Set in New York City at the High School of Performing Arts, Fame ­ The Musical is an insightful and exciting story about the passions, hopes, dreams and dedication shared by a group of young people with exceptional artistic gifts. Fame ­ The Musical is theater for today’s teens, bursting with high-energy music.

“This production is very challenging for any performer who has to sing, act and dance,” says the show’s director Todd G. Ortone. The requirements of this musical are strenuous. Dance styles from ballet to hip hop have been included by choreographer Bruce Nelson.

Keeping the students focused on their art and academic studies are the teachers: Charlotte Strayhorne (Miss Sherman, English), Amy Powers (Miss Bell, Dance), Evin Kennedy (Mr. Myers, Acting) and Louis Palmieri (Mr. Sheinkopf, Music). Ms. Strayhorne recently appeared as the bluesy “Jewel” in Desert Foothills Theater’s The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas with Amy Powers who played Doatsy Mae. Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Palmieri produced big laughs as the comic mobsters in DFT’s season opener Breaking Legs.

The on-stage Fame Band is lead by music director Kevin Glenn on keyboard with Marshall Chess (drums), Bill Bellamak (guitar), Mike Hall (bass guitar), Jeff Groseth (synthesizer) and Brian Wiggs (trumpet).

Fame ­ The Musical will be performed April 21 through May 1 at Pinnacle Theater (Desert Ridge area) located north of the Loop 101 at Tatum, then west 1 mile on Deer Valley Road to Pinnacle High School and Pinnacle Theater. Curtain is 7:30 pm on Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays; Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. Ticket prices range from $12 for students to $22 for adults.