FAME Coming to The Altamont School

The Altamont School is putting on FAME Jr. for its annual fall musical on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. It's set in the 1980s in a New York City high school dedicated to the performing arts. The musical follows ten talented students and their friends as they navigate fame and try for more.

Freshman Kaavya Karthikeyan will play Carmen Diaz, the talented but troubled young actress. Freshman Johnny Stumpff is Nick Piazza, the actor made famous from peanut butter commercials. Senior Ajani Salvary plays Tyrone Jackson, the nontraditional dancer. Senior Cricket Davis is Serena Katz, the lovesick actress. Senior Jeffrey Youngson plays Schlomo Metzenbaum, the pianist living in his father’s shadow. Sophomore Lilith Dyson is Mabel Washington, the dancer struggling with body-image. Sophomore Olivia Vanlandingham plays Iris Kelly, the ballerina with a secret. Sophomore Lucine Carsen is Grace “Lambchops” Lamb, the rebellious drummer. Junior Karleigh Watts plays Jo Vegas, the beloved jokester. And Freshman Jimmy Sears is Goodman “Goody” King. 

Friday's 7 p.m. performance is for family members or guests of the cast and crew only. Overflow seating with a livestream will be available once seating capacity is reached. Everyone is invited to the 2 p.m. Saturday matinee. Tickets are required for this performance, so please use this link to reserve Saturday tickets. There is no set cost for admission, but a small donation starting at five dollars is encouraged. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Masks are required while on campus.

FAME Jr. is directed and choreographed by Altamont’s new drama teacher, Reid Watson. Watson joined The Altamont School from the University of Alabama, where he was the resident director for the Department of Theater and Dance. Watson has a B.F.A in Musical Theater from Syracuse University and a M.F.A in Theater Directing. He has directed and choreographed numerous shows such as Legally Blonde, Shrek the Musical, and Into the Woods and has performed in shows such as Ragtime, Parade, and Hairspray. Watson has also studied under Tony Award winner Joan Lader when he lived in New York City. You can check out Watson’s profile on Alys Stephens Center's Website. Watson will be assisted by his Stage Manager, Freshman Andrew Herrin. 

Students involved in FAME Jr. are bursting with excitement. Sophomore Kirstan Davie, who plays Ms. Bell, said, “I’m honestly feeling a mix of emotions! All of my cast-mates are so talented, it's unreal. It's so amazing to see the show gradually come together the more we rehearse.”

Senior Cricket Davis added, “I have no doubt this show is one for the books!”

Sophomore Olivia Vanlandingham writes "My favorite part is when [Carmen] and [Schlomo] sing at the piano."

Come for the funky costumes, stay for the songs that you know and love. FAME!