"Fame" runs through Aug. 8 at Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove.

"Fame" has been issued as a stage musical, a movie and a TV series. The movie came first, which is rare, followed by the TV series and then the stage show. Each has a slightly different take, but the main idea remains the same: We are following a group of high school students interested in training to be performers. They study dance, acting and music. They have to audition to be admitted to this rigorous four years of study, and since they are young adolescents they also go through the competition, jealousies, insecurities and relationship problems so prevalent in this age group.

The orchestra for this Sunset Playhouse production sits on a platform upstage and frames the set nicely. The stage is quite bare, but the back wall changes to accommodate a cubby for a small combo, a classroom or a series of lockers. Two staircases flank the band platform and provide for various compilations of characters’ comings and goings. Very useful stage design, thanks to the talents of J. Michael Desper.

Several personalities are quite well-developed, others minimally and others just fill up the stage for ensemble numbers. Carmen Diaz, memorably created by Ana Justine Creed, is the most defined character and the most consistent. Creed captured her passionate, almost frantic, drive beautifully and stood out in her rendition of "There She Goes/Fame."

Cameron Meilicke as Nick had the most beautiful voice among the male singers. His rendition of "I Want to Make Magic" was heartfelt. His counterpart, Samantha Moyer as Serena, though not as vocally mellow as he is, gave an honest portrayal as his lovestruck friend.

Mabel Washington as Ashley Levells almost brought us to our feet midshow with her rousing "Prayer." Joseph Snyder as Jose Vegas also had a way of taking over whenever he was front and center. They both provided comic relief.

I was a little disappointed with Marissa Clayton and Derrick Carroll Jr. in their lead roles as Tyrone and Iris. They were adequate, but I kept thinking that they both had much more to give and something was holding them back, especially in the case of Carroll. I noticed that both of them gave out more sparkle in group numbers than they did in solo scenes.

Sometimes the orchestra overwhelmed soloists, which was the case in the teacher’s argument piece. Megan Navarrette and Mary M. Rodgers as academic and dance instructors were drowned out in their duo. Navarrette’s solo was more easily understood.

Nicholas Dolan as the violinist and love interest of Carmen was sincere and believable in his role as Lee. His musicianship was evident both vocally and instrumentally.

Overall, though a bit uneven at times, the show engages us musically and emotionally. The big numbers, such as "Fame" and "Bring on Tomorrow" were especially well-choreographed and delivered. I’ve never encountered the stage version of this show, so was very happy to have been introduced to it. The audience seemed to be enjoying themselves.

"Fame" runs through Aug. 9 and deserves a full house. Directed by Mark Salentine and assisted by musical director Donna Kummer and choreographer Melissa Block-Meier, it follows the tradition of Sunset’s history of quality summer musicals. Call 782-4430 for times and tickets.