Patrons of Dynamic Stage Productions’ staging of “Fame: The Musical” might be expecting to see a live theater version of the hit 1980 movie, which won 2 Oscars (best original score and best original song); the long-running, ’80-era television show; or the 2009 movie “update.” But none of these represent exactly what will be on the Riverside Arts Center’s stage April 22-25.

“I feel the live (stage) musical has a lot more emotional ties in the story (than the original film),” said director Kyle Farr. “The audience gets to know the characters better, and you really feel for them and what they live through each day.”

Like the original movie, though, “Fame: The Musical” focuses on a group of students — dancers, musicians, and actors — at New York’s High School of Performing Arts who are struggling to make their artistic dreams come true.

The various versions of “Fame” that have evolved from the 1980 film (the stage musical version appeared in 1988) would suggest that American society has an enduring interest in the passion and training of young artists.

“It's really 1 of the few professions where I think people do it for the pure passion of doing what they love to do each day,” said Farr.

For the show, Farr and set designer Justin Humphries have constructed a 12 foot, motorized turntable. “For this show we didn’t want noticeable scene changes, we wanted the story to keep moving,” said Farr. “Each scene ‘blends’ into the next. The turntable really helps us keep that movement by being able to spin on a new scene, and spin 1 off.”

With a cast of more than 20 — including both high school-age performers and adults playing faculty roles — DSP’s “Fame” is being choreographed by Craig Nichols, and its music director is Kylee Phillips.

And while Farr noted that the show features show-stopping songs and dancing, he’s trying to stay focused on the various students’ stories.

“We wanted a show that could bring dancers, actors, and singers together on the same stage, for the same reason — to share their passion for what they do,” said Farr.

“It’s nice to see people from all different areas of the arts come together to create such an amazing show.”

Jenn McKee is the entertainment digital journalist for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.