Alana’s Score: 3.5 pom poms
Talk about a night out. There’s dancing, singing, acting and death-defying cheerleading tosses. Bring It On: The Musical is a high-octane show that’ll leave you exhausted just watching.
Inspired by the naughties cult classic movie starring Kirsten Dunst (go Toros!), this musical has been brought to life by Hollywood elite: an original story by Tony Award winner, Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music and lyrics by Tony Award-winning composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights, Hamilton), music by Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning composer, Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), lyrics by Broadway lyricist, Amanda Green (High Fidelity). It was also nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical.
The Australian production has Green Room Award nominee Alister Smith at the helm, and features a stunning multi threat cast who can not only dance, sing and act but cheer as well.
As Campbell, cheerleading star from the posh and preppy Truman High, Kirby Burgess turns out a stellar performance. She has immense star quality, and is reminiscent of Anna Kendrick with her comedy skills, storytelling ability and powerhouse vocals.
Playing Danielle, Campbell’s rival from the school in the dodgy end of town, is newcomer Jasmine Smith. This is Smith’s first professional leading role, and while she brings a whole load of sass to Danielle, it’s evident she needs to keep working on her stamina. Smith’s dancing is fab, but her vocals suffered after big physical numbers.
Stand-out performance of the night has to be Baylie Carson as nerdy, loveable, loyal Bridget. She’s an adorable misfit who suddenly finds popularity, and Carson takes us on her journey with irresistible charm, delightful comedy and some killer vocals.
The entire ensemble display unbelievable skill in executing Michael Ralph’s choreography at lightning speed. Ralph was supported by cheerleading coach Natalie Commons, and the dancers are joined on stage by four world class cheerleading champions: Ossie Mclean who originally hails from Perth, Daniel Buyeske, Katherine Abela and Caitlyn Hammond. These are the guys performing death- (and gravity) defying throws, spins, tosses, flips and jumps.
Lighting design by Declan O’Neill is suitably stadium-esque and showy, and Nathan Weyers’ interchangeable set is clever albeit distracting when you see fingers creep around the side of a piece way before a song or scene is over.
On opening night there did seem to be some sound issues, resulting in muffled vocals at times and a lack of clarity on lyrics. Hopefully this will be smoothed out soon.
This show is certainly all about the women, and it’s refreshing to see a show full of teen angst and drama that isn’t centred around a love story. Instead, friendship and the value of loyalty and respect take precedence.
Bring It On is a fun, frivolous night out at the theatre. It’s poppy, preppy and has a lot of heart. Go for some great performances and thrilling cheerleading choreography.
But fair warning – if you’re a fan of the movie, don’t expect the same storyline!
Alana Kaye – Theatre Now
Bring It: On The Musical
Original story by Tony Award winner, Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music and lyrics by Tony Award-winning composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights, Hamilton), music by Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning composer, Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), lyrics by Broadway lyricist, Amanda Green (High Fidelity), and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical.
27 Aug – 8 Sep
Wed – Sat 7:30pm
Tue: 8pm
Matinee: Sat 2pm/Sun 1pm
Venue: State Theatre
Theatre Company: David Venn
Duration: N/A
Campbell is cheer-royalty at Truman High School and her senior year should prove the most cheertastic – she’s been named captain of the squad! But, an unexpected redistricting has forced her to spend her final year of high school at the neighbouring hard-knock Jackson High School. Despite having the deck stacked against her, Campbell befriends the dance crew girls and, along with their headstrong and hardworking leader, Danielle, manages to form a powerhouse squad for the ultimate competition – the National Championships.
Following sold out Melbourne performances and nominated for Best Production (Green Room Awards), this high energy hit features an exciting fresh sound and explosive choreography with aerial stunts.
Ticket Prices
$99.90 – 119.9 plus booking fee
