Bring It On The Musical
The cutthroat world of competitive cheerleading meets the fierce rivalries of high school politics and romance.
Show Essentials
12
Roles
+ Ensemble
PG13
Rated
2
Acts

Full Synopsis

Act One

On her last day of junior year, Campbell Davis prays to be named captain of the Truman High School cheerleading squad ("What I Was Born to Do"). The rest of the squad — including Steven, Campbell's "so handsome it hurts" boyfriend; Skylar and Kylar, two cheertastic besties; and the fresh-faced sophomore, Eva — dream of the notoriety that comes with being a Buccaneers Cheerleader.

Skylar savors the moment as Tryouts are underway and Campbell does make captain. The spunky, full-figured Bridget is cut for the fourth year in a row and relegated to yet another season of being the mascot. The very green, but eager, Eva, however does make the squad. As the rest head off to celebrate, Campbell reflects on the difficulties to come and dreams of that "One Perfect Moment."

At summer Cheer Camp, Eva's nervousness threatens the squad's chance to win the coveted Spirit Stick, an honor that almost always indicates an upcoming Nationals win. To boost Eva's confidence, Campbell takes her aside and names her the Sophomore Spirit Leader — which means that, if Campbell were to lose her position, Eva would be third in the "line of succession" after Skylar and Kylar. After Campbell lifts Eva's spirits, Truman triumphs and celebrates their Spirit Stick win.

Two weeks before the end of summer, Campbell receives a letter with terrible news: she's been redistricted to inner-city Jackson High School. A horrified Kylar informs her that, "They don't even have a squad!" Despite her attempts to stay at Truman, Campbell's fate is sealed, her dream is gone ("What I Was Born to Do – Reprise") and even Steven can't console her.

Campbell arrives at Jackson and discovers that Bridget has been redistricted as well. ("Do Your Own Thing") Amidst all the hard knocks and rough words, the girls meet the charming Randall, an aspiring music producer and self-proclaimed multi-clique mingler. Intimidated and amazed, the pair is wowed by an impromptu performance from Jackson's resident dance crew trio: Nautica, La Cienaga and Danielle, the head of the crew. Campbell's interaction with the "fee-yearce" Danielle is more of the rejected same, but Bridget is an unexpected hit, not only with the three, but especially with the hormonal Twig, who loves her curves. Campbell offers her talents to the crew, but a verbal slip-up turns the Jackson women against her. Danielle firmly explains that "We Ain't No Cheerleaders," and lets Bridget in the crew.

Adding insult to injury, the discouraged Campbell receives a series of voicemails from her old squadmates exclaiming how wonderful the season is going. Sympathetic, Bridget consoles her by taking her to the Burger Pagoda — where, it just so happens, Danielle works. Campbell tries to make amends, but Danielle is unmoved. Danielle's tune changes a bit after Campbell earnestly confronts a pair of entitled rich girls who are harassing Danielle. Impressed and amused by Campbell's spunk, Danielle reconsiders and offers Campbell a one-time chance to dance with the crew. The caveat, though, is that she must do it dressed in an old leprechaun mascot suit ("Friday Night, Jackson"). After a shaky start, Campbell kills it as the leprechaun and causes Randall to become quite smitten. An impressed Danielle gives Campbell an official spot on the Jackson crew.

Later that night, Skylar and Kylar share shocking news: a reduction in Skylar's grades means that she can't be captain... and Kylar has contracted mono. By the rules of succession, Eva is now captain. Campbell suspects that "Something Isn't Right Here." A visit to Eva's house seems to confirm her suspicions. Eva has taken on Campbell's appearance, and Campbell discovers a half-clothed Steven "studying" there, as well. Unconvinced by their explanations, Campbell breaks up with Steven and feverishly goes to Skylar and Kylar, who accuse her of paranoia and jealousy. Assessing the situation with Bridget, Campbell learns that Eva's mother is on the school board — the body in charge of redistricting. Outraged and certain of a conspiracy, Campbell decides to get back at Eva by assembling a squad at Jackson and crushing her at Nationals. It's time to "Bring It On."

Act Two

Campbell approaches a reluctant Danielle about creating a cheerleading squad at Jackson. When Campbell reveals that a Nationals win includes college scholarships for each winning member, the determined and educationally driven Danielle agrees. The girls set out to assemble a squad ("It's All Happening"), but some of the facts that Campbell uses to recruit members are somewhat questionable. Nonetheless, a squad — that includes Bridget — is formed.

Training is off and running. Randall flirtingly presents Campbell with the routine music that he's put together, and a few of the squad members present a saucy dance that Campbell has to inform them would cause the judges to "deduct hella points" if they were to do it. The understanding ladies are then given a crash course in "cheer faces."

