UT Theatre & Dance to Stage FAME THE MUSICAL, 11/21-12/6

The University of Texas at Austin Department of Theatre and Dance presents the pop-culture phenomenon Fame The Musical, directed by Jerry Ruiz, November 21-December 6, 2014 at the B. Iden Payne Theatre. Based on the Academy Award-winning film and hit television series, Fame The Musical is the unforgettable journey of a group of dedicated students with stars in their eyes. Be captivated as the story unfolds for these talented hopefuls studying at New York City's legendary High School for Performing Arts. Through their triumphs and tragedies, the ultimate goal remains - Fame.

"This production features an elemental, rock and roll approach that captures the energy and danger of New York City's Times Square in the early 80s," shares director Jerry Ruiz. "It's a fast-paced show, exploring the truthfulness of the characters - young artists struggling to find themselves and to achieve dreams against all odds. There's a great spirit to these characters, a kind of defiance and determination, and I think that's why Fame has been such an enduring story over the past 30 years."

Ruiz has developed work at Second Stage Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, Soho Rep, The Public, The Atlantic and Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Prior New York credits include Enfrascada by Tanya Saracho (Clubbed Thumb), Basilica by Mando Alvarado (Rattlestick Playwrights Theater) and Philip Goes Forth (Mint Theater Company). He recently directed UT Austin's hit musical In the Heights, nominated for seven 2013-2014 B. Iden Payne Awards.

Fame The Musical features an all-star cast including: Connor Barr as Mr. Sheinkopf, Trey Curtis as Schlomo Metzenbaum, Stephen Dominguez as Tyrone Jackson, Dylan Gibson as Goodman 'Goody' King, Caroline Kinnamore as Serena Katz, Leslie Ann Leal as Carmen Diaz, Breanna Lind as Grace 'Lambchops' Lamb, Christopher Montalvo as Nick Piazza, Jessica O'Brien as Mabel Washington, Tori Robertson as Ms. Greta Bell, Cara Smith as Iris Kelly, Lilly Lane Stafford as Miss Esther Sherman, Max Torrez as Joe (José) Vegas, and Daniel West as Mr. Myers.

Ensemble members include: Toni Baker, Johnny Chatman II, Mandy Foster, Lily Amelie Hayes, Christian Henley, Rishi Iver, Nicholas Kao, Danielle LoPresti, Emily McIntyre, Devin Medley, Kevin Poole and Liza Wilk.

Direction by Jerry Ruiz Ÿ Technical Direction by Lawrence Bennett Ÿ Stage Management by Charlotte Campbell Ÿ Choreography by Natasha Davison Ÿ Lighting Design by Lauren Gallup Ÿ Sound Design by Billy Henry Ÿ Music Direction by Lyn Koenning Ÿ Scene Design by Michael Krauss Ÿ Integrated Media Design by Patrick Lord Ÿ Costume Design by Casey McCool

For more information on Fame The Musical, please visit www.JoinTheDrama.org.