Review: BRING IT ON at Pumphouse Takapuna

The epitome of youthful vitality entertained with endless energy at North Shore Musical Theatre's Bring It On at The Pumphouse Theatre Takapuna.

The future of New Zealand Theatre is in good hands if the high calibre performances onstage for this New Zealand premiere of Bring It On are anything to go by.

The show features a story by Tony Award winner, Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music and lyrics by Tony Award-winning composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights, Hamilton) and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical.

This all-American high school story takes audiences on a high-flying journey filled with the teenage complexities of friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness.

The show demands high-energy physicality as well as top singing and all cast members achieved this with ease. I didn't detect a huff, a puff or a bead of sweat as the cast performed full-on, high energy number time and time again.

The first act was very busy and the audience were treated to a visual extravaganza on the full stage culminating in a rousing "Bring It On" to give everyone something to talk about during the interval.

Act Two was more diverse and my favourites 'It Ain't No Thing' and Kate Sampson's awesome performance of 'Eva's Rant' stayed in my head well after the show was over.

All cast members performed with a credibility beyond their years.

Samantha Campbell was the anchor of the show and kept it moving along with her very talented performances. Comedic side kick Xanthe Pavlovich provided plenty of laughs as did Jaymee Brearly along and Kristin Paulse provided a fresh and earthy stage presence winning the audience over with her originality.

The choreography (Gemma Boswell) was great and the cheerleading moves were creatively worked in. The basketball number was a personal favourite and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Don't miss out on the very narrow window of opportunity you have to see this show. You'll definitely shake off the winter blues. Closing night is sold out so get moving and book here: https://nz.patronbase.com/_PumpH.../Productions/.../Performances

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