Bring it On

Black Box’s second production, Bring It On, is a cheerleading musical with a large cast and bucketloads of enthusiasm and team spirit. Black Box is a youth focused theatre company and the cast range from 12 to 18.

Central character Campbell becomes cheer captain at Truman High School and has a good chance to lead them to Nationals, until she is unexpectedly “redistricted” and sent to poorer Jackson High.

Katie Price (Campbell) is an outstanding leading lady with lovely depth, who sings beautifully and a delight to watch. 

Campbell’s cheer buddies, the bouncy and blonde Skylar and Kylar, were very well portrayed by Asha Vivian and (in a lovely debut) Saskia Ware. Eva, the delightfully perky newcomer and (*spoiler alert) secret evil master-mind, was expertly played by Chloe Marlow, in a stellar portrayal. Steven, Campbell’s sickly sweet boyfriend was the very nice Harley Dasey.

Social misfit, and gorgeously geeky Bridget (a loveable and layered performance from Matilda Jenkins), transfers to Jackson and helps Campbell assimilate.

At Jackson, we meet cool girls Danielle - head of the dance crew (strong contemporary vocals from Amy Cornel), Nautica (a vivacious performance from Ariana Vallejo) and the beautifully self-aware La Cienega (an equally confident Blake Jenkins crossing genders). The boys are mellow DJ Randall (a smooth Cooper Jenkins), sincere but inept Twig (a very likeable Ashley Garner) and hip-hopper basketballer Cameron (great moves from Luis Barnes).

Two complete ensembles provide good support, strong voice and execute choreographer Shanice-Kalina Thompson’s routines with energy and precision. The cast is well dressed in costumes by Michaela Pavlov. Set design is simple and appropriate with lights by Don allen and Emma Brown and sound by Ken Hay.

Musical Director Phoebe Jackson has clearly worked diligently to produce solid vocal performances and leads a seven piece live band.

Congratulations to director Katherine Freind and the Black Box Team. It is great to see this young company grow and develop. Bring It On is a great choice for teen audiences and for theatre fans keen to take a break from the madness of Fringe. A good, feel-good night at the theatre.

Kimberley Shaw