What were the biggest challenges for you with this show ?
There were many challenges! Casting was the number one challenge and the first step of the process to get right. This show requires strong dancers who sing, act, acrobatic / tumbling skills and also the ability to be trained in cheerleading stunt work. On top of this there are certain ethnicity requirements to tell the story correctly and also all of the ensemble need to cover lead roles. It was quite an extensive audition process in order to find our brilliant multi skilled fearless cast!
The other major challenge was the sheer amount of choreographic content to be created / staged in a short 2.5 week rehearsal period. Not for the faint hearted!
What draws you to a project?
A few things! Sometimes it’s the opportunity to tell a story or a particular musical that hasn’t been done before in Australia before (Bring it On). Sometimes it’s the chance to put my own stamp on a well known piece. Often it’s about the creative team or company Im working with. I think the most enjoyable creative processes for me have been on projects that are entirely original works / musicals from scratch. I’ll always jump at the chance to do a project like that.
How is the choreography and rehearsals of a show like this different to a standard musical?
There are two very different choreographic languages in Bring it On. For the Truman high school world the language is all mechanical cheerleading vocabulary and about shapes, precision, patterns, and combinations of stunt work and acrobatics. A real spectacle. For the Jackson High School world the language is all urban / HipHop based movement that is less presentational and more naturalistic / feel based.
The cheerleading routines in the show are the most complicated and require the most rehearsal time to ensure both the execution of stunts and choreography is seamless and consistently safe. This meant we started day one with a cheerleading coach to train the cast in the correct technique for stunt work, and then daily we would have dedicated cheer training time to build up stamina for the cast. It really is a huge team effort and the cast get to know each other pretty quickly when they’re throwing each other into the air!
What is the craziest/funniest most interesting thing that has happened in rehearsals so far?
Watching the faces / reactions of the cast as they tackle the stunts and lifts for the first time. It can be quite amusing some of the awkward positions they end up in it they don’t quite nail it!
What is the most valuable piece of advice that you have been given?
Musical theatre choreography is about story telling.
Who has inspired you the most personally or professionally?
My parents have always been hard working, career driven people, who are very successful but always humble. I always strive to be like them.
Creatively I am inspired by many different choreographers and dance makers, from the classic MGM movie dancers to today’s commercial choreographers. Right now I’m very inspired by the work of Andy Blankenbeuhler, Mia Michaels, Laurieann Gibson, Twyla Tharp just to name a few.
If you could send out a tweet that would reach the entire world, what would it say?
Be kind to one another.
Thanks for your time Michael.
Bring It: On The Musical
Original story by Tony Award winner, Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music and lyrics by Tony Award-winning composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights, Hamilton), music by Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning composer, Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), lyrics by Broadway lyricist, Amanda Green (High Fidelity), and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Musical.
27 Aug – 8 Sep
Wed – Sat 7:30pm
Tue: 8pm
Matinee: Sat 2pm/Sun 1pm
Venue: State Theatre
Theatre Company: David Venn
Duration: N/A
Campbell is cheer-royalty at Truman High School and her senior year should prove the most cheertastic – she’s been named captain of the squad! But, an unexpected redistricting has forced her to spend her final year of high school at the neighbouring hard-knock Jackson High School. Despite having the deck stacked against her, Campbell befriends the dance crew girls and, along with their headstrong and hardworking leader, Danielle, manages to form a powerhouse squad for the ultimate competition – the National Championships.
Following sold out Melbourne performances and nominated for Best Production (Green Room Awards), this high energy hit features an exciting fresh sound and explosive choreography with aerial stunts.
Ticket Prices
$99.90 – 119.9 plus booking fee
