Young Actors Shine in Burlingame's "Fame"

The theater filled with jittery excitement as the 26 young thespians took their places for their dress rehearsal just hours before opening night of the Burlingame Parks and Recreation’s summer production of Fame, Jr.

“The whole production’s really fun because you have all these parts, and they need to be put together just right,” said performer Katie Buntic, 11. “You have to work out all these little glitches; it has to come together, and I think it will.”

For the past three weeks, Katie and her fellow actors, dancers and singers have worked from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. each weekday, culminating in a two-day run of their rendition of Fame, based on the popular Broadway musical.

The show chronicles the lives of students and teachers at the highly competitive New York High School of the Performing Arts, highlighting the importance of dedication and determination.

Cathy Foxhoven directs the kids, ranging in ages 8 to 14, who sparkle and shine onstage. Foxhoven is Burlingame’s resident director for recreational theater and singing for both children and adults.

“I’ve done a lot of things with Cathy, and I just really like doing stuff with her,” said Fame, Jr. soloist Laurel Brown, age 8. “It’s a lot of fun.”

The cast includes performers from across the Bay Area, including recent Burlingame-transplants from Australia and a student from France.

While some kids admitted they were a bit nervous, the overall atmosphere at the dress rehearsal was one of excited anticipation.

Eleven-year-old Matthew Silverman, who plays student Tyrone Jackson, summed up how many of the kids were feeling:

“It’s really fun and a good experience.”

Fame, Jr. is showing at on Friday, July 27 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 28 at 1 p.m.

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