Bring It On: The Musical review | Theatrical Inc | The National Theatre

Bring It On: The Musical carries the legacy of one of the most beloved teen comedies of the early 2000s. The 2000 film, starring Kirsten Dunst and Eliza Dushku, became a pop culture favourite thanks to its sharp humour, fierce rivalries, and endlessly quotable cheerleading drama. More than a decade later, the story made the leap to the stage with a musical adaptation featuring a score by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, lyrics by Miranda and Amanda Green, and a book by Jeff Whitty. Rather than simply retelling the film, the musical takes the spirit fingers of Bring It On and spins it into a new story set in the same high-stakes environment of competitive cheer.

The musical follows Campbell, the accomplished captain of the Truman High cheer squad, whose world is upended when a redistricting decision forces her to transfer schools. Struggling to find her place at Jackson High, Campbell becomes involved with a very different cheer team, sparking rivalries, friendships, and a battle for national championship glory.

As Campbell, Emily McDougall delivers a committed performance, bringing warmth, charisma, and impressive vocals to the role. The challenge lies with the character's writing, which is frustratingly one-dimensional. Many of Campbell's numbers fall into the familiar territory of “I want” songs and introspective ballads, and as the show progresses, they begin to blur together, revealing few facets of her personality. Given the pedigree of the creative team behind the score, it is surprising that the material rarely reaches the same level of distinction, leaving Campbell with fewer memorable musical moments and a less engaging protagonist.

The standout of the production is Alyssa Jandayan as Danielle, the formidable leader of Jackson High’s dance crew. Jandayan demonstrates exceptional vocal talent, while an extraordinarily expressive face and physicality bring the character vividly to life, making Danielle the show’s most compelling figure. Her performance in “It’s All Happening”, the opening number of the second act is amazing, presented with confidence, flair, and a commanding presence.

Jenna Mole is a delight as Bridget, wonderfully capturing the mascot-turned-cheerleader’s endearing joy and charm. Her budding romance and personal growth become one of the musical’s more interesting storylines, providing a more emotionally satisfying journey than Campbell’s central arc. The supporting cast also impresses, adding depth and commitment to their roles while ensuring the tensions and shifting friendships remain captivating throughout.

The choreography by Louise Panagiotidis is consistently effective, with the ensemble displaying seamless unison and sharp timing. However, as the production unfolds, the routines become somewhat repetitive, with similar lifts, jumps, and formations appearing frequently enough that some of their impact begins to diminish.

The score is at its best when it allows the ensemble to take centre stage. Songs such as “We Ain’t No Cheerleader” and “Do Your Own Thing” bring a welcome burst of vibrancy and excitement, with the second act opener being the production’s defining sequence. With a relatively minimal set design keeping the performers and choreography as the visual focus, these numbers create the strongest theatrical highlights.

Under the direction of Tahra Cannon, the show finds a fluid rhythm between dialogue, musical numbers, and cheer sequences. Despite the first act taking some time to get its footing, the second act is far more assured, with a clearer sense of identity and purpose. Musical direction from Claire Gurrin brings clarity and cohesion to the score, particularly in the larger group dances where vocals and choreography combine successfully.

Bring It On: The Musical is an uneven but enjoyable production that embraces the competitive spirit and exuberance of the world it inhabits. While its music and plot do not always hit the mark, there is plenty of charm, humour, and spectacle to make this a lively night at the theatre.

SHOW DETAILS

Venue: The National Theatre, 20 Carlisle St, St. Kilda
Season: until 26 July | Wed - Fri 7:30pm, Sat 1:30pm and 7:30pm, Sun 1:30pm and 6:30pm
Duration:
 150 minutes (inc. 20 minute interval)
Tickets: $75 - $119
Bookings: The National Theatre

Images credit: Natalie Edge Photography