• Theatre

    Fame, the Musical

    Fame, the Musical

    Actors Theatre Center

    April 15-April 24, 2005

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    Set during the last years of New York City's celebrated High School for the Performing Arts on 46th Street (1980-1984), Fame—The Musical is bittersweet but ultimately inspiring story of a diverse group of students as they commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work. With candor, humor and insight, the show explores the issues that confront many young people today: issues of prejudice, identity, self-worth, literacy, sexuality, substance abuse and perseverance. With its topical subject manner, multi-ethnic cast of actors, singers, dancers, and instrumentalists this high-energy, contemporary pop score includes the hit title song, Fame is sure to please anyone who has dreams of “living forever!”

    • Ticket Info

      Tickets: $15-$18

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    • Dates & Times

      Dates:
      April 15-April 24, 2005

      Times:
      Wed-Sat: 7:30pm
      Sun: 2pm
      Sat, April 23: 2pm

    • Venue Info

      Historic Hoover Theater

      1635 Park Avenue San Jose, CA 95126

      Full map and directions

    • Parking Info

      The Primary Parking lot for the Historic Hoover Theater is located on the Southeast side of campus at Park Avenue and Sandringham Way. Alternate parking may be found at the lot located on the Southwest side of campus on Naglee Avenue. Parking is free of charge.

    • Accessibility Info
      • Wheelchair Access
    • NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

    • Member Reviews
      • Event Name: Greater Tuna
        4.5 out of 5 stars rating "Funny!"
        Review posted by: Valerie from Mountain View, CA, Sep 29, 2008

        I don't know Mr. Dini & Mr. Hicks changed costumes so quickly, nor how they maintained such very strict characters! This was such a hilarious show about a very small town in Texas. Even though they... Expand

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        I don't know Mr. Dini & Mr. Hicks changed costumes so quickly, nor how they maintained such very strict characters! This was such a hilarious show about a very small town in Texas. Even though they each have about 10 characters, it was very easy to tell who they were playing and when (and not just by costumes - these guys were consistent!) Fun show, worth a night out in San Jose! Collapse

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      • Event Name: Not a Genuine Black Man
        4 out of 5 stars rating "A Genuine Black Man Who Entertains!"
        Review posted by: Larry from Fremont, CA, Aug 04, 2008

        Our family happily attended this excellent one-man show over the weekend. Brian shared a wide variety of his experiences growing up in a middle-class Black American family from the 1960's to present.... Expand

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        Our family happily attended this excellent one-man show over the weekend. Brian shared a wide variety of his experiences growing up in a middle-class Black American family from the 1960's to present. He told stories that ranged from shocking to side-splitting using colorful imagery and engrossing characterizations from his life experience. This is a very personal show and Brian is a talented and intelligent storyteller. Our audience was emotionally moved by the sometimes tragic circumstances that Brian shared, but was offered many opportunities for comic relief during this fast paced show. The Hoover Theatre is an elegant and comfortable venue. I thank Actor's Theatre Center and Brian for bringing this important presentation to San Jose. It is easy to understand why Mr. Copeland has been so successful in his life...he is likeable, intelligent and courageous in sharing his story Collapse

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      • Event Name: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
        4.5 out of 5 stars rating "FANTASTIC!"
        Review posted by: Erika from San Jose, May 08, 2008

        I thought that it was amazing! Really high energy and lots of great musical numbers. I definitely recommend going to see it this weekend!

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        I thought that it was amazing! Really high energy and lots of great musical numbers. I definitely recommend going to see it this weekend!

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      • Event Name: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
        4 out of 5 stars rating "Entertaining and thought-provoking"
        Review posted by: Clara from San Carlos, CA, May 08, 2008

        This is a very entertaining production that takes full advantage of the humor value in its material, but I was pleased to find that it also addresses some of the more serious issues for sex workers... Expand

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        This is a very entertaining production that takes full advantage of the humor value in its material, but I was pleased to find that it also addresses some of the more serious issues for sex workers and the social structures that simultaneously demand and condemn them. Linda McKee brings marvelous presence to the role of Miss Mona, making a striking contrast between her matter-of-fact honesty and the hypocrisy of her highranking male clients. She also gives a very poignant performance of Miss Mona's more vulnerable side towards the end of the show. Lawrence-Michael Arias makes the role of the conflicted sheriff plausible and moving. Aaron Weisberg shows off an eye-catching song-and-dance in a short but pivotal appearance as the Texas governor who marks the height of the Chicken Ranch's influence as well as the height of the opposition to it. Collapse

