Fame is about the final graduating class from New York’s famed High School for the Performing Arts and their dedicated teachers. The action takes place in the mid-1980s, as a group of freshmen students win coveted entrance to “PA” and the “cream of the crop” endeavour to combine academic studies with the artistic demands of their various disciplines of drama, music and dance.

Full accolades should be given to all concerned with this mighty production. Every cast member gives their all on stage, while the choreography, set design, lighting and direction is top-draw and worthy of the professional stage.

There is an abundance of talent on stage, including some great dancing from the ensemble – and especially from Max Trengove, Madison Kuerschner and Thomas Phillips. There are also some very good vocals from Alisia Jedrzejczak as the lovesick adolescent Serena Katz, but it’s the multi-talented, all-round singer/dancer/actress Rachel Rai who shines through as the luminous star of Fame.

This young artist won a South Australian theatrical award last year for her portrayal of the tragic Eponine in Les Miserables and looks set to win another for this production. Rai’s huge rendition of the title song was breathtaking, while her realistic portrayal of the drug-addicted Carmen Diaz begging for money on the streets brought tears and the muffled sound of sniffles to many in the Shedley Auditorium. It’s a rare talent that can do that.

If you only see one more show this year, make it Fame … it’s well worth the trip to Elizabeth! – at the Shedley Theatre until November 7