Bring It On The Musical
at Northwest High School

Reviewed on March 29, 2019

Emma Shacochis
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

Two, four, six, eight, what show do we appreciate? Northwest High School's "Bring It On The Musical"! Their powerhouse cast and all-star technical crew have teamed up to create a production that is soul-shaking, ground-breaking, and history in the making!

Based on the eponymous 2000 film, "Bring It On" features book by Jeff Whitty and music and lyrics by Tom Kitt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Amanda Green. "Bring It On", after premiering in Atlanta and touring the U.S. in 2011, opened on Broadway in 2012, where it earned a Tony nomination for Best Musical.

"Bring It On" follows newly appointed cheer captain Campbell, whose life is "every adolescent's favorite dream" - until she's mysteriously redistricted from Truman to Jackson High School. Campbell is shocked at Jackson's lack of cheer squad, but it becomes her mission to impress Danielle, the leader of Jackson's ruthless dance crew. If Campbell can pull an unconventional team together with Danielle's help, she may still be able to fulfill her destiny of winning gold at the National Cheer Championship.

As Campbell and Danielle, Sanna Izmirlian and Darah Davidson performed as if it was what they were born to do. Both portrayed remarkable nuance in their ability to layer confident leadership with teenage insecurity.

Izmirlian embodied Campbell's progression from relying on the rules to becoming more carefree, the catalyst of which was a hysterical dance routine that had Izmirlian proudly twirling in Leprechaun garb. Her strong belt was an excellent fit for Campbell's competitiveness, especially in her determined title number, "Bring It On".

Davidson soared as Danielle, as she balanced her self-assuredness as Jackson's queen bee with sincere hopes for a future at college. Aside from drawing attention with each skilled dance move, Davidson's powerful stylings always shone, especially in the disdainful "We Ain't No Cheerleaders".

Izmirlian and Davidson's well-matched ambition and enthusiasm created an endearing rapport; while initially opposing, the two grew to co-leaders and friends, as their voices united in "We're Not Done".

As Bridget, Campbell's fellow transfer student, Adele Williams delighted with her unrelentingly bubbly personality. Williams was perpetually engaged - she bounced, shimmied, and crunked to every song - and her sparkling soprano elevated her triumphant self-love anthem, "Ain't No Thing".

Both schools had MVPs on their teams. At Truman, Jamie Shegogue's narcissistic Skylar constantly had the audience laughing with her bitter snark. As the conniving sophomore Eva, Michelle Williams showed a "killer instinct" for brilliantly blending syrupy-sweet and scathing dispositions.

At Jackson, Leilani Meyers and Donovan McFadden were fabulous as Nautica and La Cienega, showcasing dynamic dance moves and perfectly timed one-liners. As the laid-back Randall, Christopher Polio displayed a smooth and utterly charismatic voice in "Enjoy the Trip".

Every performer in "Bring It On" moved as part of a finely-tuned design. Each actor maintained impressive individuality while executing the athletic choreography with sensational synchronization. The never-ending energy of the students of Jackson was worthy of the Spirit Stick, especially in the rallying "It's All Happening" and ovation-prompting Nationals routine "Cross The Line".

Well-made projections (Rishabh Karanth) of web searches and video chats added visual hilarity to several scenes. Each of the set pieces was detailed and distinct, including alternating school banners, Jackson's beat-up lockers and vending machines, and Campbell and Eva's eerily identical bedrooms. By using contrasting palettes on the Truman and Jackson teams during competitions, the makeup team further discerned the schools' different styles.

An electric ensemble of performers, terrific technical design, and a sublime score - it's all happening in Northwest High School's pep-filled "Bring It On"!

Lauren Perl
Poolesville High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

"I've got you!"

Northwest High School's energetic production of Lin Manuel Miranda and Tom Kitt's ' "Bring it On" received a standing ovation from a packed audience. The show is a musical adaptation of the 2000 film "Bring it On". The plot revolves around cheerleader and high school senior Campbell Davis (Sanna Izmirlian) and the rivalry between the wealthy Truman High School and Inner-City Jackson High School Cheer Squads. When Campbell is elected captain of the Truman Cheer Team, a rising Sophomore on the squad named Eva (Michelle Williams) abuses her mother's powers on the school board to redistrict solely Campbell to another high school, Jackson High School, that did not currently have a cheerleading team. Campbell befriends three dancers named Danielle (Darah Davidson), Nautica (Leilani Meyers), and La Cienega (Donovan McFadden) at Jackson and convinces them to start a cheer team, falsely promising that the winner of the cheer competition gets college scholarships.

