Based on the hit 1980 film by Alan Parker, this show revolved around an ensemble cast of students who attend New York City’s High School for the Performing Arts. While struggling with the same problems of teenagers everywhere–including first love, sexuality, alienation, family troubles, and loneliness–the kids also have to try to develop the skills they need to succeed in the cutthroat world of show business. Lydia Grant (Debbie Allen, MONA MUST DIE) is a dance teacher whose emphasis on discipline is tempered by a deeply compassionate side. The students include the outspoken and ambitious Coco (Erica Gimpel), who in the first season competes against Lydia for a part in a show, and Doris (Valerie Landsburg), who features in the first episode as the shy new kid in school. Doris learns to come out of her shell, discovering her talents and her passion, and befriends the sensitive, gay Montgomery (P.R. Paul). Shy, quiet music student Bruno (Lee Curreri) falls in love with Kathleen, later to discover that she has multiple sclerosis, while comedian Danny (Carlo Imperato) has to deal with his father’s disapproval of his chosen profession.