BWW Reviews: BRING IT ON, THE MUSICAL at Arts Center of Cannon County

Truth be told, one of my favorite movies is Bring It On, the story of competitive cheerleading starring Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford and Gabrielle Union - and if I had a dollar for every time I've uttered the phrase "Brrr...it's cold in here, there must be some Toros in the atmosphere" to my dog following a particularly frigid winter stroll at nighttime...well, I'd be rich. That should give you some indication of how much I love the movie, which has gone on to inspire several sequels and one Broadway musical.

While the thought of Bring It On, the Musical leaves some less than enthusiastic and questioning the theatrical gods for why such an abomination should be allowed (the theaterati can be, if anything, condescending and superior), I'm clearly of another stripe. The story of Bring It On story, which is filled with passion, jealousy and rage - aka all the good stuff - writ large across a canvas dotted with enough high school drama to keep Clearasil afloat for centuries to come, seems ideal fodder for musicalization, particularly when you realize the music and lyrics are by Tom Kitt, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Amanda Green and a book by Jeff Whitty. Think about it: next to normal, American Idiot, In the Heights, Hamilton. Amanda Green, the daughter of Broadway royalty Phyllis Newman and Adolph Green, lived in Nashville while she wrote country music. And Whitty wrote Avenue Q. Talk about a starry pedigree...

Now onstage in Woodbury, courtesy of an energetic and fun production from Arts Center of Cannon County, directed by Chelsea Toombs and featuring the choreography of Regina Ward, Taylor Lamb and Gerold Oliver, Bring It On, the Musical is a delightful, high-flying entertainment, the perfect mid-summer diversion for audiences of all ages.

The musical's story is not a retread of the movie plot, but instead offers a whole new group of characters dealing with the challenges of high school life while ruthlessly competing for cheerleading glory. Torrence and company have made way for Campbell, Danielle, Skylar and Randall. With its Tony Award-laden creative team turning the story into a Broadway musical, you can rest assured that the dialogue is clever and quick-witted, yet easily understood by audience members of every age group; and the songs are upbeat, robust and do what showtunes need to do (for the most part): propel the story along its way. Let's face it, when you read a program and see dozens of musical numbers listed it can be daunting. However, the pace never slows in Bring It On, the Musical and even before you know it, you're at the show's upbeat, infectious finale ("I Got You").

Certainly, there are some ridiculous plot points - it's musical theater, people, not rocket surgery - but they just add to the fun and games happening onstage. The characters have just enough edge to keep you on the edge of your seat, engaged in the various and sundry antics of the characters, oftentimes laughing out loud in appreciation of the onstage hijinks.

Director Toombs - along with her musical director Scott Willis and her team of choreographers - have found the right mix of actors, voices, gymnasts to bring the show to life with elan. Cheyenne Clark makes her theater debut as Campbell (she'd sort of be Torrance); a capable singer and tumbler (she unleashes some admirable gymnastic skills late in act two) who does a decent enough acting job, but who we suspect will be even better as the show's run continues for the next two weekends. Lipscomb University theater alumna Shawna Rayford is cast opposite her as her nemesis Danielle, the queen bee of gritty, inner-city Jackson High School. The pair's rivalry seems genuine, which makes their ultimate rapprochement all the more believable. Rayford delivers her songs with confidence and shows off some impressive dance moves in the process.

Among the supporting players, Gerold Oliver (as Twig) is charming and funny, as is to be expected, while Cassidy Best is wonderful as Sylar, Baileigh Back is a terrific Kylar and Caitlyn Porayko delivers a devilish and particularly on-target Eva, the show's villain. Maryam Muhammad, as starstruck Nautica and Kyle Henry as the transgender LaCienega provide sass and spirit throughout the show. Graham Luker is in fine voice as teen heartthrob Randall, giving Campbell a believable paramour onstage, and Conner McCabe is all gangly, loose limbs as the jilted Steven.

What with all the consistent performances of the supporting cast and the huge ensemble of capable teen actors, credit must go to whom it's due: Allison Hall is completely winning as Bridget, the girl destined to always wear the parrot head as the school mascot. With stage presence to spare and what is probably the best voice among the cast, she very nearly steals the show while representing with so much style all the down-trodden geeks who have come before her and are certain to follow in her footsteps.

Cody Rutledge's set design provides a good backdrop for the play's action, while Graham Luker's lighting design helps focus attention where it needs to be. Costumes, credited to Darryl Deason, Chelsea Toombs, Jennifer Rice and the cast, are pitch-perfect.

• Bring It On, the Musical. Music and lyrics by Tom Kitt, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Amanda Green. Book by Jeff Whitty. Directed by Chelsea Toombs. Music direction by Scott Willis. Choreographed by Regina Ward, Gerold Oliver and Tyler Lamb. Produced by Darryl Deason. Presented by Arts Center of Cannon County, Woodbury. Telephone (615) 563=2787, www.artscenterofcc.com. Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes (with a ten-minute intermission).

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