We love a good musical at Have a Go News and the high energy Bring it On The Musical didn’t disappoint when it opened to Perth audiences on 9 August.
If you have teenage children or grandchildren this is a perfect musical to introduce them to the thrill of live theatre.
Originally performed on Broadway it was nominated for a Tony Award for best musical with the original story by Jeff Whitty, featuring music and lyrics by Lin-Manual Miranda.
Bring it On Musical is loosely based on the movie of the same name adapted perfectly for the theatre telling the story of the competitive world of cheerleading and over-the-top team rivalries through song and dance.
And it’s not just dancing, it’s a cast of 28 multi-talented actors who had the audience pumped from the opening number with acrobatics, cheer leading routines, great singing and a lot of pom poms.
Kirby Burgess (Barnum, Dirty Dancing) was perfect in the lead role of Campbell, squad captain and cheer-royalty at Truman High School. Starring alongside Kirby is newcomer Jasmine Smith (The King and I, Morning Melodies), in the role of Danielle, the dance crew leader at neighbouring Jackson High School.
The cast features some of Australia’s best musical theatre actors including Karla Tonkich (Brigadoon, Legally Blonde, We Will Rock You, Grease) as Eva, Thomas McGuane (Jersey Boys, The Drowsy Chaperone) as Randall, Hollie James (Rocky Horror Show, My Fair Lady) as Kylar, Emily Thompson (Little Shop of Horrors, Urinetown) as Skylar, Samantha Bruzzese (The Bodyguard, In The Heights) as Nautica and Marty Alix (In the Heights) in the funny role of La Cienega. Other cast members included Dayton Tavares (Billy Elliot, In The Heights, West Side Story) as Twig, Coby Njoroge (Carmen, Saturday Night Fever) as Cameron, Baylie Carson (Hello, Dolly!, Dusty) as Bridget and Sebastian Johnston as Steven.
Perth born cheerleader extraordinaire Ossie Mclean was a knock out delivering some incredible acrobatic feats.
What impressed me was the amazing stunt and acrobatic work performed on what is the rather small stage of the 100 year old His Majesty’s Theatre.
The musical was fun, vibrant and a total feel good experience.
Bring It On The Musical plays until 18 August 2019 at His Majesty’s Theatre, 825 Hay Street, Perth. Tickets – www.bringitonthemusical.com.au