At the Regional Competition weeks later, Truman watches Jackson perform. While Eva, Steven and Kylar are wowed, Skylar is smugly convinced that "Truman Is Better." Although Jackson takes second to Truman, they accumulate enough points to qualify for Nationals. The squads exchange a few backhanded compliments, and the competitive tension becomes palpable.

Back at school, Twig asks Bridget on a date, and Bridget shyly declines. This calls for an intervention from Nautica and La Cienega, who assure her that "It Ain't No Thing" when it comes to her insecurities. Her self-esteem boosted, Bridget chases after Twig. Meanwhile, Randall asks Campbell on a picnic date on the cliffs above their town, to which she happily accepts.

Moments later, the furious Jackson crew confronts Campbell. Danielle has discovered that Campbell lied about the college scholarships as a Nationals prize, and, as a result, Danielle discontinues their friendship and disbands the squad. Although disconsolate and disgusted with herself ("What Was I Thinking?"), Campbell still shows up for her date with Randall. After some playful ribbing, he encourages her to "Enjoy the Trip" that is this life, as opposed to stressing out so much.

Eva dishes and embellishes on the story of Jackson's squad troubles to Skylar and Kylar. Then, in a private moment, Eva celebrates the "Killer Instinct" she showed in creating her path to captain by blackmailing her own mother to get Campbell transferred, hacking the school's system and changing Skylar's grade, hiring "some sick guy to lick Kylar's toothbrush."

At Jackson, Bridget shows off her Twig hickey to the girls. Campbell pulls Danielle aside and offers a profuse, pained apology. Danielle is still hurt by the lie, but acknowledges the joy that their work brought her. Campbell explains that the experience changed her to the point where she no longer felt any ambition to go to Nationals — their friendship should have always been paramount. Despite her conflicting feelings, Danielle decides to continue working together ("We're Not Done"). Nationals is back on!

At Nationals, Truman gives a legendary performance of their routine. As the squad recovers, Campbell congratulates Skylar and Kylar. Shocked at Campbell's presence, Eva tries to undermine her confidence in the holding area among the entire Jackson squad. Eva's efforts escalate, and the conversation culminates with the revelation of her villainous behavior ("Eva's Rant"). Nonetheless, Jackson takes to the mat and offers an exuberant, mind-blowing routine that breaks the rules of cheerleading, but inspires wild cheering from the arena ("Cross the Line").

They leave the floor, confident in the fact that they said their piece and got the crowd "ROWDY," but, because of their disregard for the rules, Jackson doesn't place and Truman wins Nationals. Campbell is offered a trophy by Randall, though. Sure, it's his Pinewood Derby trophy from Cub Scouts, but thanks to a sharpie, it reads "First place for everything that matters."

Together in celebration, the Truman squad and Jackson squad forge a friendship that is worth far more than any National Title ("I Got You").

Casting
← Back to Bring It On The Musical
Cast Size: Medium (11 to 20 performers)
Cast Type: Mainly Women
Dance Requirements: Heavy

Character Breakdown

Campbell
A senior head cheerleader whose world gets turned upside-down when she transfers schools. She is constantly working towards the goal of a championship and her "one perfect moment". After using her friends to exact revenge, she realizes that friendship is much more lasting than a trophy.
Gender: female
Age: 17 to 19
Danielle
The head of the Jackson dance crew. She has fought her way from nothing to make a name for herself, which leads her to not put a lot of stock into people like Campbell. But she has a tendency to bring down her walls and embrace a true friendship.
Gender: female
Age: 17 to 19
Nautica
One of the Jackson dance crew. Not the sharpest person on the squad, but is loud enough to make up for it.
Gender: female
Age: 16 to 19
Randall
Jackson's school DJ, mellow and friendly. A true Cinderella story, working his way from a dorky freshman to a smooth senior. He becomes attracted to Campbell for her heart, bravery, and determination.
Gender: male
Age: 17 to 19
La Cienega

A transgender woman. Any ethnicity. Her gender is simply not an issue, accepted by her friends, barely referred to. BFFs with Nautica and Danielle. Has a wicked tongue but a generous spirit.

