Lively, colourful and energetic, Bring It On!, The Musical focuses on the competitive world of cheerleading. Debuting in the US in 2011, the Tony award nominated musical was inspired by the 2000 film of the same name, written by Jessica Bendinger and starring Kirsten Dunst. The music is by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, lyrics by Amanda Green and Miranda and book by Jeff Whitty.
On her last day of junior year, 17-year-old Campbell Davis longs to be named captain of Truman High’s cheerleading squad. She wants to lead them all the way to victory at the national championship. With the chips falling her way, her first job is to replace the graduating members, and she takes a chance on her neighbour Eva.
Imagine Campbell’s horror then when she receives the news that she has been “re-districted” to neighbouring school Jackson High. And to make matters worse, Jackson doesn’t have a cheerleading squad. Instead, the girls there are into hip hop, with the head of Jackson’s dance crew, Danielle, taking charge.
Due to a verbal slip, things at Jackson get off to a very shaky start for Campbell, before Danielle gives her a second chance. Only, Campbell lets retribution against the scheming Eva – now head of Truman’s cheerleaders – get in the way. She concocts a lie to get Danielle and her crew to create a cheerleading squad of their own to take on Truman High at the national championship. It is one that will come back to bite her.
Bring It On!, The Musical deals with belonging, change and friendship. It is fun, fiery and fraught, brought to life with verve by a strong cast, headlined by Emily McDougall as Campbell and pocket rocket Alyssa Jandayan as Danielle. They have big voices, spirit and bite in their respective roles, as Campbell learns valuable life lessons along the way.
I greatly appreciated the self-deprecating humour that Jenna Mole managed to inject so seamlessly into Campbell’s dorky off-sider Bridget. So too the self-belief that Cara Mia Honan brought to bear, in a delightful and funny way, as Truman High’s confident cheerleader, who knows she is good. Elle Fenelon is a hoot as the Skylar’s not too smart bestie.
Taylor-Anne Bright seems to enjoy playing up the disingenuous Eva. The smooth vocal tone and mellow disposition of Flynn Hunter as Campbell’s mentor at Jackson is another real standout. I loved his performance. Fergus Rann is a scene stealer as Campbell’s turncoat Truman High boyfriend.
There is sass about Ari Rego as La Cienega and Yurina Kutsukake as Nautica, who have Danielle’s back. Sho Tochigi and Zade Nabole generate attitude as Jackson hip hop artists Cameron and Twig, as the latter also latches onto an incredulous Bridget. Complete with a strong ensemble, the cast’s well-choreographed dance moves (courtesy of choreographer Louise Panagiotidis) continue to resonate.
Red and white, and green and gold cheerleader costuming, along with basic street wear hit the mark (the costume designer is Karen Spencer). A couple of mascots (think a parrot and a leprechaun) are particularly noteworthy. Plaudits to Steven McClure. Courtesy of lighting designer Harrison Croft, neon strip lighting, spotlighting and an ever-changing rectangular line of lights that ring the stage add pizzazz. The few props that are readily rolled in and out could do with a bit of lift.
There is heft in Noah Chrapot’s sound design, while musical director Claire Gurrin and the eight-piece band bring out the best in the songs. Director Tahra Cannon has done an excellent job with the pacing, ensuring Bring It On! The Musical makes for a fun night out. Two and a half hours including interval, it is playing at the National Theatre until 26th July, 2026.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- A Chorus Line (theatrical) – musical theatre review
- School of Rock (theatrical.), at The National Theatre – musical theatre review
- Legally Blonde: The Musical (The National Theatre) – musical theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.