Bring it on

Although new to me, “Bring It On - the Musical”, with music by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, was first performed in 2011 and, after touring the USA, opened on Broadway in 2012. Loosely based on the film of the same name, it focuses on team rivalries in American High School in the world of cheerleading.

Belvoir’s set was simply three tiers of staging with bunting at the back for Truman High school stage right and Jackson High stage left. There was a bedroom inset at the front left and picnic table with benches on the right – these were permanent and other props were moved on and off quickly and efficiently by cast and back-stage team. Sound was Big, as is usual in this type of show, with lots of body mics set pretty high – I noticed the volume difference when a small number were acting as a “group” behind the cheerleaders in “Legendary”. Lighting was appropriate with suitable ‘specials’ when needed. No costumiers were credited so I assume many were the casts’ own, while dance/cheerleading strip for Truman High looked particularly professional….and I liked the parrot and Irish leprechaun! Nowadays nearly all teenage girls have long straight hair, and it was all very neat with the Truman team topped with stiff white bows. Girls make-up was beautifully executed and showed up very well under the stage lighting.

“What I was born to do” was a terrific opening production number from the “Truman” ensemble and set the pace of the show – energy and precision were the by-words throughout. What a wonderful cast of dancers and indeed gymnasts too.

It was a pity that all of the ensemble were not named in the on-line programme – they obviously put in a huge amount of work and deserved recognition.

All the principal roles were well cast. The few boys made their mark with Kevin Magill as Steven, Jake Bennett as Cameron, Mark Comer as Randal and Oliver Stevenson as Twig. Iona Kesson was an excellent Bridget , the curvy and charming but naïve ‘mascot’ of the Truman cheerleaders. From her first entrance comically dressed in a parrot suit she was a good comic character and her interaction with Twig was credible. Skylar (Sophie Toal) and Kylar (Iona Clarke), the two cheerleading ‘besties’ who are next in line of succession for Team Captain, made a successful duo. Anna Hutchinson was the ‘villainess’ of the piece as Eva, who turns out to be a social climber and schemes to take over every aspect of Campbell’s life, including appearance and boyfriend. I loved her song “Killer Instinct”!  Jackson High School’s dance crew – La Cienga, Nautica and Danielle - were a forceful trio played by Neil Mullan, Lucy McKenna and Maeve Lagan. Neil was hilarious as the cheeky tongued  trans. pupil La Cienga, while Lucy was also suitably ‘OTT’ as Nautica. With strong vocals and a great sense of fun they added much to the storyline.

After starting badly, the dance leader Danielle, struck up an unlikely friendship with Campbell. In that role, Rachel Smith showed vulnerability when redistricted to Jackson High and then determination when she discovered that Eva had caused all the trouble. Rachel’s vocals were impressive – she definitely had the lion’s share of numbers to sing. Portraying the headstrong character of Danielle, Maeve and Rachel shared good onstage rapport and both were excellent dancers.

As choreography underpins the whole show, Matthew Watson had his work cut out. With the help of stunt co-ordinator (Nikita White) he developed an extraordinary piece with amazing lifts (especially Rachel Smith’s finale!) and energy fuelled dances. Shane’s Direction dealt with the themes of friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness without losing any impetus. Wilson and his 5-piece band revelled in the multi-faceted score of rock, pop, rap and hip hop without overcoming the singers who were well miked.

The young cast were well supported by an enthusiastic audience and thoroughly deserved the final standing ovation.

My thanks for the invitation and to everyone involved. It was an energy filled evening!

 

 

 

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