Looking Ahead: BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL Opens, a Video Sneak Peek, Press Clippings and More…

Get your pompoms ready because BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL opens Tuesday, April 10, and runs through Sunday, April 15, in Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center!  The entirely original musical comedy combines an exciting new sound, gravity-defying choreography and a thrilling story to create a total theatrical event that you’ll want to cheer!

Set against the world of competitive cheerleading, this powerhouse  show raises the stakes on over-the-top team rivalries and hilariously proves that winning isn’t everything when it means losing something – or someone – you really care about.

• BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL Bridges Worlds of Cheerleading and Dance

Musical theater and cheerleading may sound like odd partners at first, but the idea of bringing the intense energy of competitive cheerleading with its rhythmic numbers and acrobatic stunts to the stage is kind of irresistible.  It’s certainly worked for “Glee.” The development of a cheerleading-themed musical was only a matter of time.  Where better to look for inspiration than Hollywood’s most successful cheerleading film franchise: 2000′s “Bring it On,” which has grossed over $90 million worldwide and spawned four sequels.

To ease the transition director/choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler cast “triple threat” actors/dancers/singers.  While Blankenbuehler chose multi-talented performers Adrienne Warren of the recent Dreamgirls revival tour and newcomer Taylor Louderman as lead rivals Danielle and Campbell, the all new story follows the urban vs. suburban warring squads of the film.  Twelve champion-level cheerleaders fill out the teams.

CLICK HERE to read the full story in the Spring/Summer 2012 issue of OnStage Magazine.

• Want a taste of what you can expect?

In the Press!

• The Charlotte Observer‘s Julie Reed Bell spoke with Director/Choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, who said “Cheerleading is really and truly a sport.”  The physical feats are stunning, Blankenbuehler says, but what most surprised him was the emotion behind what cheerleaders do.  CLICK HERE for the full interview.
• Page Leggett, from Charlotte Magazine, spoke with Jeff Whitty (Librettist for BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL), who describes the book as “juicy and fun.”  He also calles the choreography “the incredible gravy on top of this show.”  CLICK HERE for the full interview.

Media Appearances!

Wednesday, April 11

• FOX News Rising – Neil Haskell (Steven) and Ariana Debose (Nautica) will be interviewed around 8:40 AM.  You may remember them from So You Think You Can Dance.
• WFAE “Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins” - Taylor Louderman (Campbell), Adrienne Warren (Danielle) and Gregory Haney (La Cienega) will be on from 9:30 a.m. to 10 AM.
• WBTV (CBS) Weekend – Kristen Miranda will visit Belk Theater and interview several cast members during stunt training.  The interview will air on Saturday, April 14, during the 7 AM hour.
• WBTV (CBS) News at 4 PM – Ryann Redmond (Bridget) will sit down with anchor Brigida Mack at around 4:20 PM for an interview.

Friday, April 13

• WBTV News at Noon – Kate Rockwell (Skylar) visits the studio around 12:20 p.m.

BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL is April 10-15 to Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.  CLICK HERE for more information on BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL.