Fame at Hemmens Cultural Center

UAC Theater celebrates their 30th anniversary with Fame!

Up and Coming Theatre (UAC) and Elgin Summer Theatre (EST) invite you to join them at New York City’s High School of Performing Arts. 

Performances will take place at 7:30 pm on July 14, 15, 21, 22 and 3:00 pm on Sunday, July 16 and 23rd at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL 60120. Tickets are available for $24 each in advance at www.hemmens.org or $30 at the door. 

Fame tells a bittersweet, yet ultimately inspiring story of a group of vibrant, multicultural, energetic artists who gather to audition and study at the sought after New York City’s High School of Performing Arts. The journey this diverse group of students take as they commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work unfolds through music, candor, humor, and insight as the show explores issues that confront many young people today. 

With the Academy Award-winning title song, and a host of other fantastic hits, this high-octane musical will keep you immersed, entertained, and wanting to get up and dance!

Mary Grace Martens, a graduate of Columbia College Chicago and winner of the 2022 Lou Award for Best Choreography for point2productions Dogfight, is making her UAC Director / Choreographer debut with this year’s production of Fame. “It has been really refreshing and exciting to work with a new company. I’ve really enjoyed breaking into an established company and working with this group of people.”

When discussing the direction of the show Mary Grace states, “As a long time dancer/choreographer, I am looking forward to getting back to a show that is dance prominent. I am really excited for audiences to see the new contemporary life that is being brought to Fame. Everyone has really stepped up to the challenge and is ready to show off their talents and hard work.” Lindsey Weiss, producer, continues “One of the main themes of the show deals with young people learning about themselves and growing more confident in their personal identities. We are excited to be producing a show that, while originally set in the 80’s, continues to have a clear message of friendship and self-empowerment that will resonate with audiences of all ages.”

The cast features both faculty and students at New York City’s High School of the Performing Arts. Acting Department: Tavian Covington (Nick), Tanya Fedek (Serena), Armani Gennell (Joe), Adrian Johnson (Mr. Myers), Nathalie Belman, Erica Patricca, Carmen True, Julia Willems, and Veronica Zenger. Dance Department: Kentyn Treadwell (Tyrone), Christina Melgar (Carmen), Sierra Pratola (Iris), Lillian Sullivan (Mabel), Ira Gerard (Ms. Bell), Madeline Conter, Megan Grisser, Katie Longo, Chase Nelson, and Anne Thommes. Music Department: Alejandro Diaz (Schlomo), Mari Alvarez (Lambchops), Felisa Lascano (Goody), Ira Cortes (Mr. Sheinkopf), Delaney Davis, Ella Lascano, Ashley McCormick, Claire Popilek and Katy Grocholski (Miss Sherman). 

For tickets or more information, visit hemmens.org. 

ABOUT UP AND COMING THEATRE

For more than 20 years, Up and Coming Theatre Company has aimed to present professional quality productions while providing aspiring artists with opportunities to grow in their work.  UAC has received the Illinois Theatre Association’s Award of Excellence, Community Theatre Division, in 2009, five BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards for their production of “American Idiot”, and four BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards for their production of “Heathers: the musical”. For more information, visit www.uactheatre.org.

ABOUT ELGIN SUMMER THEATRE

Elgin Summer Theatre is a showcase for regional talent and is funded through a grant from the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the City of Elgin. Past Elgin Summer Theatre performances include Hair, Grease, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie, Jesus Christ Superstar, RENT, BroadwayWorld Chicago Award Nominee Next to Normal, A Chorus Line, Sister Act, and In The Heights.