The musical number "Welcome to Jackson" set the tone for the whole production in which the clean, lively, rambunctious, ensemble helps establish an enthusiastic, positive, playful, and edgy dynamic for Jackson High School that is consistent throughout the entirety of the show and greatly contrasts with the Truman High School atmosphere. The choreography for each schools' general population and specifically the schools' cheer squads effectively and entertainingly illustrated the divide between the schools, with Jackson High dancing hip hop and Truman dancing cheer. Both schools' ensembles were incredibly synchronized, clean, and lively, which is particularly noteworthy considering the show featured approximately 110 student performers and these dancers were featured as much as possible. A trampoline was cleverly used and allowed them to fly out of the orchestra pit in the opening number and this set the tone for an incredibly entertaining production due to the director's, Sherion Cosby's, creative use of space and the choreographer's, Shawn Crosby's, spirited and animated choreography. The stark differences in the two schools were further displayed in both costume and lighting, each school has a distinct color that was used to further establish the contrast. Costume-wise, Truman High was generally kept in more traditional, preppy, outfits while Jackson High School students were more likely to be clothed in contemporary street apparel and this was seen in their everyday school outfits and their cheerleading uniforms.

The show cleverly and comically used projections computer graphics to show the redistricting of the school neighborhoods, and Truman High facetime and text conversations. This worked to establish the catty dynamic of the Truman High Cheer squad and to highlight the show's 75 stage crew (tech) members.

The show featured numerous strong talented female performers. Sanna Izmirlian played Campbell with such confidence and likability that she advanced the show and allowed the audience to unwaveringly support her throughout the entirety of the show. Izmirlian was truly a triple threat, quickly moving the audience to her side with her "I want" song titled "One Perfect Moment" and dancing traditional cheer, hip hop, and jazz. Jamie Shegogue as Skylar consistently made the audience laugh, with very deliberate comedic timing and delivery of each of her lines. Darah Davidson played Danielle with an incredibly commanding stage presence, and fierce, sharp, dancing abilities. However, what made this show one for the books was the cohesiveness, enthusiasm, and cleanliness of the ensemble.

"Bring it On" was an energized, polished, humorous show filled with contemporary Broadway fun, moving performances, beautiful choreography, deliberate costumes and lighting, and a fantastic ensemble! Bravo to the Cast and Crew of "Bring It On"!

Maddie Gold
Woodrow Wilson High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

If there was a real spirit stick to be won, Northwest High School's energetic cast of "Bring It On" would take it home by a landslide! Based on the classic 2000s movie, "Bring It On," was musically adapted by Tom Kitt and Lin Manuel Miranda, and premiered in Atlanta, Georgia in 2011. The story follows the life of Campbell and the world of competitive cheerleading as she faces high school mean girls and comes to find her real friends in an unlikely place: a school without a cheerleading squad. The incredible cast of "Bring It On" used their spirit to embody transformations of friendship, identity, and ambition, and truly looked like they were having fun while doing it.

For a show requiring copious amounts of excitement and energy, the ensemble exhibited mastery in their abilities to bring the story to life. Most notably, the ensemble of Jackson High engulfed the stage in charismatic energy as they danced and welcomed Campbell to their school. Leading the group was Danielle (Darah Davidson), the driven, fierce leader of the school's hip-hop crew. Davidson proved to be an incredibly well-rounded performer, as her strong, dynamic voice matched her style and rhythm as a dancer.

From the moment the show started, Campbell (Sanna Izmirlian) commanded the stage with her comfortable presence and carried the development of the plot. She was remarkable in staying consistent with her vocals and energy throughout the show, a hard task for someone with that much stage time. Pairing well with her character was Randall (Christopher Polio), Campbell's love interest at her new school. Polio's chemistry with Izmirlian allowed for effective and heartwarming scenes, and infused meaning into the show. Polio was aided in this by his voice, as his smooth belts left the audience enchanted.

The cheerleading squad of Truman High fueled the show with its helping of mean and manipulation. Skylar (Jamie Shegogue), the popular girl on the team and Campbell's competitor in being captain, stood out for her wicked humor and over the top mannerisms. She portrayed the stereotypical mean girl vey well and put her own spin on it with her wide vocal range and attentiveness to detail in her reactions. In contrast, Bridget (Adele Williams), the unpopular girl who also gets transferred to the new school, blossoms throughout the show. Putting it all out there, Williams was phenomenal in providing a different source of comedy for the show. She stayed committed to her character, keeping her high energy constant, and allowing for growth in the story.

The technical elements of the show were just as dazzling as all of the cheerleading. The integration of modern technology into the show made it not only more entertaining, but more relatable to watch as an audience member. The use of the screen to show the characters googling and face timing added something new to the typical idea of live performance. In addition, the impressive lighting of the show helped to define and strengthen each scene, as the background would change colors based on the school and mood.

Northwest High School's cast of "Bring It On" filled the stage with their energy and enthusiasm, and left the audience wanting more. They proved that there is more than one way to show a little spirit.

Anna Gillespie
South Lakes High School
Submitted for publication to Maryland Theater Guide

"It's all happening" at Northwest High School as they put up a show stopping production of Bring It On!

Loosely based on the 2000 film of the same name, Bring It On premiered at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta Georgia in early 2011, with a book by Jeff Whitty, music by Tom Kitt and Lin Manuel Miranda, and lyrics by Amanda Green and Miranda. Following this, the show embarked on a national tour before settling on Broadway, earning a Tony nomination for Best Musical and Best Choreography.

