William Paca MS Sings and Dances Back to the 1980s in 'Fame! Jr.'

William Paca Middle School students will be “on top of the charts” when they present three exciting performances of Fame! Jr. on November 15-16. The show is based on the hit motion picture, Fame, and long-running television series by the same name that is beloved by many who grew up in the 1980s.

Fame! Jr. is set during the last years of the “Fame School,” New York City's celebrated High School for the Performing Arts on 46th Street (1980-1984). The musical follows the bittersweet but inspiring story of a diverse group of students as they commit to four years of grueling artistic and academic work in order to achieve their dream of “hitting the heights” and putting their “name in lights.” With insight and humor, the show explores the issues that confront many young people today, including prejudice, identity, self-worth, literacy and perseverance. In Fame! Jr., the characters discover it takes much more than talent to achieve their goals; they must find their true artistic voice, build up their confidence, learn how to collaborate well and work hard. The William Paca Middle School students are exhibiting these same life skills and discipline through their process of staging this show.

The annual theater productions at William Paca Middle School, William Floyd Middle School and William Floyd High School along with the annual summer theater camps are the result of an ongoing dynamic partnership between OCEAN Arts, the Community Library Friends of the Arts and the William Floyd School District. “Every year we raise the bar on the quality of shows we produce and the number of kids we engage in the many aspects of a theater production,” said OCEAN Arts Artistic Director Kyle Imperatore. “We are thrilled to be entering our ninth season and hope to continue to grow.”

The students have been excited to welcome Michael Drozd in a new role as director. “This is Michael’s first time directing for us,” said Imperatore. “He has been the music director for our middle school productions for a few years now, so the students know him and love working with him, and we’re thrilled to have him on board in this capacity.” OCEAN Arts is also privileged to add William Paca faculty member Victoria Serabian to the staff as assistant director. She is the force behind the theater club and contributes greatly to creating an atmosphere of learning and creativity for the performers.

Remember…Remember…Remember…Fame! Jr. will be presented by William Paca Middle School, 338 Blanco Drive, Mastic Beach, on Friday, November 15at 7 pm, followed by two shows on Saturday, November 16at 1 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance and $11 at the door. Children 2 and under are free on an adult lap. All tickets are general admission, no reserved seating. Purchase advance tickets at the MMSCL Community Library. Visit www.oceanarts.org for more information.