Theatre / Fame the Musical
Interview: Mica Paris
Based on the 1980 film, Fame The Musical is the international hit sensation following the lives of students at New York’s High School For The Performing Arts as they navigate their way through the highs and lows, the romances and the heartbreaks and the ultimate elation of life.
This 2019 touring production stars Keith Jack (Any Dream Will Do, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat), Jorgie Porter (Hollyoaks, Dancing on Ice) and 90s soul, gospel and R’n’B legend Mica Paris, who’s since forged a successful career on the musical stage in the likes of Love Me Tender, Chicago and Mama I Want to Sing.
We grabbed a quick chat with the soul sensation, who plays the school’s tough-yet-loving English teacher, Miss Sherman.
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How have you enjoyed the tour of Fame the Musical so far? How has it compared with your other career highlights… your breakthrough in music, your TV appearances?
The tour has been great. It requires a lot of discipline – eight shows a week, and no breaks, mean that I need to train in the gym daily to keep my voice and movements on point.
Which medium – singing, TV, theatre – do you feel most at home in?
Every career change I’ve had has been an adventure for me. I feel very fortunate that people allow me to do so many different things and still embrace me: it’s humbling. Singing will always be my number one.
How much, if at all, does Fame’s storyline resemble your own beginnings in the entertainment industry? Do you recognise any of the highs and lows, the challenges, the uncertainty, the struggles, the excitement, the determination?
The Fame story is very close to my own experiences in the music industry. I have lost many dear friends on this journey. It’s not been easy. Most died way before their time.
Tell us about your character, Miss Sherman. She’s quite a tough disciplinarian: is she fun to play?
Miss Sherman is very tough with her students – but it comes from a very maternal place. She is the reality that these kids need. They need an education, not just some honing of their talents, and that is where Miss Sherman comes in.
I love playing her: she is dear to my heart, as I feel like these kids are my responsibility. They are a fantastic bunch and I’m always there for them – on and off stage.
Fame the Musical is at the Hippodrome from June 10-15. For more info and to buy tickets, visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/fame-the-musical/bristol-hippodrome
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