FAME
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Synopsis
ACT ONE
A group of vibrant, energetic young people, African-American, white, Hispanic, rich and poor alike, converge on 46th Street to audition for the chance to study at the famous New York High School of Performing Arts (P.A.). Praying they make P.A.," the students tear open a letter from the school, learn of their acceptance and begin a joyous dance of celebration.
On the first day of school, the freshman meet Miss Sherman, their English teacher, who warns them that it takes a lot more than dreams to succeed at "P.A." The students, with a mixture of excitement, trepidation and raw energy, acknowledge that what it really takes to succeed is ("HARD WORK").
Drama Class. Nick and Serena rehearse a scene and discuss their life experiences. Nick's goal in life is to move people emotionally ("I WANT TO MAKE MAGIC"). Mr. Myers, the drama teacher asks his students to recall how a physical sensation can trigger an emotional response. Joe, a funny, uninhibited young man, graphically recounts the very personal reactions that occur whenever he thinks of a certain beautiful girl in dance class ("CAN'T KEEP IT DOWN").
Dance Class. Tyrone, a sexy, streetwise African-American, is partnered with Iris, a very wealthy, classically-trained dancer. Iris obnoxiously derides Tyrone's lack of classical dance experience. Tyrone, enraged at her comments, begins a rap which expresses his anger ("TYRONE'S RAP"). Iris apologizes and, unexpectedly, kisses him passionately.
While Nick and Serena rehearse another scene, she tells him of her yearning to try something romantic and passionate. It becomes obvious Serena is in love with Nick. Nick, concerned only with acting, becomes upset and leaves. Heartbroken, Serena laments her unrequited love ("LET'S PLAY A LOVE SCENE").
At lunch, Carmen, a self-assured, cocky Latina spitfire, dreams of seeing her name in lights and people gasping as she walks down the street ("THERE SHE GOES/FAME"). The other students join in her fantasy and begin an exciting, electrifying dance.
The hallway. Miss Sherman expresses concern over Tyrone's care-free attitude towards education and threatens to keep him out of the Fall Festival if his grades don't improve. Miss Bell overhears this and argues that Tyrone's artistic talent is more important than his academic ability ("THE TEACHERS' ARGUMENT"). As Tyrone threatens to drop out of school, the other students try to focus on the reason why they are really there ("HARD WORK").
ACT TWO
After two arduous but rewarding years, the students now begin their junior year with the P.A. Fall Festival ("I WANT TO MAKE MAGIC").
Dance rehearsal. Mabel, a bit overweight for a dancer but full of spunk and wit, complains about the water her body is retaining. In a hilarious yet touching turn, she prays aloud for God's help in keeping her from becoming "the world's fattest dancer" ("MABEL'S PRAYER").
The scene shifts. Serena enters to see Carmen and Nick kissing. Heartbroken once again, Serena tearfully remembers one of the first lessons she learned at P.A. and tries to channel her emotions into her acting ("THINK OF MERYL STREEP")."
Song List
ACT I
Pray, Pray, Pay - Students
Hard Work - Company
I Want to Make Magic - Nick
Can't Keep it Down - Joe and Students
Tyrone's Rap - Tyrone
There She Goes! / Fame - Carmen and Students
Let's Play a Love Scene - Serena
Bring on Tomorrow - Schlomo and Carmen
The Teachers' Argument - Miss Bell and Miss Sherman
Hard Work (Reprise) - Students
ACT II
I Want to Make Magic (Reprise) - Nick and Students
Mabel's Prayer - Mabel and the Girls
Think of Meryl Streep - Serena
Dancin' on the Sidewalk - Tyrone and Students
These are My Children - Miss Sherman
The Pas de Deux (dance) - Tyrone and Iris
In L.A. - Carmen
Let's Play a Love Scene (Reprise) - Nick and Serena
Bring on Tomorrow (Reprise) - Company.