A Family Thing

Brothers & Sisters executive producer/star Ken Olin gets to the heart of the matter with David Heuring for our September Web “Exposure” Read more

Exposure: Debbie Allen

Fans of the old television series Fame will never forget hearing: “You want fame? Well, fame costs. And right here is where you start paying in sweat,” from a tough-as-nails teacher whose compassion and sense of purpose was matched only by her drive. It’s been well over 20 years since Lydia Grant, aka Debbie Allen, said those words; and two decades later, Lydia’s passion and drive haven’t dissipated at all. In fact, as cinematographer Mark Doering-Powell (Everybody Loves Chris) says, producer, director, choreographer, teacher Debbie Allen is a lot like her character. “Especially when she’s working with young people. When she’s directing, she’s fast, fun, and moves the camera. She has unbelievable energy and an infectious laugh.”
Allen, who broke onto the scene with Fame, is living the dream those students fantasized. She’s received three Emmy Awards honoring her choreography, and two Emmys and one Golden Globe for her role as Lydia Grant. She’s appeared in, choreographed, directed or produced hundreds of television and stage projects, from award winning sitcoms and television movies, like the second highest rated original movie in Lifetime Cannel history, Life is Not a Fairytale: The Fantasia Barrino Story, to staged musicals at the famed Kennedy Center.

When her daughter returned from studying at the Kirov Ballet, Allen realized there was nowhere for Vivian to continue her dance education. “Are you waiting for permission?” Amistad production designer Rick Carter asked. “Jump off the ledge and open your own school.” Today, Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy (DADA) provides a venue for young dancers to study with instructors from the Kirov, Bolshoi and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. What about Lydia Grant, you ask? Well, fans can see her on the big-screen this month in MGM’s feature updating of Fame, albeit with a new incarnation of Lydia Grant – the school’s tough but caring Principal Simms.
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ICG September 2009

FEATURES

FAME
DP Scott Kevan
By Pauline Rogers

EXTRACT
DP Tim Suhrstdt
By Ted Elrick

BROTHERS & SISTERS
DP Cynthia Pusheck
By David Heuring

ON A MISSION
By Robert Allen

EXPOSURE: Debbie Allen

DEEP FOCUS: Bill Bennett, ASC

REPLAY: VH1 Spot with Jim Matlosz

Star Light, Star Bright…

Scott Kevan and Kevin Tancharoen recreate the highs and lows of the fabled New York City High School of Performing Arts for Fame, a new generation. By Pauline Rogers

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