Bring it on is funny and solid

FAYETTEVILLE — “Bring It On: The Musical” delivers a big dose of high school, both the ups and the downs.

Told through the prism of competitive cheerleading, this story is about the strength of teams and friendships and the confusion and hope of the teenage years.

A touring production of the musical opened Tuesday night (Feb. 7) at the Walton Arts Center, attracting a truly all-ages crowd, from youngsters through those in their 80s. Performances run through Sunday.

The opening-night audience loved every minute of this high-energy show, from the high-flying tosses, rapid tumbles and infectious spirit of the cast.

The cast of “Bring it On: The Musical” has an a definite advantage over the typical triple threats in theater, who can act, sing and dance. This cast also has cheer, with many of the members being former cheerleaders.

The cheer scenes were well-choreographed, with countless impressive lifts, flips, tumbles and tosses. But, cheer and other action moves constantly filled the stage, providing a satisfying visual effect.

Campbell (Taylor Louderman), a well-off blond, is captain of her cheer squad at Truman High School. She was born to cheer and is fiercely competitive. Early on, she sings, “There is no second place; you’re either flying or falling.”

She’s traumatized when, through dubious circumstances, her house falls victim to school zone redistricting, and she ends up at Jackson High School. It’s an entirely different world, with a metal detector and no cheer squad.

That doesn’t mean they’re without dance, only here it’s done by a hip-hop crew, led by Danielle (Adrienne Warren).

In this new territory, Campbell learns that her newfound friends have worked harder for success than she had to. But she also realizes that friendships can be easily won and lost. She wins Danielle’s trust after accepting her challenge to dance as the school mascot — in a leprechaun suit, complete with green plaid pants, big-buckled black shoes and a red-bearded, pointy-eared head. Turns out, she’s pretty good.

After seeing the crew’s hip-hop moves and set on revenge, Campbell persuades Danielle and others to train and compete in the regional cheerleading competition and eventually go to nationals. The pair sing a sweet duet about friendship and cheerleading as they prepare to compete.

A major delight of this show is Bridget, played by Ryann Redmond. It’s her first national tour, and she is charming, fearless and funny. She plays the chubby girl who’s never known how to fit in. She’s literally the mascot (a parrot with an eyepatch) instead of a cheerleader at Truman High. She also transfers to Jackson High after the redistricting and has a new start, with her outlook on life and even romance.

She shows off her amazing voice in a song with Nautica (Ariana DeBose) and La Cienega (a cross-dresser played by Gregory Haney).

The set is sparse and multi-purpose with lockers that turn into doors and dance platforms. Drop-down video screens add another dimension, with photography, videoconferencing and off-stage events.

This show is recommended for ages 10 and older, which is a good thing, for some of the language is questionable, though it’s not anything you wouldn’t hear in the halls of high school. The way it’s neatly tucked into the song lyrics is at times gut-busting hilarious.

Though the humor and gymnastic feats were impressive throughout this production, the vocal quality and strength of the ensemble was fantastic and moving. This cast in solid, individually and as a team.

In the end, Campbell learns that only with her real friends can she truly fly. And, if they’re going to fall, they’ll fall together.

Tickets start at $53 and are available at the Walton Arts Center website.