Fame the Musical (1999 Original American Cast Recording) [CAST RECORDING]

Robert Creighton, Dioni Michelle Collins, Amy Ehrlich, Jacques Levy, Dwayne Chattman, Gavin Creel, Steve Margoshes

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 23, 1999)
• Original Release Date: March 23, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Drg
• ASIN: B00000I0D9
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,996 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

First things first: You won't find "Out Here on My Own" or "Hot Lunch Jam" in Fame: The Musical. Unlike the Broadway version of its early-'80s counterpart, Footloose, this not-yet-ready-for-Broadway production doesn't migrate the movie (or its music) to the stage but merely uses the same subject matter as did the film and subsequent TV series--the dance, drama, and music students at New York City's High School of Performing Arts. In fact, the story is set in 1980-1984, right after the film's release, and one of the teachers laments, "We're the Fame school now. Ever since that movie came out." To help establish that distinction, Fame: The Musical has an almost entirely new set of songs by Steve Margoshes and Jacques Levy, though rest assured that you will at least get the title tune--twice, with a Latin groove. Reflecting the various backgrounds of its ensemble cast, the score offers samples of rap ("Tyrone's Rap"), soft-rock balladry ("Let's Play a Love Scene"), and gospel ("Mabel's Prayer")--all pleasant and serviceable, but unlikely to grab you the way Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford's movie soundtrack did (The story also only hints at the seedy underside of inner-city New York explored in the film.) As graduation nears, one character talks excitedly of the feeling of electricity coursing through her, but no, she doesn't break into "I Sing the Body Electric." That would be a little too much to hope for. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Pretty decent CD! Some good singers, and some not so good, July 7, 2000

By	Robert Lopez (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This Cd is pretty good, but I do need to compare it to the Original London Cast Recording (which is hard to find.) The new Cd certainly has its high points but it also has many weak spots, namely the vocals of the character Carmen (Natasha Rennalls)and Tyrone (Dwayne Chattman). Just for the record, I saw Natasha Rennalls (now Natasha Neary) play the part of Carmen in Los Angeles. She was PHENOMENAL. But this recording does not do her justice. The vocal director has her sing it too bubble gum pop. When I saw her live she didn't sing like that. Also, her dancing was AMAZING, and her stage presence was very commanding. But I do have to complain about the song "In LA" when she takes the key higher to sing, "oh, they know how to do it in L awww." Not LA. L AWWW. What were they thinking? I was so disapointed. If you wanna hear the definitive version of "In LA" get the London Cast sung by unknown DIVA Loraine Velez who belts the song like there's NO tomorrow!

On the plus side there are a lot of great singers on this CD. Miss Sherman (Regina Le Vert) and Miss Bell (Kim Cea) belt their way through "The Teacher's Argument" like it's some kind of singing contest. It's amazing and sung better here than the London Cast. Also Le Vert belting her soulful rendition of "These Are My Children" is wonderful too.

Serena and Nick are great too played by Jennifer Gambatese (Tarzan & All Shook Up) and Gavin Creel (Millie, Mary Poppins). "I Wanna Make Magic" definitely sounds better sung by Creel. His voice is strong and smooth. Gambatese does well with the bulk of the songs "Let's Play A Love Scene" & (reprise), "Think Of Meryl Streep". Although I am partial to the London Cast sung by Gemma Wardle.

One of the roles in this show that always gets the audiences attention is the lovable Mabel, the girl who can't stop eating! Dioni Michelle Collins (Little Shop of Horrors) does well with her one hilarious song "Mabel's Prayer". But if you wanna hear it belted out of this universe, definitely get the London Cast. It's sung by now Sonia Swaby (Gigi MISS SAIGON COMPLETE RECORDING, Nancy "As Long As He Needs ME" from OLIVER in HEY MR PRODUCER! VIDEO) She really knocks it out of the park.

As a whole the Cast works well together to produce a fun filled album but it's too bubble gum, and not dark enough for my liking. Lots and lotsa of energy but maybe too much. Once again, since the London Cast was the first to perform the show, that's the way it was originally intended to be. It's sounds darker.

But on the other hand, a notable plus is that this album features the song when Carmen and Schlomo are rehearsing "Bring On Tomorrow" which is NOT on the London Cast.

I'd give this CD 3 1/2 stars if I could. So there are good and bad, now it's time for you to decide. Now, there is also FAME on 42nd Street. I say get them all to compare, and to enjoy!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not too bad......, December 28, 1999

By	Kelly Nelson (Rockford, Michigan) - See all my reviews

I was very excited to receive this C.D.! But, after I listened to it, I wondered if I had just wasted 15 bucks! I must say that this recording is a little weak, but it DOES grow on you! I was upset that the song "Fame" wasn't featured more. It is on the C.D. twice, for like a very short time. Some of the lyrics are cheesy and the man who sings "Can't Keep it Down" has a nasely voice. "Tyrone's Rap" has to be the WORST song I have ever heard on Boardway. What were they thinking? But, all in all, I am now happy w/ my purchase. Although, I think it could have been better, I would recommend this C.D to you if you have extra money and want a high energy musical. But the way, does anyone know where I can find the London cast of this? Thanks

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Im loving it!, December 14, 1999

By	Cant keep it down (washington) - See all my reviews

I saw the play and listened to the music a lot. i find that the music puts me in a good mood and i just love broadway music especially fame and les miserables. if you enjoy broadway music you'll love this. I know i do. the cast brings a fresh new way to sing these songs. All of the singers are fun and i love the way "carmen" sings fame. It was an amazing play. Humerous songs( just like reproduction from Grease II. I enjoyed the play/music and highly reccomend this CD for all who enjoy Broadway music. or any other type of music.