Pollard Delivers A Hot Hit with “Bring It On: The Musical”
Truman Cheerleaders
The Pollard Theatre concludes another perfect season with “Bring It On: The Musical” a remarkable show. Excellent productions and performances abound, and the final show in the 30th season is right on target! “Bring It On: The Musical” is loosely based on the movie “Bring It On” successful at the turn of the century. The Guthrie, Oklahoma stage musical directed by Timothy Stewart is equally successful. The story is about high school cheerleaders, the most popular girls in high school, claiming the most denigrated achievement later in life. Campbell Davis, head cheerleader is ambitious and she has a dream—to win the Nationals.
Unfortunately, she finds herself redistricted from her beloved Truman High to Jackson HS in her senior year. Jackson doesn’t even have a cheerleading squad, but they have talent and style. She creates a squad with the talented dance crew and the resulting routine is wonderful but somewhat unorthodox. The lessons Campbell learns and teaches in her journey are important life lessons and the audience bonds with the cast of “Bring It On: The Musical” with empathy, sympathy and perspective.
Emily Paige Cleek is a young face on the theatre scene and she is someone to watch. She brings Campbell’s story to life with intelligence, physical strength and excellent acting. With consummate professionalism, this newcomer handles a mike problem smoothly allowing the audience not to notice. Madison Hamilton is Danielle, the ‘it’ girl at Jackson and the two ultimately form a lasting friendship despite their differences. Hamilton is wonderful, suited to the role perfectly with superb dance and acting skills. Jessica Higgs is Skylar, second in line with the Truman squad. Her exposure of the shallow stuck up and self- absorbed idiot is inspired. Hannah Finnegan is next in line as Kylar, sycophant to Skylar, and quite the delicate enabler. Laura Renfro is Eva-evil villainess supreme. Renfro’s performance is stout, revealing someone willing to stoop to unbelievable depths of depravity to win. All these young women are superior performers, but Phoebe Butts nearly steals the show as Bridget. She is the peripheral girl, never good enough for the squad, but happy to participate gracefully as the mascot. Butts is an exceptional and versatile talent-in song, dance and acting she reigns supreme.
At Jackson we find Nautica played by Ellie Valdez and La Cienega played by Joshua McGowen. These two flank Danielle in the Jackson dance crew much as Skylar and Kylar stood just behind and beside Campbell at Truman. Valdez and McGowen are excellent counterparts in their roles, with Valdez displaying a delightful talent as naughty Nautica and McGowen being completely devastating and real as La Cienega. They are the first to welcome Bridget, who has also been redistricted, to their crew.
With the lovely and healthy cheerleaders in “Bring It On” there are always a few strong fellows to lift the gals to greater heights. Hagen Wano is Steven, Truman squad member and Campbell’s boyfriend. Wano portrays the male version of the shallow and fair weather love with great aplomb and no circumstance. Jared Blount as Randall, Jackson’s student D.J. is exciting as Campbell’s new boyfriend, a teenager with potential and charm. Aaron Stewart is Twig, as cute as can be; having the wisdom to appreciate Bridget’s considerable assets, creating delightful moments. Christopher Shepard is Cameron, with amazingly smooth moves reminiscent of Gregory Hines.
Stewart casts the show brilliantly choosing dancers with athleticism, singers with sincerity and actors with integrity. The stunning cast is backed by a group of ensemble members. As they are eleven in number, they cannot be mentioned individually but their collective ability, enthusiasm and talent is outstanding. Choreographer Hui Cha Poos wows with routines that allow each cast member to maximize potential. The cheerleading stunts are choreographed by Barbie Parker quite skillfully. A small band led by Musical Director Todd S. Malicoate on keyboards also includes Jason Hunt on bass and Aaron Marshall on drums. The band is instrumental in authenticity for the production.
“Bring It On” also has the advantage of Michael James designing great costumes and James A. Hughes designing an interesting set; simplistic in concept-intricately worked. Stewart picks the best in cast and crew honoring Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda who are responsible for the original music as well as Amanda Green who joined Miranda as lyricist with the libretto by Jeff Whitty.
“Bring It On: The Musical” plays at the Pollard, 120 W. Harrison Ave. in downtown Guthrie, Oklahoma through July 1, 2017. Curtain is at 8:00 pm and for further information and tickets, visits the box office at the theatre, on-line at www.thepollard.org or call 405-282-2800. “Bring It On: The Musical” is a great way to bring on summer!
Emily Paige Cleek leading Jackson dancers
Bonus Material:
The ensemble cast members in “Bring It On: The Musical” should be acknowledged for their superior talent and dedication. Not only do they contribute mightily to the show in their smaller roles, many of the most dramatic and challenging stunts are performed by these gifted artists. Stewart chose them with considerable wisdom. They are Brad Baker, Tyra Bullock, Kaleb Bruza, Easton Edwards, Marianne Edwards, Chelcy Harrell, Sarah Henry, Jesus Martinez, Donegan Moore, Dakota Muckelrath and Jennifer Obene. Henry and Obene are also very effective as the snotty Burger Pagoda Girls who harass Danielle at work. Sarah Henry also contributes as the dance captain, keeping everyone in time and line. Chelcy Harrell is the Stunt Captain, an essential part of making “Bring It On: The Musical” smoothly coordinated as well as stunning.
Michael Long designs the lights and Jared Blount does double duty behind the scenes as well as in front in sound design. W. Jerome Stevenson handles the light board during performance. He has had a busy successful season as Artistic Director for the Pollard and his wonderful performances in these hit shows as well as his extremely valuable directing is phenomenal.
The Pollard Theatre is a great asset to the theatre community in central Oklahoma and the city of Guthrie. The past 30 seasons have brought growth and joy to audiences and performers in central Oklahoma and the 31st season is shaping up to begin another 30 years of outstanding productions from a small professional theatre with a large impact.