Review: Young Performers Shine in Grand Finale of “FAME”

Shimla, May 19 Ritanjali Hastir

As part of the 160th anniversary celebrations, students of Auckland House School and BCS came together to present the musical “FAME” through a series of impressive performances staged at Auckland House Auditorium on May 16, Bishop Cotton School on May 17 and a grand finale at the historic Gaiety Theatre on May 19.

Inspired by the iconic film of the same name, the production explored dreams, ambition, creativity and the emotional journey of young performers striving to make their mark in the world of performing arts. Packed with energetic choreography, impactful music and emotionally engaging performances, the musical reflected the passion and dedication of the young cast.

The final presentation at Gaiety Theatre emerged as the strongest and most refined performance of the production series. With sharper transitions, tighter execution and thoughtful edits in script and dialogue delivery, the concluding show carried greater dramatic grip and stage impact. The pacing appeared more polished, allowing scenes and performances to flow seamlessly while maintaining audience engagement throughout.

One of the most commendable aspects of the production was the adaptability shown by the young performers. Despite shifting between different stage setups and adjusting to changes in staging dynamics and dialogue presentation, the students displayed remarkable confidence, discipline and theatrical maturity. Their ability to adapt according to the demands of each venue added depth to the overall production.

However, a special appreciation must be reserved for Saarsanth, who portrayed Leroy Johnson with remarkable ease and authenticity. His energetic stage presence and natural expression brought depth and charm to the character, making his performance truly memorable. Equally impressive was Ruhan Kakkar as Ralph, whose impeccable comic timing and effortless delivery added humour and liveliness to the production. His stand-up comedy sequence was executed brilliantly and drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. Both young performers stood out for their confidence, command over their roles and mature understanding of character portrayal.

The Chief Guest for the May 16 presentation was renowned theatre personality, actress, playwright and director Sohaila Kapur, whose presence added immense prestige to the celebration. She appreciated the artistic quality of the production and applauded the students and organisers for presenting a performance of such high standards.

Special Guest Anuradha Dar praised the collaborative efforts of both institutions and appreciated the focus on creativity, confidence and holistic student development. Ashish Kohli attended the event as Guest of Honour and congratulated the school management, teachers and performers for successfully presenting a production of this scale.

The musical ultimately stood out not only as an entertainment showcase but as a reflection of teamwork, artistic discipline and the enduring cultural legacy of Auckland House School. The young artists, technical team and organisers deserve immense appreciation for delivering a production that remained visually engaging, emotionally resonant and technically accomplished till the very end.