UTICA, N.Y., 09/04/2026 – Players of Utica kicks off its 2026-2027 season with a real crowd-pleaser: the jubilant musical based on the mega-hit movie in a special production created for younger performers, Fame Jr. Directed by Mia Debernardis, the musical showcases the remarkable talent that can be found in the area’s high schools.
Fame Jr. bursts onto the stage with unstoppable energy, shining a spotlight on the dreams, drive, and dazzling talent of young performers. This vibrant junior adaptation of the popular musical delivers big emotion and electric choreography in a fast-paced, family-friendly package.
“‘Fame Jr.’ is much more than a bunch of kids singing and dancing,” says director Debernardis. “It’s about the joy and heartache that each of these kids experiences throughout their four years at the school: the blood, sweat, and tears to ‘make it big’. It’s an inspiring theatrical experience that proves the journey to greatness begins with believing in yourself.”
Audiences will cheer as students at the High School of Performing Arts discover who they are, what they stand for, and how far passion can take them. With dynamic numbers, heartfelt moments, and a cast full of rising stars, Fame Jr.is a celebration of creativity, courage, and the joy of performing.
Fame Jr. features choreography by Hailey O’Hern and a cast that includes David Almleaf, Lauren Schilling, Santino Scalzo, Ceci Piersma, Leah Ingersoll, Jayde Hammill, Lia Ward, Ashton Abukhdair, Ellianna Thibault, Michaela Levitt, Grace Fenton, Olivia Sniezek, Alivia Talerico, Cater Jones, Gemma Bradley, Arianna Fox, Olivia Abukhdair, Scarlett Thompson, and Addison Aabukhdair.
Performances for Fame Jr.:
Thursdays, September 10 & 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Fridays, September 11 & 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays, September 12 & 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Sundays, September 13 & 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online at playersofutica.org or by calling 315-724-7624. Be sure to order your tickets ASAP to secure your spot – we expect many performances to sell out! The Players Theatre is located at 1108 State Street, Utica.
About Players of Utica
Players of Utica is a non-profit community theatre that has been continuously producing shows since 1907. We have engaged over 1 million individuals with affordable, first-class community theatre. Players of Utica is an equal-opportunity organization. For more information and to support or participate, visit www.playersofutica.org … follow us on Instagram: @playersofuticany … BlueSky: @PlayersofUtica.bsky.social … or “like” us on Facebook.
