Review: Bring it On at the Arts Theatre

Bring It On: The Musical, directed by Ray Cullen and brought to us by award winning Adelaide Youth Theatre, brings a vibrant energy to the stage, in this movie to musical show.

With music and lyrics by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda, you can hear the hints of Hamilton and In the Heights coming through.

Thanks to the inventive and incredible choreography by Shenayde Patterson along with cheer coach Graziella Candeloro – the dance and cheer sequences are dynamic and expertly executed, showcasing the athleticism of the cast and often steals the spotlight.

The lead character, Campbell, is portrayed with charm and determination by Abigail Sharp. Her journey from a top cheerleader at her old school to navigating the challenges of a new environment is relatable, even if some of her motivations feel a bit familiar. The underdog story has its moments, and Campbell’s resilience resonates, through the lovely lyrical vocals of Sharp.

On the other side of the rivalry is Eva, the cheer captain of the new squad, played villainously by Zahli Linke. While she embodies the classic antagonist role, there are glimpses of depth that hint at her struggles. Though the script doesn’t fully flesh her out, there’s potential for a more nuanced portrayal that could elevate the rivalry to a more battling level.

Supporting characters bring a refreshing energy to the mix.

Bridget, Campbell’s best friend portrayed brilliantly by Ella Burgess, is a standout with her humour, loyalty and characterisation providing a great balance to Campbell’s more serious moments.

Patrick Longden as Randall, the cool, lowkey Jackson High School DJ, has a lovely tenor voice which lends itself to the tender moments with Campbell.

Summa Arrizza and Mercedes Nash as the snobby, bossy, simple and confident Truman cheerleaders Skylar and Kylar respectively are fun and clichéd.

Their opposites from Jackson, Nautica and La Cienega portrayed by Asmitha Rao and Bernard Flynn bring the hip hop backtalk to the stage.

Vasileia Markou as Jackson’s intimidating leader of the dance crew is sass and strength, and her chemistry with Sharp’s Campbell is well developed.

The male supporting characters of Steven, Twig and Cameron [Henry Tran, Ethan Joy and Hamish Skene] are comical, goofy and stereotypical ‘ladies’ men’ as well as talented dancers.

The ensemble cheerleaders, while occasionally leaning into typecast territory, contribute to the show’s lively atmosphere and serve as a reminder of the camaraderie and competition inherent in cheerleading.

The score features some catchy numbers that are both entertaining and memorable. While some songs may not drive the plot forward as effectively as they could, they add to the overall enjoyment of the experience, leaving you humming along.

Ben Francis and Serena Cann have done a great job directing this show musically, and while the vocals aren’t always up to scratch, it is a timely reminder that these are young artists in training, still honing their skills.

The lighting design, credited to Jamie Rayner, enhances the lively atmosphere, and simple but effective set, highlighting the high-energy performances. The colours pop during the cheer routines, creating an engaging visual experience and keep our attention glued to the stage.

Bring It On: The Musical is an entertaining spectacle that shines with vibrant choreography and engaging performances. While the character development may not reach its full potential, and some technical hiccups, the show’s infectious energy and memorable moments make it a delightful experience that’s well worth seeing.

Lia Loves.