Fame--The Musical, an internationally acclaimed musical describing a group of youngsters striving for their own fame, is premiered Friday night at the Lyric Theater of Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

Based on the Academy Award-winning film and the long-running TV series, the musical has been played around the world for over 15 years including over 2,000 performances on London's West End.

The 27 performers will present 16 shows in Hong Kong until June 23 before heading for Singapore.

Its creator David De Silva said Friday, "I am thrilled that IMG and Jacobsen Entertainment have brought this current tour of Fame-- The Musical to Hong Kong and other parts of Asia. I am especially impressed by the high quality of their young cast and crew that have already inspired audiences in Kuala Lumpur with their combination of sensational singing and explosive dance routines."

The musical traces the exciting lives of a group of youngsters attending New York's legendary High School for the Performing Arts and brings alive their can-do spirit and burning passion for succeed.

(Xinhua News Agency June 8, 2002)