It’s 3:45 p.m. and the Casa del Prado Theatre looks like a scene straight out of the TV show “Glee.” Teens in jean shorts, tank tops, and plaid shirts are hurrying to their spots on the stage while Director/Choreographer Steve Anthony shouts instructions.
“Look at your numbers. Look at your numbers! Guys, I’m not going to do props today. It’s just too crazy.”
Donny Gersonde, assistant choreographer and Junior Theatre alumnus, tries to pay attention to a side conversation while the teens start a new song.
“It’s so hard for me to not watch them right now,” he says, sneaking a peek.
It’s less than two weeks until July 30, the opening night of San Diego Junior Theatre's “FAME: The Musical,” and it’s the first time the 33-member cast has practiced in the theatre where they’ll be performing in front of 650-person audiences of family, friends, and strangers. For the past five weeks, they have been practicing in a smaller studio space.
Donny’s eyes divert quickly to one cast member who is coming out of sync with the others on stage. “We have kids who have never danced before and we’re making them dancers in two months.”
Based on the 1980 musical film of the same name, “FAME” offers an energetic look at life in New York’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts on 46th Street, telling the story of a diverse group of students who are committed to becoming professional performers.
The cast members will start wearing their 80s-era costumes during a week of dress rehearsals prior to opening night. Meanwhile, the 38-member crew will work on finishing the set and completing a run-through of the lighting. There’s a lot to do, but Steve said that the teens always pull it together.
“I don’t treat them like they’re children. I treat them like they’re professional actors in the real world,” says Steve, a Broadway veteran who spent 15 years in New York theater. “They all rise to the challenge and they’re excited about doing it.”
The show opens at the Casa del Prado Theatre in Balboa Park on Friday, July 30, and runs through Sunday, August 15. Performances are at 7 p.m. on Fridays, and at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. There will be an ASL-interpreted performance on Saturday, August 14. Tickets are $8 - $14. For ticket purchase and information, call San Diego Junior Theatre’s box office at (619) 239-8355 or go to the box office website.