INews. Co.UK report on Fame U.K. Reunion

The Kids from Fame set for Liverpool reunion after 35 years

Bruno, Doris Schwartz and Danny among the original characters who will learn learn how to fly, high, again

The Kids from Fame will reunite in Liverpool after 35 years

Adam Sherwin May 3rd 2019

 

 

Their dance routines will be less strenuous now they’ve hit middle age.
But the Kids from Fame are back after 35 years, for a reunion in Liverpool, set to delight thousands of television nostalgists.

A spin-off from the hit 1980 movie, the Fame TV series, following a group of talented teens studying at the fictional New York City High School for the Performing Arts, was a huge UK hit, running from 1982 to 87.

Shows for hospice

The title song, with it’s immortal “I’m gonna live forever” lyric, topped the charts and the show’s army of legwarmer-clad fans ensured that the Kids from Fame outsold Michael Jackson and Duran Duran in 1982.

The original cast members, who last performed in the UK at the Royal Albert Hall 35 years ago, have been persuaded to stage two reunion concerts at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena this weekend.

The sold-out shows were arranged by Claire House, a children’s hospice in Liverpool, which will receive the net profits.

It’s not enough for Fame obsessives to merely sing along with stars such as Lee Curreri (shy musical genius Bruno), Valerie Landsburg (goofy Doris Schwartz) and Carlo Imperato (funny guy Danny).

£375 to watch cast members eat

For £375, true Famers can buy the Dare to Dream Platinum Package, allowing them to watch rehearsals and enjoy a pre-show dinner with their 80s idols.
They musn’t get too close though – “as the cast will be eating, it may not be possible to take photographs or obtain autographs”, the small print states.

A free event on Saturday invites fans to take over the streets of Liverpool and recreate the show’s exuberant dance routines, for a video which will be shown to the reunion cast.

UK embraced show

There is a melancholy side to the return of the Kids who once promised to “light up the sky like a flame”.

Gene Anthony Ray, who played dancer Leroy, died in 2003. Their last European tour was marred by walkouts and reports of substance abuse.
However Landsburg said: “There is something very special about coming back to the UK for these concerts. I was bowled over by the effect the show had in the UK.”
“Coming back again to perform feels like a perfect circle back to these roots with the fans!”
The reunion rehearsals might be tough. But as stern dance teacher Lydia Grant famously said: “You want fame. Well, fame costs. And right here is where you start paying: in sweat.”