They really managed to capture the essence of the 80's -- materialism, racism, sexism, the gap between rich and poor, drug abuse, educational stereotypes, leg warmers, poofy hair, etc.  Besides the incredible performances -- some amazing voices! -- I came away with the impression that this piece is more about what happens when you aren't true to yourself and get caught up in the hype of what being famous really ISN'T.  Also lots of the themes within the the show are still very valid today (sans leg warmers? lol).  I grew up in the 80's so I have personal experience with the poofy hair.

Some people hunger for the bright lights and the big city -- others are more content creating art with an attitude of humility.  A few even manage to reach their artistic potential and maintain a sense of reality that allows them to be who they really are -- both in public and in private.  Recently I have been reflecting on the idea of being a craftsman.  Anybody can create art -- I believe that to the core of my being.  But who among us, myself included, will spend our lives redefining ourselves, taking risks with our creations to uplift the human spirit, will struggle to explore the brighter side of life, aim our hearts and minds at transforming/beautifying the very communities we call home and encourage the world to become a better place?  To hone our craft indeed.

Have you ever attended a performance and teared up a little?  Because there was a moment that reached up and grabbed you -- took you to another level of understanding -- and changed you?  In Fame for me it was at the end.  When the girl who had fallen into the fame game too early and lost herself, on many levels, then died of a presumed overdose or suicide.  But that is something they did not show you -- they let her disappear -- then in the last scene she came back to sing the theme song:

Baby, look at me, and tell me what you see.
You ain't seen the best of me yet.
Give me time I'll make you forget the rest.
I got more in me, and you can set it free.
I can catch the moon in my hand. Don't you know who I am?
Remember my name [FAME]

I'm gonna live forever. I'm gonna learn how to fly. [HIGH]
I feel it comin' together. People will see me and cry. [FAME]
I'm gonna make it to heaven. Light up the sky like a flame. [FAME]
I'm gonna live forever. Baby, Remember my name.

[REMEMBER, REMEMBER, REMEMBER, REMEMBER, REMEMBER, ]

Baby, hold me tight, 'cause you can make it right.
You can shoot me straight to the top.
Give me love and take all I got to give.
Baby, I'll be tough. Too much is not enough.
I can ride your heart till it breaks. Ooh, I got what it takes.
Remember my name[FAME]
I'm gonna live forever. I'm gonna learn how to fly. [HIGH]
I feel it comin' together. People will see me and cry. [FAME]
I'm gonna make it to heaven. Light up the sky like a flame. [FAME]
I'm gonna live forever. Baby, Remember my name.

[REMEMBER, REMEMBER, REMEMBER, REMEMBER, REMEMBER, REMEMBER]

FAME!...

She reached every goal mentioned in these lyrics.  Except one: if someone really believed that they live forever they would live this life a little differently.  And that's the part that pulled me in.  The moment that moved me the most.  I don't want to sound like an after school special... but true fame comes from a totally different space.  It comes from the place where art and awareness meet.  All the flash blubs, all the glitter, are like ash compared to learning how to know oneself.