Book by Jeff Whitty
Music by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lyrics by Amanda Green and Lin-Manuel Miranda
Directed by Isaac Gordon
Canberra Philharmonic Society production
Erindale Theatre to 16 March
Reviewed by Len Power 29 February 2024
Based on the 2000 film of the same name, “Bring It On” focuses on teenage rivalries amongst the competitive world of cheerleading in USA high schools. The captain of the Truman High School cheer-leading squad is suddenly rezoned to the tough Jackson High School. Offering her talents to Danielle, the tough head of the dance crew at the school, Campbell struggles to be accepted. It’s not hard to guess the rest but the storyline doesn’t matter all that much here. Just look forward to the next big, spectacular music and dance number.
“Bring It On” is a long way from your traditional musical. The strength of this production is in the combination of choreography and music. With help from Belinda Dawson of Sirens Cheerleaders, choreographer, Charlotte Morphett, has blended the cheerleading with dance to produce many exciting, high energy, spectacular routines and the cast dance and sing them ferociously one after the other.
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| Jessica Gowing (centre) and the cast |
The music and lyrics by Tom Kitt, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Amanda Green presented a formidable challenge to musical director, Alexander Unikowski. Using the latest technology available to them, the music writers expanded the possibilities of music theatre sound. With live performances against pre-recorded tracks and the massive capabilities of keyboards today that produce hundreds of musical effects, there are, surprisingly, only seven musicians in the pit producing an extraordinary sound spectrum.
Amongst the huge cast, there are some standout performances. Jessica Gowing is appealing as Campbell, singing and dancing with skill. Jess Marshall is a formidable presence as the Queen Bee of Jackson High School and Katie Lis has many funny and endearing moments as Brigitte. Hannah Lance as Eva is memorable in her song, “Killer Instinct”, and Jeremy Chan as Twig has some good comic moments. Grayson Woodham as Randall also gives a fine characterisation and he and Jessica Gowing sing well together in the duet, “Enjoy The Trip”.
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| Grayson Woodham and Jessica Gowing |
There is a sharp, atmospheric lighting design with some spectacular effects by Alex Clifford and the practical set by Ian Croker gives plenty of room for the big dance numbers, as well as the ability to move swiftly to more intimate scenes.
Some of the cast delivered their lines too fast and needed to be clearer with their diction. The rock music was expectedly loud, but the balance of sound between performers and music was often distorted, making it difficult to understand the dialogue and lyrics. Hopefully, these issues can be addressed for the rest of the season.
This is a feel-good musical with excellent music and spectacular dancing. The director, Isaac Gordon, has done a fine job bringing this complex and demanding show together.
Photos by Bridie McKay
Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs and published in his blog 'Just Power Writing' at https://justpowerwriting.blogspot.com/.
