Grayslake Resident Behind Fame the Musical

Hours of rehearsal will come to life this weekend as Fame the Musical takes the stage at the Ruth Page Center of the Arts in Chicago. Behind the song and dance is Grayslake's Alana Stephens, who choreographed the show.

"I'm excited about this show," Stephens said. "Every show is different and every cast different than the last. This one is pretty big so it makes things more fun."

The show is a revival of Fame the Musical and the former TV series. A group of students who are accepted to performing arts school make an attempt at becoming stars. It is a bittersweet but inspiring story with candor, humor and insight. Stephens said it is a love story and comedy with a bit of heartbreak.

"This is a great show for really every audience," she said.

Stephens is choreographing her second show for Real Clear Productions, a not-for-profit community theatre group. She is originally from Wheeling and moved to Grayslake two years ago.

Each of the 22 castmates and behind-the scenes workers are volunteers who have been rehearsing since March.

Stephens said it's dedication like that that keeps the Arts alive during a tough economy. "We've really seen the Arts dwindle, and we need to get that back," she said. "We'd love to have support from the suburbs, and people from our area come to see the performances."

Fame the Musical presents four performances this weekend and next in Chicago. It is directed by Joe Marabotti, with choreography by Alana Stephens. Nicole Lambert plays Carmen, Robert McDonough plays Nick, Amy Gray as Serena and Matthew Evans as Schlomo. 

Performances are sign language interepreted by request. They are scheduled for:

Saturday, July 14 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 15 at 3 p.m.
Saturday, July 21 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 22 at 3 p.m.

Visit www.realclearproductions.org for tickets or more information.