Review Roundup: BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL

High-flying original musical comedy "Bring It On: The Musical" that debuted at Atlanta's ALLIANCE THEATRE, launches its national tour with a six-week engagement at the Center Theatre Group / Ahmanson Theatre in November. "Bring It On: The Musical" features libretto by Tony Award®-winner Jeff Whitty ("Avenue Q"), music and lyrics by Tony Award®-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda ("In the Heights"), music by Pulitzer and Tony Award®-winning composer Tom Kitt ("next to normal") and lyrics by Broadway lyricist Amanda Green ("High Fidelity"). The production is directed and choreographed by Tony Award® -winner Andy Blankenbuehler ("In the Heights").

In "Bring It On: The Musical," the high-stakes world of competitive cheerleading is intertwined with cutthroat high school politics to tell the story of Campbell, the heir apparent to the head cheerleader at Truman High School. Campbell is at the top of the cheerleader pyramid and she has it all -- a strong squad, a doting boyfriend and a straight path to the national championships. Her entire life has been dedicated to honing routines and staying within the strict rules and guidelines, but when a surprise letter arrives, Campbell's world is thrown upside down. For more information, visit, www.BringItOnMusical.com.

Wendell Brock, Access Atlanta: We can’t say enough good things about Blankenbuehler’s company of athletes and gymnasts, who push the notion of cheerleading stunt work to dazzling extremes. “Bring It On: The Musical” is pure honest fun and an instant winner. It’s gonna go all the way.

Curt Holman, CL Atlanta, For about half an hour, Bring It On addresses practically nothing but the greatness of cheerleaders in general, and Campbell in particular. In fairness, the writers have to plant plenty of narrative seeds to harvest later in the play.

Danielle Deadwyler, Examiner: nothing feels forced, corny or any of the other questionable pre-show sentiments I felt about the film versions that can easily occur with content in the high school realm.  Don't expect the film versions at all, which is a welcomed surprise. 

Manning Harris, Atlanta In Town: You’ll find a touch of “A Chorus Line,” “Rent,” and yes, “American Idol” here.  Will the music last like “West Side Story”?  Probably not.  But this show has its own syntax. So hop on the “Bring It On” juggernaut.  And as for your own high school memory?  As Ms. Booth says, “Bring it.”

Phil Kloer, ArtsCriticATL: Musically, the Truman-set songs are not as strong as Miranda’s Jackson songs, which explode with the vitality that the best hip-hop offers. And the cast of young unknowns is ferociously talented. 

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