Allen, Mullally, Grammer, Dutton & Neuwirth Join FAME Film Remake

By: Robert Diamond Nov. 30, 2008

Variety is reporting that Debbie Allen, Charles S. Dutton, Kelsey Grammer, Megan Mullally and Bebe Neuwirth have signed on for the roles of instructors and supervisors in the upcoming film remake of FAME. Filming is set to start on Tuesday, with a release date of September 25, 2009.

Megan Mullally will play a voice instructor, Kelsey Grammer an orchestra Maestro, Charles S. Dutton an acting teacher, Bebe Neuwirth a dance instructor and Debbie Allen will play the school's principal.

The rest of the cast is said to feature Kay Panabaker (Jenny), Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (Joy), Naturi Naughton (Denise), Johanna E. Braddy (Katie), Tiffany Espensen (Joy Moy's Sister), Collins Pennie (Malik), Michael Hyatt (Malik's Mom), Cody Longo (Andy Matthews), Walter Perez (Victor Taveras), Asher Book (Marco), Kherington Payne (Alice), Ashley Galvan (Dancer), Paul Iacono (Neil), Wyatt Gray (Student), Malerie Grady (Dancer), Earl Carroll (Camera Shop Clerk), Ryan Surratt (Eddie), Paul McGill (Kevin), Kristy Flores (Rosie), Dominique Kelley (Dancer), Eli Myers (Musician), Colleen Craig (Dancer) and Gavin Turek (Sophie).

The film, adapted for the screen by Allison Burnett will be directed by Kevin Tancharoen.

"Fame" was produced as a film in 1980. It centers around the story of a group of talented teens aspiring to get into a competivie public arts high school. It was later made into a reality show, television series and musical. The musical, which is what the new film is based off of, differs greatly from the original film and contains almost an entirely new score.

Photo: Debbie Allen by Walter McBride