Age: 15 to 19
Steven
The only male cheerleader on the Buccaneers and Campbell's boyfriend. Tender and comforting, but not the most adept to his surroundings.
Gender: male
Age: 17 to 19
Kylar
One of the Buccaneers cheerleaders. An extremely loyal follower of Skylar who keeps her intelligence hidden under a bushel.
Gender: female
Age: 16 to 18
Eva
Campbell's neighbor and the newest member of the Buccaneers cheerleaders. Her initial impression is one of naiveté and meekness. But she proves to be a social climber who schemes to take over Campbell's life at any cost.
Gender: female
Age: 15 to 18
Twig
One of the Jackson students and a hip-hop artist. His hormones make him lust after Bridget.
Gender: male
Age: 15 to 19
Bridget
The mascot for the Buccaneers. Nerdy and out of shape, but she strives for a place on the cheerleading team. Despite being an outcast, she has a good heart and a great spirit.
Gender: female
Age: 15 to 19
Skylar
One of the senior Buccaneers cheerleaders. Her popularity has given her quite the mean streak, though she does not have the brains to make up for it.
Gender: female
Age: 17 to 19
Cameron
One of the Jackson students, a hip-hop artist. A combination class clown and attempted ladies' man, but he strives for fame and fortune.
Gender: male
Age: 16 to 19
Ensemble
Announcer; Truman Squad (Steven); Goths; Jackson Students (Carter, Brooklyn); Singer
Full Song List
Bring It On The Musical: Overture
Bring It On The Musical: What I Was Born To Do
Bring It On The Musical: Tryouts
Bring It On The Musical: One Perfect Moment
Bring It On The Musical: What I Was Born To Do (Reprise)
Bring It On The Musical: Do Your Own Thing
Bring It On The Musical: We Ain't No Cheerleaders
Bring It On The Musical: Friday Night, Jackson
Bring It On The Musical: Something Isn't Right Here
Bring It On The Musical: Bring It On
Bring It On The Musical: It's All Happening
Bring It On The Musical: Better
Bring It On The Musical: It Ain't No Thing
Bring It On The Musical: Enjoy The Trip
Bring It On The Musical: Killer Instinct
Bring It On The Musical: We're Not Done
Bring It On The Musical: Legendary
Bring It On The Musical: Eva's Rant
Bring It On The Musical: Cross The Line
Bring It On The Musical: I Got You

Show History

Inspiration

Bring It On, with music by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, lyrics by Amanda Green and Lin-Manuel Miranda, and a book by Jeff Whitty, is loosely based on the 2000 film, Bring It On. Whitty, the Tony-winning book writer of Avenue Q, decided to take the film's concept of competitive high school cheerleading and create an entirely new story. Instead of focusing on the movie's plot of one school stealing another's cheers, the musical centers around the main character being transferred to an inner-city school and attempting to fit in with its cheerleading community. Kitt and Green, who had previously worked together on the musical, High Fidelity, collaborated with the Tony-winning Miranda to create a score that is heavily influenced by contemporary music and rap.

Productions

Bring It On The Musical premiered in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Alliance Theatre on January 15, 2011. The production was directed and choreographed by Tony winner, Andy Blankenbuehler, and featured performances from cheerleaders across the country. After the show closed on February 20, a national tour started up at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles in November. It ran until June 2, 2012, traveling everywhere from San Francisco to Toronto.

The musical premiered on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on August 1, 2012, in a limited engagement until December 30 of the same year. The tour cast came back together to perform for the short run. A Non-Equity tour launched in New Haven, Connecticut, on January 16, 2014.

Cultural Influence

  • Bring It On was the first major musical to have the choreography focus on gymnastics. As a result, it has been highly praised for its new style of stage movement.
  • The Broadway cast of Bring It On has performed on shows and at events like "The Today Show," "America's Got Talent" and the 2012 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Trivia

  • The Broadway production of Bring It On was nominated for two Tony Awards (Best Musical and Best Choreography) and five Drama Desk Awards (including Outstanding Book of a Musical, Outstanding Lyrics, Outstanding Director of a Musical and Outstanding Choreography) in 2013.
  • Bring It On has served as the Broadway premiere for several significant young performers, including: Neil Haskell, Adrienne Warren and Elle McLemore.

Critical Reaction

"It's been a long time since I enjoyed a new musical quite as much as Bring It On.... With a sassy libretto by Jeff Whitty and a songwriting team that includes Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tom Kitt, and Amanda Green, Blankenbuehler has fashioned a spectacle whose exceptionally high levels of energy keep audiences rooting for the dancers and cheerleaders."
– The Huffington Post

"The primary delights in Bring It On are the breathtaking displays of human fireworks that send the show's well-drilled dancers flying skyward, forming towering human pyramids, or tumbling across the stage backward, like electric-powered Slinkys. ...This is also the only musical I've seen that had me regularly gasping at the human pyrotechnics on display."
– The New York Times

"A high-energy stage spectacle with good songs and thrilling gymnastic dance numbers. ...A completely successful evening of professional-grade musical theater. ...The songs are catchy, the lyrics are clever, the dialogue is snappy and the performances are impressive."
– The News Observer

"Bring It On is true to its movie source and delivers a positive message about the power of friendship and acceptance. The show flashes its spirit with funny one-liners, some jazzy songs, and plenty of high school drama."
– Entertainment Weekly

