★★★½
Bursting onto the stage at The National Theatre, Theatrical Inc.’s latest production, Bring It On: The Musical, is an explosion of athleticism, infectious energy and enough school spirit to power an entire pep rally.
Based on the beloved noughties film franchise, Bring It On tells a new story that honours the original’s themes of rivalry, friendship and self-discovery while giving them a fresh, modern twist. It’s a musical that feels both comfortingly familiar and entirely its own.
The moment the first pom-pom peeks out, it’s clear this cast has come to play. The ensemble scenes are absolutely electrifying, with choreography that rarely gives performers a chance to catch their breath.
Louise Panagiotidis’ choreography is razor-sharp, seamlessly blending cheerleading, dance and musical theatre into routines that are as technically impressive as they are entertaining.
In fact, this production has real-life competitive cheerleaders as part of the cast! Every lift, tumble and formation lands with precision, creating a constant sense of momentum that never lets the audience’s attention drift.
Leading the charge is Emily McDougall as Campbell, delivering a fierce and likeable performance as the cheer captain whose carefully mapped-out future is turned upside down.
Having seen McDougall make her debut as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, it’s exciting to watch her continue to grow as a performer. She brings warmth, determination and vulnerability to Campbell, effortlessly anchoring the show’s emotional journey. But dare I say it – she may shine even brighter as the hilariously committed Leprechaun mascot during one of the musical’s funniest sequences.
The undeniable standout of the evening, however, is Alyssa Jandayan as Danielle. Quite simply, she is a star. It’s rare to find a performer who can act, sing and dance at such a consistently high level, but Jandayan proves herself to be the very definition of a triple threat. Every number she leads crackles with confidence, and it’s impossible to take your eyes off her.
The supporting cast is equally strong, with each performer making their mark. Taylor-Anne Bright is deliciously wicked as Eva, sweetly deceiving us with her cutting rendition of Killer Instinct.
Jenna Mole is endlessly charming as the sweet and empathetic Bridget, earning some of the biggest laughs of the evening with her impeccable comedic timing.
Flynn Hunter impresses as Randall, delivering strong vocals that soar, particularly in Enjoy the Trip.
Cara Mia Honan and Elle Fenelon are perfectly cast as high school queen bees Skylar and Kylar. Honan, in particular, proves to be a comedy favourite, milking every cutting remark for maximum effect.
Fergus Rann is wonderfully committed as Steven, remaining completely invested in the character even when the spotlight shifts elsewhere. Yes, Fergus, I saw those hilariously pained eyes during the crushing finale.
Ari Rego and Yurina Kutsukake are effortlessly fabulous as La Cienega and Nautica, bringing style, attitude and plenty of scene-stealing moments.
Zade Nabole is impossibly cool as Twig, delivering his rapid-fire rap with confidence and ease.
Musically, Bring It On is an absolute treat. The score, featuring music by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tom Kitt, is packed with unmistakable Miranda signatures. The syncopated rhythms, rapid-fire lyrical phrasing and infectious hooks will feel instantly familiar to fans of Hamilton and In the Heights, while still carving out its own identity.
It’s a soundtrack that perfectly matches the relentless pace of the production, balancing heartfelt ballads with energetic ensemble numbers that keep the adrenaline pumping.
Visually, the production is just as much fun. The costumes embrace the bold, colourful world of competitive cheerleading with just the right amount of camp.
One particular dream sequence introduces costumes that shimmer spectacularly under the lights, and I couldn’t help wishing those dazzling designs made one final appearance during the finale. They were simply too good to leave behind.
Above all else, Bring It On: The Musical is unapologetically fun. Beneath the high-flying stunts, dazzling choreography and glittering uniforms is a story about finding where you belong, embracing authenticity and discovering that the strongest teams are built on trust rather than trophies.
Theatrical Inc. has assembled an extraordinarily talented cast who throw themselves into every moment with infectious enthusiasm, delivering a production that’s impossible not to cheer for.
Bring It On: The Musical is presented by Theatrical Inc. and runs to 26 July June at the National Theatre St Kilda. 20 Carlisle Street St Kilda Vic 3182.
Tickets are available here.
Website: https://booktickets.com.au/bringiton/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/theatricalinc/
Photo credits: Natalie Edge Photography
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