Director: Lee Armitage Musical Director: Maria Colvin Lead Choreographer: Tanya Gould Producer: Waikato Diocesan School for Girls
Give me a S! Give me an O! Give me a L! Give me a D! Give me an O! Give me a U! Give me a T! What have you got? SOLD OUT!
In 2019, Waikato Diocesan School for Girls chose their school chapel for their season of ‘The Sound of Music.’ It was an inspired choice. This year the Nancy Light Hall in the Piki Mahuta Centre was the location of ‘Bring It On: The Musical,’ and once again the setting was Perfection.
With the band situated on the stage, the floor polished to within an inch of its life, and the wings made up of oversized double-storied school lockers, the scene was set.
Bring It On: The Musical is loosely based on the 2000 movie and delves into the world of competitive high school cheerleading. Campbell is about to lead the Truman High squad to the national cheer competition. The plan unravels as her home address is rezoned and she has to move to a vastly different school. The Jackson High students are more interested in hip hop than cheerleading. Campbell works hard to befriend her new classmates. She then convinces them to pivot the hip hop crew into a cheer squad and to enter the nationals.
The role of Campbell (Ishbel Eade) was a massive undertaking requiring vocal and acting chops alongside strong dance ability. Eade was enthusiastic and likeable, and her confidence shone through.
Jackson High’s queen bee Danielle was played by multi-talented Xanthe Wainui-Mackle. Triple threat Wainui-Mackle completely owned the role and her command of the stage was exceptional.
Act Two was filled with toe-tapping songs. Highlights included ‘It Ain’t No Thing’ and ‘Killer Instinct.’ Lead choreographer Tanya Gould made an excellent decision to invite past and current students to choreograph numbers, and to bring in Cheer Dynamix coach Sharnie Cassells to create the pinnacle cheer routine.
There were lots of moments for the cast members to shine with their dance skills, gymnastics training, vocal talent and comedic timing in colourful and fun costumes. There are too many to name individually, but a particular standout was Mr Watson in his cameo role. He was definitely a crowd favourite.
Music Director Maria Colvin kept the show moving at pace with her talented musicians and backing vocalists. The sound and volume was ideal for the hall. The use of projection across the lockers was magnificent and executed with impeccable timing. The graphics and video content were clever, particularly the nod to Google searches, text conversations, and the inclusion of a Zoom call.
Dio is blessed to have Lee Armitage to direct their school musicals. Armitage is very insightful and knows how to keep the action dynamic throughout. The oversized lockers were superb for entrances and exits and allowed Armitage to explore various uses for different scenes. Even the preparation of the floor for the cheer competition scene was well thought out and executed.
It is at this point in a review where I usually list the details for purchasing tickets but alas like I said right at the beginning, Bring It On: The Musical is SOLD OUT! Congratulations to the Dio production team, cast, band, BVs and crew who made this fantastic show so memorable.
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