Music by Steve Margoshes · Lyrics by Jacques Levy · Book by José Fernandez

Broadway & Production History

Off-Broadway Premiere: 1988, Miami (originally titled Fame on 42nd Street)

West End, London: 1995, where it became a long-running hit with multiple UK tours

Broadway Revival: 2003 (Fame on 42nd Street) ran at the Little Shubert Theatre

The show has been performed worldwide, inspiring countless school and community productions.

Synopsis

Fame – The Musical follows a diverse group of students at New York City’s High School of Performing Arts in the 1980s. Through four years of training, rehearsals, and real-life struggles, they discover the price of ambition, the challenges of discipline, and the importance of friendship, love, and perseverance. The story blends drama, humor, and high-energy music, celebrating the drive to achieve greatness.

Major Characters

Carmen Diaz – A fiery, ambitious dancer dreaming of stardom.

Nick Piazza – A serious actor striving for authenticity.

Serena Katz – A shy but talented actress who blossoms during her training.

Schlomo Metzenbaum – A sensitive musician and composer.

Tyrone Jackson – A gifted dancer battling dyslexia and self-doubt.

Iris Kelly – A wealthy, classically trained ballerina with hidden struggles.

Joe (José) Vegas – A comedic, flirtatious student who dreams of TV fame.

Miss Sherman – The tough but caring English teacher.

Miss Bell – Dance teacher, encouraging yet demanding.

Mr. Myers – Drama teacher, inspiring students to find their truth.

Memorable Moments & Songs

“Hard Work” – The electrifying opening number introducing the students and their determination.

“I Want to Make Magic” – Nick’s heartfelt actor’s anthem.

“There She Goes / Fame” – Carmen’s powerhouse number, evolving into the iconic theme song Fame.

“Let’s Play a Love Scene” – Serena’s tender moment of vulnerability.

“Bring On Tomorrow” – A stirring ensemble finale reflecting dreams for the future.

Signature Moments: The energetic dance sequences, Carmen’s tragic departure and the finale where the students reclaim their passion and unity.

Fame – The Musical celebrates the highs and lows of pursuing a life in the arts — reminding us that talent must be matched with discipline, and that true success is measured not just in fame, but in dedication and heart.

North Carolina Central University Theatre

North Carolina Central University, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), takes prides in NCCU University Theatre being listed among the top ten best HBCU Theatre Schools in the United States by Hbcu-Colleges.com. The department is designed to satisfy the needs of a broad range of enthusiastic students and to give them the widest possible exposure to accomplishments in theatre and experiences that will develop them as capable theatre practitioners. Offering a bachelor’s degree in Theatre, our life and career applicable concentrations prepare majors to become performers, choreographers, teachers, directors, designers and technicians, production managers, media specialists, and dramaturgs in a culturally diverse world.​

NCCU Theatre is nationally award-winning and recognized by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and the International Black Theatre Theatre.