This production had dual casts in the principal roles. In the interests of fairness to all, we reviewed both casts. David Smith reviewed the Truman Cast and Alan Shepley reviewed the Jackson Cast.
Truman Cast
In this vibrant and polished production, director Ray Cullen had splendid support at hand, as well as a fine array of young on-stage talent. With the experienced Ben Francis and Serena Cann sharing the MD role and the highly-credentialled Shenayde Patterson as Choreographer, it was no surprise that the well established Adelaide Youth Theatre performance quality was on display. In addition, the necessary slick cheer squad routines were well devised by Cheer/Stunt Coach Graziella Candeloro and her assistant Greta Ramsey Martin. In fact, the show’s success is considerably reliant on its visual appeal, and in this case the choreography and cheer routines were exceptional.
Based on the movie of the same name, this stage musical version of Bring It On follows the fate of cheer squad captain Campbell Davis as she is compulsorily relocated from Truman High to Jackson High, a far tougher, yet less superficial, place. Her new school’s students are antipathetic to all she holds dear, especially cheerleading. That makes for a challenging transition for Campbell, during which she discovers and displays unexpected character traits. Not to overstate that development, she achieves self awareness through a more or less traditional theatrical catharsis.
Abigail Sharp gave a credible and nuanced performance as the central figure, Campbell, showing an impressive range of both acting and singing skills in doing so. She was convincing in all moods and scenes and sustained the audience’s empathy throughout. Her quietly reflective songs One Perfect Moment and What Was I Thinking? were subtly effective and contrasted with her exuberant performances in the up-tempo songs, especially the title song Bring It On which concluded the first Act, and in which she led the exuberant and polished ensemble.
Ella Burgess impressed as Campbell’s friend and fellow school transferee, Bridget. She clearly showed the transformation from being well outside the ‘popular’ group at Truman to firmly establishing her strength of character at Jackson. Her trio It Ain’t No Thing with Nautica and La Cienega was a musical highlight of the show, with its driving pace and controlled harmonies. In those roles Asmitha Rao was a lively and bold Nautica and Bernard Flynn captured the nature and flair of La Cienega with splendid dramatic timing and deft physicality.
Vasileia Markou played the critical role of Danielle, the tough ‘queen’ of Truman High, with strength and conviction. She was equally convincing in the important scenes with Campbell, where she showed the character’s gentler, more reasonable side. To be honest, in this kind of musical, it’s difficult to show the often sudden character changes required, yet Vasileia managed that well. Their duet of reconciliation and determination We’re Not Done showed both of them in fine voice.
In supporting roles, Summa Arrizza as Skylar and Mercedes Nash as Kylar were effective in illustrating the balance needed in trying to maintain their relationship with Campbell through difficult times, and Zahli Linke was a strength as Eva, Campbell’s neighbour and, later, perceived opponent. Patrick Longden played Randall, Campbell’s love interest at the new school, with gentleness and understanding. His song Enjoy The Trip showed the agreeable timbre of his tenor voice to best effect.
All up, this was a lively and well directed performance. The songs were well coordinated with the backing track, and the precise choreography made the production numbers really zing. The large and loudly enthusiastic audience thoroughly appreciated it all.
Jackson Cast
I’m in complete accord with my reviewing colleague in stating that movement in all of its modes is the absolute star of this production. Also the marriage of movement with chorus vocals is impressive to say the least. I saw the Jackson cast. Holly Abbott as Truman Cheerleader, Campbell, inhabited her character as the quintessential “girl next door”. She did this with great success. Her performance was sincere, believable and it captured our favourable attention. It came as no surprise to witness her character choose friendship over mere contest success. Holly was at her vocal best in stirring numbers like Bring it on! Likewise Imogen Penhall as Campbell’s best and most loyal friend also presented a finely judged performance. Her well defined character became an audience favourite and Imogen demonstrated admirable stage presence and acting skill in managing that. Her trio It Ain’t No Thing with her new pals at Jackson High, Nautica (Isla Willsmore) and La Cienaga (Cobain Bradley) was a vocal highlight. The audience loved it!
As Danielle, Jackson’s “leader of the pack”, Vasileia Markou strutted her brazen stuff and demanded our attention immediately she entered the fray. A fine performance. Her duet with Campbell We’re Not Done certainly hit the emotional spot. Zoey Velianofski delivered a skilfully balanced Eva, shallow, devious and prepared to win at any cost. She even managed to hijack Campbell’s Truman High boyfriend Steven, very well realised in an amusing simpering sort of way by Jordan Tyler. Eva’s co-conspirators (by default), Skylar (Sophie Hill) and Kylar (Skye Gerlach) each delivered strong supporting performances.
Adam Roling as Randall, Campbell’s admirer at Jackson, brought an air of sincerity and quieter reflection to the proceedings. His mellow well voiced rendition of Enjoy the Trip was also an audience hit. Lads about Jackson High, Twig, played by Riley Mobbs and Cameron (Hamish Skeine) underlined the total exuberance of this musical play and its constant driving beat. Twig’s obvious ogling of and attentions paid to a delightfully flustered (and appreciative!) Bridget were moments the audience loved. And there were many of those moments. Bring it On was splendid.
