FRODSHAM THEATRE COMPANY SET TO STAGE ICONIC 80s MUSICAL AT HARTFORD THEATRE

Final rehearsals are underway as a Frodsham-based theatre company prepares to bring an iconic 80s musical to the stage at a popular Cheshire theatre.

The Zodiac musical theatre company are set to stage the high energy 80s musical "Fame" at The Grange Theatre in Hartford near Northwich from Wednesday 26^th March - Saturday 29^th March at 7.30pm. There will also be a matinee performance at 2pm on Saturday 29^th March. 

The show will be directed and choreographed for The Zodiac by Jessica Martin with musical direction by Craig Price. "Fame" follows on from The Zodiac's critically acclaimed productions of  "Elf" and "Beautiful - The Carol King Musical" which were also staged at The Grange Theatre. 

Based on the 1980s musical film of the same name, "Fame" premiered in 1988 in Miami, Florida with subsequent productions including an Off-Broadway staging at the Little Shubert Theatre from 2003 to 2004, under the title "Fame on 42nd Street". The critically acclaimed film was followed by the popular six-season television series and the musical adaptation. "Fame" the musical features an almost entirely new score except for the iconic Academy Award winning title song, "Fame". It tells the story of the hopes and dreams of several students who attend the New York City High School of Performing Arts, among them fame-obsessed Carmen, ambitious actress Serena, wisecracking comedian/bad boy Joe, quiet violinist Schlomo, "talented but dyslexic" dancer Jack, determined actor Nick, overweight dancer Mabel, and a serious dancer, Iris, who comes from a poor family. Will the students reach for the stars and achieve their ultimate aim - Fame?

Speaking about bringing the musical to the stage, the show's director Jessica Martin said:

"It's been great to go back to the 80s with Zodiac, we’ve enjoyed getting our leg warmers out again after recent productions of "Flashdance" and "The Wedding Singer". "Fame" is a really fun show to be part of and choreograph, with lots of high energy, fun dance routines. It has a wide range of characters, each with their own story. The show covers all 3 years of their time at the New York City High School of Performing Arts, so it’s a fast-paced and engaging show to watch. "Fame" was the first musical I ever choreographed, back in 2003 when I was at university. It’s been very rewarding to come full circle and get to direct the show this time and choreograph. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with such a talented cast, we’ve had a great time in rehearsals and I can’t wait to see the results up on stage."

Following on from "Fame", the Zodiac will stage Mel Brooks' "The Producers" at The Hammond School in Chester in October this year and "Sister Act the Musical" at The Brindley Theatre in Runcorn in 2026.

Full details of "Fame" can be found at: 

www.thezodiac.org 

...where tickets can be booked online.