TV Competition Winner Won't Find Fame Off-Broadway

By Andrew Gans
12 Sep 2003

Harlemm Lee — the 36-year-old "singer who dances" from Hollywood, CA, who was named the ultimate triple-threat performer on the TV series "Fame" — will not appear in the upcoming Off-Broadway debut of Fame on 42nd Street.

A representative for the musical told Playbill On-Line last month that "the winner [of the TV competition] will be considered for a role in the production or to be in the ensemble." The show's spokesperson told PBOL Sept. 12, "Due to commitments with finishing his record and its planned release date in November or December, [Lee] is not available [for the Off-Broadway run of Fame on 42nd Street]." Casting has yet to be announced for the musical, although it is expected early next week.

Harlemm Lee won top honors July 23, 2003, belting out Annie's "Tomorrow" on NBC-TV's reality series "Fame." Lee's competition on the series finale included Shannon Bex, Serena Henry and Brandon O'Neal. This latest version of "Fame" premiered May 28. Choreographer-singer-actress Debbie Allen auditioned hundreds of wannabe "dancers who sing" and "singers who dance" all around the country. Only 24 finalists proceeded to Los Angeles, where they began a "boot camp" at Allen's own dance studio. Each week the various up-n-coming artists demonstrated their skills, and viewers determined who would proceed to the next round of competition.

Previews will begin Oct. 7 for the Off-Broadway musical Fame. An official opening is scheduled for Nov 11. Conceived and developed by David De Silva, Fame is set in the 1980's and concerns the lives of up-n coming performing artists attending New York's High School for the Performing Arts. The musical features a book by Jose Fernandez and a score by Jacques Levy (lyrics) and Steve Margoshes (music). The title song — originally performed by Irene Cara — was written by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore.

Drew Scott Harris will direct the New York production with choreography by Lars Bethke. The creative team also includes Norbert Kolb (sets), Ken Billington (lights), Paul Tazwell (costumes) and Christopher "Kit" Bond (sound). Fame is being produced Off-Broadway by Richard Martini, Allen Spivak and Dodger Stage Holding by arrangement with The Father Fame Foundation.

Tickets for Fame on 42nd Street are currently on sale by calling (212) 239-6200. The performance schedule at the Little Shubert (422 West 42nd Street) will be Tuesdays at 7 PM, Wednesday-Saturday evenings at 8 PM with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 PM and Sundays at 3 PM. For more information, visit www.fameon42.com.