"The show brings a lot to like: A crew of talented Broadway newbies, a blast of infectious feel-good and, most memorably, dazzling dancing and cheering-squad routines.... [Jeff Whitty] is on his A-game. His script, which shows a keen ear for teen-speak, is topical, toothy and consistently giggle-inducing."
– New York Daily News

"Bring It On certainly gives fierce face, but it also backs up that glittering grill with just enough sinew and substance – musical, physical and textual – to put it in trophy contention as a worthy, weightless delight, a guilty pleasure you needn't feel too guilty about. ...The rhythmic and harmonic textures created by Kitt, Miranda, and arranger Alex Lacamoire are an unmistakable advance on the pop-Broadway norm. ...This is indeed stage spectacle with many moving parts, only this time – wonderfully, refreshingly – nearly all of them are human."
– Vulture

Connect

Billing

Inspired by the motion picture, Bring It On, released by Universal Pictures and written by Jessica Bendingere

Requirements

You must give the authors/creators billing credits, as specified in the Production Contract, in a conspicuous manner on the first page of credits in all programs and on houseboards, displays and in all other advertising announcements of any kind.
Percentages listed indicate required type size in relation to title size.
BRING IT ON
(100%)
THE MUSICAL
(33.3%)
 
Libretto by
Music by
Lyrics by
JEFF WHITTY
(50%)
TOM KITT & LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA
(50%)
AMANDA GREEN & LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA 
(50%)
Inspired by the Motion Picture Bring It On Written by Jessica Bendinger
(25%)
 
The following credits shall appear on the title page for all programs:
 
Arrangements and Orchestrations
Alex Lacamoire & Tom Kitt
(35%)
 
Originally produced for Broadway by
(40%)
Universal Stage Productions/
 Glenn Ross
(40%)
Beacon Communications/
Armyan Bernstein & Charlie Lyons
(40%)
and
Kristin Caskey & Mike Isaacson
Executive Producers
(40%)
 
World Premiere produced by Alliance Theater, Atlanta, GA, Susan V. Booth, Artistic Director
(30%)
 
Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by
Andy Blankenbuehler
(50%)
 
TM and © Bring It On The Musical LLC.  All Rights Reserved.
 
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, in advertisements of less than 1/4 page size or where only the title of the play, performance dates and venue are provided, the following “shortened billing” is permissible:
 
BRING IT ON
(100%)
THE MUSICAL
(33%)

Video Warning

In accordance with the Performance License, you MUST include the following warning in all programs and in a pre-show announcement:

ANY VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

Included Materials

ItemQuantity Included
KEYBOARD1 - CONDUCTOR SCORE1
LIBRETTO/VOCAL BOOK25
PIANO VOCAL SCORE1

Production Resources

Resource
CUSTOMIZABLE SHOW POSTER
FULL SCORE ACT 1
FULL SCORE ACT 2
HOW DOES THE SHOW GO ON-10/CS
HOW DOES THE SHOW GO ON?
KEYBOARD PATCH SOLUTIONS
KEYBOARDTEK
LOGO PACK
LOGO PACK DIGITAL
ORCHEXTRA
PERFORMANCE ACCOMPANIMENT RECORDING
PRODUCTIONPRO-DIGITAL SCRIPT/SCORE
REFERENCE RECORDING
REHEARSAL ACCOMPANIMENT RECORDING
STAGE MANAGER SCRIPT
STAGE WRITE APPLICATION
STREAMING LICENSE
SUBPLOT CUSTOMIZED SHOW POSTER
TRANSPOSITIONS-ON-DEMAND

STANDARD ORCHESTRATION

InstrumentationDoubling
DRUMSDRUM KIT , DRUM PADS (VARIOUS) , PICCOLO SNARE , POPCORN SNARE , SCHOOL BELL (SFX) , TAMBOURINE , TEMPLE BLOCKS , TRIANGLE
ELECTRIC BASS
GUITARELECTRIC GUITAR , STEEL STRG ACOUSTIC
GUITAR 2ELECTRIC GUITAR , NYLON STRG ACOUSTIC
KEYBOARD 2
PERCUSSIONCAXIXI , CHINA CYMBAL , CONCERT BASS DRUM , CRASH CYMBAL , DJEMBE , DRUM KIT , DRUM PADS (VARIOUS) , FINGER CYMBALS , FLOOR TOM , GLOCKENSPIEL , GRAN CASA , GYM WHISTLE , MARCH SNARE , MARK TREE , PICCOLO SNARE , PLASTIC MARACA , POPCORN SNARE , SHAKER , SMALL SHAKER , SUSPENDED CYMBAL , TAMBOURINE , TIMBALE , TRIANGLE