"Bring It On: The Musical" captures the infectious energy and drama of competitive cheerleading, blending high-energy choreography with a deeply resonant story about ambition, identity, and teamwork. The musical, inspired by the 2000 cheerleading movie of the same name, transcends its source material by integrating original music and lyrics from an exceptional creative team, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tom Kitt, and Amanda Green. Everything in the show is alive, and it is a spectacle that speaks to every age group.
At its core, the musical investigates the cutthroat world of professional high school cheerleading-a world that merges athleticism and art. The routines are not just physical feats but expressions of cohesion and survival that require precision, trust, and unwavering commitment. These themes are reflected in the character arcs, where individuals work through personal conflicts and find strength in the collective efforts. The choreography is intricate, reflecting the characters' emotional journeys, as every flip and formation becomes a moment of growth or revelation.
Campbell finds a group of kids at her new school who have raw talent to perform but no cheerleading tradition whatsoever. The juxtaposition between the two schools brings out the contrast of opportunities yet celebrates the ingenuity and creativity born out of hardship. The ultimate formation of a cheer squad at the new school metaphorically serves to bridge gaps and find common ground, illustrating how coming together can yield victories unexpected.
The music of "Bring It On: The Musical" is a driving force behind its storytelling. Each song reflects the emotional highs and lows that the characters go through, from the vibrancy of competition to the tenderness of self-discovery. The blend of pop, hip-hop, and traditional Broadway styles expresses the diversity of the characters and their experiences. These are not just entertaining songs but immensely character-driven, with storylines that progress with each note and lyric.
Perhaps most significantly, though, the musical touts an attempt to represent cheerleading honestly, and to make this so, it employs genuine cheerleaders, reinforcing authenticity in the tough work needed for the execution of stunts. As the tension mounts, such an emphasis on realism ensnares the audience more strongly in their world. Integrate that with acrobatics and narrative, and that creates out-and-out breathtaking scenes that marry the physical with emotional high spots.
Beyond the spectacle, the musical looks at complex relationships: friendships put through rivalry and alliances formed across differences. It is the nuance in their portrayal that shows empathy and understanding can resolve conflicts. From Campbell's determined rival Eva to the independent Danielle, each character brings something different into the tapestry of the story. It is because the relationships are based on relatable emotions and experiences that they really resonate.