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| Rather than a competition in which performers are eliminated, the locally produced reality show 'Fever' is an outlet for singers, dancers and comics to show their talent.
(Courtesy of Karma Butler) |
By Malcolm Venable
The Virginian-Pilot
NORFOLK
Reality shows tend to have a familiar, some might say overly familiar, format. A bunch of people, stuffed into one house/island/boat/whatever, use their talent and/or looks to win over judges and/or avoid being eliminated until the last man standing takes the prize.
This week, a new type of reality show is looking to make its mark - one produced in Hampton Roads. Called "Fever," the show actually has more in common with the variety shows of yesteryear. "Fever," follows a gaggle of performing artists - singers, dancers and comics - and simply gives them an outlet to shine. There's no competition, no crusty English judges, no elimination, just a forum for talent.
"The idea behind it is trying to get away from the normal reality show," said Karma Butler, the show's creator. "It's a celebration of entertainment and arts."
Butler is a native of the Bronx, N.Y., but attended the Governor's School of the Arts. After graduation, he worked as a dancer in Los Angeles, getting work with hip-hop dancer Wade Robinson, and appeared in the TV show "Sister, Sister" and the film "Clueless." As of late, he's taught hip-hop and jazz dance at the Governor's School.
Butler's show is more or less a pilot, which he intends to market for national distribution. He's hoping that his cousin, the actress and singer Tichina Arnold, can assist in greasing the wheels.
Performers turned out for the initial auditions for the show, which Butler advertised through schools and radio. "Fever" was filmed at the Todd Rosenlieb dance studio in Norfolk. Nick Taylor, part of the morning show on pop station Z104, will host the show, to be screened Friday at University Theater at Old Dominion University. Butler promises a show that bucks modern convention, highlighting local talent and stringing together performances with comedy sketches.
"It's like 'American Idol' meets 'In Living Color,' he said. "We're stuck in a rut now of reality TV that highlights one person. This one is celebrating passion that all of the entertainers have."
Malcolm Venable, (757) 446-2662, malcolm.venable@pilotonline.com
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