my book.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 4/18/07 at 8:57pm

I think it is a bad musical, ok dancing, bad songs, and an even worse story. I find it uninspiring to kids because it is so damn tacky that they can't take it seriously.

Posted: 4/18/07 at 9:54pm

i agree. it is lame. the script is very lame, but the show is exciting and catchy. its fun to watch, even if the book is not genius piece of work.

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 4/18/07 at 10:04pm

Horrible book, really awful songs (I wouldn't even call it a score) and poorly staged. When you spend the entire 2nd songs with a minor character singing at length about his erection, you know your in for a rough ride.

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 4/18/07 at 10:12pm

insipid might be a good word.

[Salene]

Posted: 4/18/07 at 11:06pm

Speaking of Fame:
https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=17639

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EDIT:

I see there's already a thread on this ... Updated On: 4/18/07 at 11:06 PM