Greenwood Theatre- London – until 3 August 2019
Reviewed by: Sabrina Fancy
4****
Inspired by the 2000 hit film Bring It On starring Kirsten Dunst, this production follows the competitive world of high school cheer-leading. The show is presented by The Quay Players. Directed by Kate Hannam, this company was established as an amateur musical theatre group in 1997.
I was curious to see how such a successful film comprising of complex cheerleading routines would translate on the live stage and had some reservations but as I turned up to a sold our show on opening night, I realised my fears were unfounded.
The story revolves around pretty blond and privileged Campbell, who is the current head cheerleader from predominantly white and wealthy Truman High School. She is determined to lead her team to victory at the cheerleading national championships. However her dreams are crushed after she is deviously transplanted into an inner city neighboring school Jackson high which gasp- does not have a cheerleading squad!
Campbell makes it her mission to befriend the Jackson high hip hop crew with the intent of secretly transforming them into a cheerleading squad to compete against her previous nemesis Eva who has now taken over her old cheerleading squad.
The very beginning of the show focused on life at Truman high, I feared that this was going to be an overdone teen age drama love story but this was actually about the development female friendships and loyalty which was very refreshing.
The shift to Jackson high raised the level of excitement and energy with the characters, music and dance moves generating a lot of interest and enthusiasm from the crowd.
The time barely registered as the stage was engulfed with great dance moves, cheerleading flips and colorful costumes. There was an energy which was consistent throughout the evening! The hard-working ensemble show high energy and precision, especially with slick choreography. The Cheerleading routines are particularly impressive considering the small space.
The hardworking cast was a key contributor of the enjoyment of Bring it on. I also loved the cast who were of differing ethnic backgrounds but also of various shapes and sizes, echoing a message of inclusion which I sadly find to be a rarity in musical theatre.
The characters were very well developed and you really felt yourself rooting for the underdogs! In particular the standouts were Jackson high’s Danielle played by Gabriella Mccoy who brought a great mix of toughness and vulnerability along with powerful vocals. The scenes with Danielle and her squad were some of the most enjoyable! We also see the transformation of Bridgette, (played by Emily Law) who transforms from a dork to a fierce friend, singer and friend while finding a romantic partner.
There was constant humor and the vocals were strong with very catchy tunes. Unsurprising given the fact that the Music was created by Tom Kitt and Lin Manuel Miranda, the later who is behind the musical fame of Hamilton and has been nominated for an Oscar. The superior music in this is reflective of this work.
If you want a fluffy, upbeat musical then this will delight as the cut throat satirical world of cheerleading resulted in many laugh out loud moments.
Bring It On is currently playing at the Greenwood theatre until Saturday August 3rd.