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      • Event Name: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
        2 out of 5 stars rating "Interesting"
        Review posted by: Mysterious Stranger from Bay area, California, May 07, 2008

        Aaron Weisberg and Doug Baird were the highlights of the show. They were really funny and brought terrific energy. The female ensemble had good enthusiasm and kept the show moving when they were... Expand

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        Aaron Weisberg and Doug Baird were the highlights of the show. They were really funny and brought terrific energy. The female ensemble had good enthusiasm and kept the show moving when they were onstage. Kady Segretto, Krystin Skidmore, Molly Gazay, and Terri Weitze were standouts in the ensemble. The set design was also superb. Props to Steve Wathen once again. However the show was way too long. There were many long scenes, causing the show to drag, and there were not enough fun musical numbers. And some that existed were a bit uncomfortable. Several members of the cast could have been stronger in their performance. There was a bit too much unneccesary profanity for my taste. I was expecting, if not a fabulous plot, a fun, energetic musical....but many parts were VERY long and slow. It's not a musical i would recommend a company produces in the future. Collapse

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      • Event Name: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
        4.5 out of 5 stars rating "Excellent show in excellent venue.."
        Review posted by: Bill from Arlington, MA, Apr 28, 2008

        Saw this show while in town visiting a friend. Everything fit together well in an excellent production of a quirky show. Performances were excellent, singers were quite strong, and the set seemed... Expand

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        Saw this show while in town visiting a friend. Everything fit together well in an excellent production of a quirky show. Performances were excellent, singers were quite strong, and the set seemed impossibly large for the space. If there are any flaws here, they are in the underlying material rather than this production. The play is very direct about what's going on in the house -- unlike that other brothel-centric musical, "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum", reality isn't buried in euphemism -- but, once the awkward "Shy" explains why she can't go home -- not so much on what happens outside. (Are we to believe that only single gentlemen ever patronized the Chicken Ranch? Where's the irate wife looking for her husband?). Bottom line: Go see it. Collapse

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      • Event Name: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
        4.5 out of 5 stars rating "Fun Night in the old town tonight!"
        Review posted by: ella from Mountain View, Apr 27, 2008

        lots of fun, great acting and singing, not something you want to take the children too(obviously!).. BUT a very enjoyable night. Some songs will be familiar at the same time there is a reason this... Expand

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        lots of fun, great acting and singing, not something you want to take the children too(obviously!).. BUT a very enjoyable night. Some songs will be familiar at the same time there is a reason this musical is not done very often. Many good directorial choices... great venue for this show! Collapse

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      • Event Name: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Must See!"
        Review posted by: -michelle from san jose, CA USA, Apr 25, 2008

        Loved the show! Can't wait to see it again!

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        Loved the show! Can't wait to see it again!

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      • Event Name: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
        "Fun Show"
        Comment posted by: K Michael Riley from San Jose CA, Apr 25, 2008

        What a fun show ! It was nice to see a musical that was not boy meets girl. Just fun. Lots of energy from the cast and the band ( yes band ! ) If your looking for a fun night of entertainment put this... Expand

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        What a fun show ! It was nice to see a musical that was not boy meets girl. Just fun. Lots of energy from the cast and the band ( yes band ! ) If your looking for a fun night of entertainment put this show at the top of your list ! Collapse

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      • Event Name: Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror
        5 out of 5 stars rating "Better and Better!"
        Review posted by: Robert J. from San Jose, CA, Dec 17, 2007

        This show gets better and better every year! I loved it the first two times...but Ian Teter as Brad is nothing short of hilarious! Also, an ode to familiar characters like Little Orphan Annie spice up... Expand

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        This show gets better and better every year! I loved it the first two times...but Ian Teter as Brad is nothing short of hilarious! Also, an ode to familiar characters like Little Orphan Annie spice up the events of the evening (wait to you see here with her "daddy" the Narrator!). The show was familiar, but so many more new things to look at and new jokes too. The band REALLY kicked "patootie" this year... SEE IT AGAIN...if you dare! Collapse

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