Fame!

Bravo, Shannon!

On Friday night, we headed up to Nuriootpa to see my cousin, Shannon, debut as the LEAD in her High School production of Fame! The person on stage was certainly not the Shannon WE know!!! Shannon played Carmen Diaz (not to be confused with Cameron), described as 'a sexy, confident dancer who is determined to make it big'!!! Shannon, in real life, is a quiet but confident, caring, fun, beautiful young lady (16 today!). CARMEN strutted the stage, danced VERY suggestively (in fact it wasn't even 'suggestive', there was little to leave to the imagination), swore (something we've certainly not heard Shannon do) and was generally everything Shannon is not! Whilst Carmen's not the kind of lady I encourage any young lady to aspire to be, I was SO impressed with Shannon's versatility and ability to adapt to a character so far removed from who she really is.

What's more, Shannon was the only singer to remain on pitch the entire show. Don't get me wrong, the production was spectacular for a High School musical - costuming was great (albeit a little more 70's than 80's, when it was set - which was still cool as we got to see some fun, psychadelic patterns) and the set design was simple (and perhaps broke a few health and safety rules! haha, one VERY high scaffolding rig) but it was effective and gave the feel of a dilapidated old Performing Arts High School, however the singers did struggle a little. BUT not our Shannon!!!! I was so so proud of her for hitting some tricky notes, and not just that, but letting them swim around in her mouth and float out to the audience like beautiful, red wine bubbles! She remained in character the entire show and basked in the limelight without hogging it obnoxiously. She was just superb. I'm so proud of her, and excited about a fellow 'artist' in the family!



After the show! :) From Left to Right: Donna (Shannon's Mum's Mom, from the States), Debbie (my Aunty and godmother), Nanna Lambert and myself (no, we didn't coordinate outfits before the event!) We're trying to steal the show... ;)