Dance numbers are kicked up a notch as Canberra Philharmonic Society brings Bring It On: The Musical to Erindale Theatre. Inspired by the film franchise of the same name, the play transports viewers to the American high school system where popularity rules and cheerleaders are at the top of the food chain.
The story follows cheerleading captain Campbell as her dreams are shattered when rezoning means she has to transfer to another school. Leaving the preppy Truman High, Campbell travels a world away to the inner-city Jackson High where she learns they don’t have a cheer squad. Teaming up with the school’s dance crew, she is determined to turn them into cheerleaders and take nationals.
No Toros or Clovers battle it out in this rendition. The musical’s story is closest related to the third film in the franchise Bring It On: All or Nothing but still not the same. It is best to go into the production with no expectations of familiar characters or cheers.
Working with the Sirens Cheerleaders, the choreographed cheer and dance numbers were a visual feast with flips a-plenty. The fun and upbeat soundtrack kept the atmosphere lively and showed off the vocal range of many of the cast members. Along with belting out tunes, the cast represented all the typical teenage characters you expect – the snarky, the tough and the sweet – with almost all delivered with believability.
While there are no storylines of cheer stealing in this version, there is still a thief – Katie Lis as Bridget absolutely steals every scene she is in, I dare you to try and focus on someone else. Jessica Gowing delivered a solid performance as leading lady Campbell, while Hannah Lance as Eva was the villain you love to hate.
Slight technical difficulties, some miscued steps and mistimed lyrics distracted from the otherwise well-done production. 3.5 stars.
Hear the cheer in Bring It On: The Musical at Erindale Theatre until 16 March; philo.sales.ticketsearch.com
Get the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
