BWW Reviews: BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL National Tour in Denver - Soaring High!

BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL is the explosive new musical comedy that raises the stakes on over-the-top high school rivalries playing now through January 21st at the Buell Theater. Set against the world of competitive cheerleading, this powerhouse new show hilariously proves that winning isn't everything when it means losing something - or someone - you really care about.

About a decade ago, Hollywood was enthralled with musicals, churning them out like butter. Today we are witnessing a bit of a backlash from that manic enthusiasm. Broadway has turned into  one movie musical after another, some good (Sister Act, Priscilla), some bad (9 to 5, Spiderman) and some just downright disturbing (Twilight the Musical...seriously?!) With all of this cinematic  commotion going on in New York, it would be easy for a little show to get lost in the shuffle. That cannot be said for The Denver Center’s wonderfully cheerlicious BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL.

I’ll be honest – I am sick of movie musicals and really wanted to hate this show, but how can you hate a production that makes you smile and coo like you’re gazing at a basket full of sleeping puppies? This show will get under your skin and keep you engaged and charmed from beginning to end. From its gravity-defying acrobatics and smooth dance numbers to its lovable characters and toe-tapping music and lyrics, this show made me squeal like a 12-year-old girl at cheer camp! The musical succeeds for a few reasons. First, is stays true to the Bring It On franchise while offering a fresh approach to the tried and true “rivals become buds” theme. Second, it’s not just a stage recreation of the movie – it feels like Bring It On, but with a modern, hip, urban rhythm and a few surprises thrown in. And, third, while a few songs came off as slightly cheesy and felt at times like a PBS after school special, that small transgression can be overlooked thanks to the talented cast and crew of this incredibly high energy show, with a major shout-out to director and choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler for pulling it all together beautifully.

It was obvious the second I walked in that the audience (mine included the Denver Broncos cheerleaders) was ready for a show like this. There was a zing of excitement in the air… or maybe it was the bouncy energy of a hundred giggling girls ready to break out into a cheer at any moment…? Whatever it was, it was contagious. I was excited even before entering the theater!

On first glance, the set by designer David Korins may seem simplistic, but don’t be fooled; it is anything but. Remember, old-school cheers? Gimme an M! Gimme an I! Gimme a K! Gimme an E! What’s that spell? Well, those days are over, my little cheerkins. Nowadays keen gymnastic strength and skill are a must, and a stage production that centers around the sport of cheering must take into account all the theatrical contraptions hanging from the ceiling – basically, head space, and Korins did a great job remembering there’s more to stage blocking than where you plant your feet. The basketball court visuals were awesome, with a large countdown scoreboard in the middle of the stage. (A great touch would have been to sound a buzzer at the end of the countdown). The lighting extravaganza by designer Jason Lyons and sound design by Brian Ronan included four moveable LCD screens that provided the multi-media effects (video design by Jeff Sugg). School lockers were used for obvious instrumental purposes, but also supported the outstanding choreography. The costumes by designer Andrea Lauer were cheer-tastic, with an urban and sometimes tacky flair that complimented the personalities and those high-flying flips and turns very well.

The ensemble cast does a truly stellar job. The athletic ability, powerhouse voices, and spot on dance/cheer moves are impressive (the cast even includes local CSU talent David Ranck). But I need to mention a few MVPs. Taylor Louderman as Campbell and Adrienne Warren as Danielle are exceptional in the lead roles and rev up the show with song, humor, and sass. Bridget, played by Ryann Redmond, will steal your heart and a few scenes. The diverse and bitchy entourage consisting of Skylar (Kate Rockwell), Kylar (Janet Krupin), Nautica (So You Think You Can Dance alum Ariana Debose), and La Cienega (Gregory Haney) all added a cheeky sardonic tone to their interactions with each other and their onstage rivals. Highlight musical moments included the energetic opening number Auditions, the hip-hoppy song, Move (loved the rap infusion), the inspirational It Ain’t No Thang (hands down, the best song of the show), and the soaring Our Time.

On a personal note, as a gay man I was quite touched by Denver's response to everyone's new favorite cross dresser, La Cienega (played fiercely and passionately by Gregory Haney). From her first line to curtain call, the audience was audibly in love with her sassy character. She made me wonder if this was what a young RuPaul might have been like in high school. It was nice to see that Denver has come far in accepting gay roles. I hope La Cienega (and Haney by extension) receives this reception in every town whose stage she graces with her presence.

So flip, leap, back handspring, cartwheel, and ra-ra-ra down to the Buell Theater for BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL, cheering audiences through January 21st. For tickets or information, contact The Denver Center at 303-893-4100 or online at www.denvercenter.org.

PHOTO CREDITS:  Craig Schwartz