Bring it on: The Musical

       If you are product of any generation there are certain films that define you, as a broad generalization. If you were in high school in the late 90's early 2000's one of those movies is the original Bring it on, which starred Kirsten Dunst and Eliza Dushku. It has everything a teen comedy needs to be successful. An underdog story, good music, and quotable comedic lines that make it into the everyday lexicon. Now, it's no clueless, but I digress.

      A few years ago it was revealed that Andy Blankenbueler, the Tony award winning choreographer of In The Heights, was developing a musical based on the franchise. It was later revealed that the story would be completely fresh, and have no characters or situations from any previous installment of the Bring it on franchise.

      The first thing I thought to myself is - that'll never work. As more details were announced, including a very talented creative team, I became a bit more optimistic. The show has had a lengthy gestation period "out of town". It first appeared at The alliance theater in Atlanta before embarking on a national tour. The writers have had a LOT of time to prepare the show for New York audiences. I'm happy to say that that time has payed off.

       Bring it on: The Musical is a wonderful time at the theater. I walked in with great trepidation, expecting to like some of it, but hate most of it. The experience was thrilling as well as musically rewarding. The score by Tom Kitt, Amanda Green, and Lin-Manuel Miranda is fresh, modern, and fun to listen to in addition to being well crafted.

       The cast is a group of young dancer, singer, actors most of whom are making their Broadway debuts. Ryan Redmond in the supporting role of Bridget is particularly spectacular. Adrienne Warren as Danielle, and Gregory Haney as La Cienga also turn in memorable performances.

        This show does not thrive on it's individual performances though. Bring it on: The Musical shines most during it's many ensemble numbers. This talented group of kids dance, and execute very exciting Cheer leading moves with great aplomb. In fact if you are sitting in the first few rows, it seems more likely you'll have a person falling into your lap than over at Spider Man.

    Bring it on: The Musical will be closing on Broadway on December 30th 2012. There are rush tickets available on the day of performance for $35 each. Do yourself a favor and get to The St. James before time runs out! You wont be sorry that you did!