Mona Hassan

South Lakes High School

Do you have what it takes to be part of a squad? Well, Clarksburg High School does, and they sure can "bring it" in their production of Bring It On.

Bring It On is a musical that is loosely based on the 2000 film of the same name. The music was composed by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, with the book by Jeff Whitty. In the show, Campbell, after being elected cheer captain of the Truman squad, is mysteriously redistricted.

At her new school, Jackson High, Campbell, played by Ydiany Quiroz, finds out that her new school lacks a cheer team. She befriends Danielle, leader of a dance crew, and the two work together to create an unconventional team to compete at the cheer championships. In Friday Night Jackson, the Jackson crew's lively choreography energized the audience. The number also allowed Ydiany Quiroz to showcase her dancing capabilities.

The romantic chemistry between Randall, played by Ricky Cardenas, and Quiroz fully encapsulated the "will they, won't they" notion portrayed throughout the show. Cardenas and Quiroz harmonized beautifully as their connection grew.Bridget, portrayed by Adanaa Kwapong, had a quirkiness to her that made the audience feel attached to her shy persona. Eva, played by Kendall Stewart, had excellent characterization that illustrated her development from an innocent sophomore to a lively diva. Stewart's comedic prowess had the audience howling, and her breakout moment was in Killer Instinct, which demonstrated her vocal and comedic talent.

The ASL interpreters were a standout with their interpreting on pace, while being engaging and interesting for the audience.Choreography in the show was mesmerizing to watch. The ensemble executed their moves perfectly, enthralling the audience.Costuming was detailed allowing the audience to discern which setting they were in. Campbell's costumes stood out from the rest of the group, showing she was in an unfamiliar setting.

Set changes flowed smoothly as the show progressed. A unique element to the set was projection of the redistricting map. Other elements that provided depth to the show was Jackson High's beat up lockers and the colorful burger restaurant set. The lighting also stood out. For example, while Campbell was discussing the possibility of being jealous of Eva, the lighting turned green, complementing the scene.

Despite some mic and projection issues, the cast was able to create a sense of individuality among their characters. With terrific choreography, comedic timing, and vocal talent in Clarksburg High School's Bring It On, you'll "enjoy the trip"!

Warren Dansou

Northwest High School

They were born to do this! Clarksburg High School's "Bring It On The Musical"! is soul-shaking, ground-breaking, and history in the making! The show is a musical adaptation of the 2000 film "Bring it On".

The plot follows cheerleader and high school senior Campbell Davis (Ydiany Quiroz). When Campbell is elected captain of the Truman Cheer Team, jealous sophomore, Eva (Kendall Stewart) uses her mother's position on the school board to redistrict Campbell to the local "slum" school, Jackson High School. Campbell soon befriends the elite queens of Jackson: Danielle (Renee Agben), Nautica (Tania Allen), and La Cienega (Vanessa Luna) and convinces them to start a cheer team, promising them scholarship money.

The eccentric choreography, wonderfully done by Ricky Cardenas, Vanessa Luna, and Tania Allen entertainingly divides the schools; in addition to the distinct color schemes. Jackson High's clean cut and edgy hip hop strongly contrasts Truman's intense cheer and gymnastics elements. Both schools' ensembles were incredibly synchronized, clean, and lively. Costume-wise, the preppy Truman High was kept in bright colors while Jackson High School students were in contemporary street apparel with a darker tone, making Campbell stand out as the Jackson students did their own thing.

Quiroz perfectly embodied Campbell as she belted her progression from relying on the rules and winning to changing her definition of winning and knowing what really mattered- true friendship. She had her time to shine during "Friday Night Jackson" as she seduced her love interest, Randall, in a goofy leprechaun mascot suit.

Renee Agben thrived as Danielle, as she exhibited her exquisite mix and belt as Jackson's queen bee. She made sure it was known that she was not a cheerleader along with her crew in "We Ain't No Cheerleaders" through her soulful powerhouse vocals.

As Bridget, Campbell's only friend from the transfer, she made audience members laugh with her bubbly and socially awkward personality. Adanna Kwapong was engaging as a quirky teenage. She grew into her own because of Danielle's crew and her sass and soul showed through her self-love anthem, "It Ain't No Thing".

The show featured snarky Jeanne Lubika playing Skylar. She injected impeccable comedic timing and brattiness into every utterance. Her ability to sing virtually any style made her a key player in the success of the show. She was paired with her absent-minded second hand, Kylar played by Ishika Naik, who never failed to keep the audience rolling in laughter.

As the conniving sophomore Eva, Kendall Stewart let everyone know her "killer instinct" was for taking over Campbell's life and winning Nationals. Stewart exhibited the ideal villain as she kept up the good girl persona with a sweet and powerful voice. She tumbled and flipped across the stage in Truman's competition routine "Legendary" as a true cheerleader.

As the laid-back and confident Randall, Ricky Cardenas displayed a smooth and silvery voice in "Enjoy the Trip" as the audience swooned to his well-controlled vibrato. He had everyone wishing they were Campbell and he did not hold back on the talent he had to share as he danced and cheered his way to Nationals.

"Bring it On" was clean, funny, and contemporary. The beautiful choreography, creative and professional grade costumes, flawless chemistry, along with a fantastic ensemble proved that this show was worthy of as many spirit sticks as they could be awarded. It's all happening at Clarksburg High School.