This peppy musical tells the story of Campbell Davis, a highly competitive cheerleading captain entering her senior year at Truman High School, with her eye on one thing; the national cheerleading championship. After an unexpected redistricting, Campbell is forced to transfer to Jackson High School. Following initially cold interactions, Campbell befriends the Danielle and the rest of the Jackson dance crew, and after a few bumps in the road, she transforms them into a new version of a dynamite cheer squad and faces off with her former squad at Nationals.

Campbell Davis, the heart and soul of the show, was portrayed wonderfully by Sanna Izmirlian. Izmirlian's major strength was her ability to craft honest and believable relationships with each and every character, from those she cherished, to those she could not stand, and everyone in between.

Darah Davidson completely dazzled as Danielle, the sassy and no-nonsense leader of the Jackson crew. Davidson is a true triple threat, delivering stunning vocals in "It's All Happening" and "We're Not Done", emerging as a standout dancer in almost every number, and creating a wonderful and sometimes painful relationship with Campbell, laced with hilarious quips that she delivered with excellent timing.

Randall, played by Christopher Polio effortlessly emerged as a standout within the cast. From the moment he began to sing in "Friday Night Jackson", he was one to watch, bringing a wonderful genuineness as well as a charming chemistry with Campbell.

Adele Williams brought the character of Bridget to life, pushing the character through a mesmerizing metamorphosis, from the depths of insecurity to a soaring self-confidence, all while retaining the same spunk, charm, and quirkiness that swiftly deemed her an audience favorite.

Skylar, played by Jamie Shegogue, and Eva, played by Michelle Williams, perfectly played the mean girls that you love to hate and delivered brilliant vocals in "Tryouts" and "Killer Instinct". Donovan McFadden played the unforgettable character of La Cienega with sharp wit and an even sharper tongue, delivering spectacularly smart one liners throughout the run of the show. When paired with Nautica, played by Leilani Meyers, the two became a lively comedic and unstoppable dance duo.

An absolute highlight of the show was the nearly professional caliber choreography and the impeccable manner in which it was performed by the entire cast, specifically the Jackson High Ensemble. The massive dance ensemble brought an unbelievable energy, an energy that they managed to match during each and every number.

From a technical standpoint, the crew's use of projections was extremely creative and very well executed. By using a homemade screen to magnify the various screens of Campbell's life, projections both added humor as well as a sense of the 21st century to the production.

Alongside masterfully flashy dance numbers, Northwest High School found the heart of the story, and magnificently breathed life into the world of Campbell Davis.

Lauren Zarnick
Riverside High School
Submitted for publication to JAG Wire

They, showed up, and then, damnit, they stole the whole show. Northwest High School's production of "Bring It On" was truly "legendary." Inspired by the 2000 film written by Jessica Bendinger, Jeff Whitty transformed it into a musical with music by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tom Kitt, and lyrics by Miranda and Amanda Green. The story follows a spirited cheerleader, Campbell, through her unforeseen senior year.

At the start of her year Campbell has everything she's ever wanted, but that's quickly torn away by sophomore Eva. Campbell gets redistricted and sent to another school and goes from the polished insider to the outsider filled with anxiety. The peppy teenager is back on top in an instant when she convinces her new friends at Jackson to transform their dance crew into a cheer squad. In order to pull off the stunt she lies and says the winning team at nationals gets an MTV reality show and each member will receive a scholarship to the college of their choosing. When Danielle, the girl who befriended Campbell, finds out about her malicious behavior she disbands the squad immediately. But luckily the members are determined to "cross the line" and the Jackson Irish compete at nationals.

Campbell, a sweet, innocent, but strong-willed girl was portrayed beautifully by actress Sanna Izmirlian. From curtain to closing Sanna shined on stage with her gorgeously toned low range and her skillful acting. When Jamie Shegogue (Skylar) was on stage all eyes were instantly drawn to her. Shegogue had an attitude filled personality flawlessly shown through her body language and tone of voice. Adele Williams (Bridget, another transfer student) had perfect comedic timing and had the audience roaring with practically every move she made. Darah Davidson completely stole the show with her characterization of Danielle. Her vocals were consistently melodic, her acting was scene stealing, and her dancing was eye drawing. Randall, played by Christopher Polio, blew the house down with his astonishing vocal skills. La Cienega (Donovan McFadden) was an incredible performer all around. His perfectly timed lines caused the audience to bust up laughing and his dancing was impeccably executed. The Jackson High ensemble had prodigious stage presence and the moment they entered in the song "Welcome to Jackson" the audience was on the edge of their seats begging for more. The work the cast members put into creating bonds with their co-stars was prominent. Each on stage relationship was distinct from one another, even down to the actor's body language.

In order to differentiate Jackson High from Truman High the costumes were completely transformed. Each individual outfit was unique and were all very obviously thought out. The use of projection to display a variety of visuals was very creative and was seemed to be enjoyed by the audience. The marketing and publicity team, specifically Nazia Islam, had the brilliant idea of attaching show dates to lollipops and handing them out to fellow students. An ingenious invention thought of by the stage crew was, velcro rollers. This tool was used to quickly roll up the cheer mats to make scene transitions smoother.

As the cast finished off the production with the song "I Got You" the audience was dancing in their seats. Northwest High School's production of "Bring It On" was a completely SPIRT filled performance