Cybaria

Written By: Liam Walters

What can you do in 24 hours? Well, as BUSOM (Bradford University Society of Operettas & Musicals) showed us, quite a bit. Yes, from Friday 21^st to Saturday 22^nd, BUSOM held their 24 hour show, where in 24 hours they chose a show, gave out parts, rehearsed and preformed a chosen show (Which was the 1980’s spectacular ‘Fame’).

With only 24 hours to assign roles and rehearse the musical, the show was never going to be a perfectly produced and flawless stage show, but the BUSOM team still did a magnificent job from start to finish, with some truly exceptional performances by the cast.

Now, prior to the BUSOM 24 Hour Show, I had never actually watched an adaption of fame, be it the 80’s film, the 2009 film, or any of the stage adaptations. I did, know of the Irene Cara song ‘Fame’, and I do enjoy singing along when ever I hear it (and although I did not during the performance, when I dropped in to see how the BUSOM team were doing during their rehearsals, I did find myself singing along to the song then).

But if you are like I was, and have never seen an adaptation of ‘Fame’, then allow me to explain to you what it’s all about. Fame follows a group of students who are accepted into ‘New York City’s High School of Performing Arts’. The group of students, some focusing on music, some on dance, and some on drama. The students find themselves not only having to deal with the strict rules of the school, but also problems in family and social life, as well as all the normal trails and tribulations that happen through the teenage years.

As mentioned, there was strong performances throughout, such as Cátia Vanessa Boa Esperanca who played Carmon Diaz, a dancer obsessed with fame, who wishes to see her name up in lights at any cost. Bill Harding, who played Jose ‘Joe’ Vegas, takes the comic relief character and runs with it spectacularly, giving us a humorously crotch thrusting performance. But it is just not Joe who provides a laugh, as the whole ensemble will make you laugh at least once throughout the performance.

I once again have to mention that the cast did a fantastic job, being assigned roles that may not match too well with them. Some of these, such as the characters of Schlomo and Mr.Myres, were easily changeable from male characters to female characters, with the actors still doing a magnificent job in portraying them. One who was not so lucky, but still pulled off a great performance, was Joel Blakemore, having to portray a black character named Tyrone Jackson, the dance student whose life is complicated by his inability to read.

Although sometimes the music was played a little too loud, making it hard to hear some of the more soft-spoken singers. Through it all, everyone; cast and crew, did a magnificent job with the time frame, and if this is what they can do in just 24 hours, then I eagerly await what is to come from the BUSOM team in future performances.

For information on BUSOM, please visit their website: http://busom.org