Real life cheerleaders and camp instructors add authenticity to the new musical comedy debuting in January 2011.
Memphis, Tenn. (December 7, 2010) – The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia has announced the cast of its brand new musical comedy, Bring It On: The Musical, which includes eight experienced cheerleaders. The cast includes some of the nation’s most skilled cheerleaders, who were selected through collaboration with Varsity, the nation’s leading source for all things related to cheerleading and dance team. Five of the eight cheerleaders were also instructors for Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), a Varsity brand.
Bring It On: The Musical comes to life through the talents of Broadway’s brightest young creators. With an original book by Tony Award®-winner Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music and lyrics by Tony® Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (In The Heights), music by Pulitzer and Tony® Award-winning composer Tom Kitt (Next to Normal) and lyrics by Broadway lyricist Amanda Green (High Fidelity), this wholly original new musical is directed and choreographed by Tony® Award winner Andy Blankenbuehler (In The Heights).
“Varsity is excited to be a part of this dynamic musical,” says Nicole Lauchaire, Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Communications for Varsity. “We know that the addition of UCA instructors and real cheerleaders will lend authenticity to the overall production. We can’t wait to see them in action.”
Bring It On: The Musical collaborated with Varsity on casting the show, and among the experienced cast members are eight former cheerleaders. Cast members with cheer backgrounds include:
Lauren Whitt: a cheerleader at the University of Central Florida and was a member of Team USA, the cheer team that represents the United States at the International Cheer Union World Championships. Lauren is also a UCA Camp Instructor.
Dave Ranck: a cheerleader at Morehead State University and UCA Camp Instructor.
Courtney Corbeille: a cheerleader for both the University of Oklahoma and the Spirit of Texas All Stars. Courtney is also a UCA Camp Instructor.
Brooklyn Freitag: a cheerleader for both the University of Louisville All Girl team and the Kentucky Elite Allstars.
Antwan Bethea: a cheerleader at East Carolina University and a UCA Camp Instructor.
Michael Carter: a cheerleader at Hofstra University.
Sheldon Tucker: a cheerleader at Hawaii Pacific University and a UCA Camp Instructor.
Melody Mills, a former cheerleader and current member of the NY Jets dance team.
Varsity’s camp brands (including UCA, NCA, USA and ACA) are the leaders in education and training for cheerleaders, with camps in every state instructing more than 300,000 cheerleaders every summer. Varsity has televised its national championships on the ESPN Networks for more than 25 years, and is credited with raising the athleticism and profile of cheerleading worldwide.
Bring It On: The Musical is presented at the Alliance Theatre by special arrangement with Universal Pictures Stage Productions/Glenn Ross, Beacon Communications/Armyan Bernstein & Charlie Lyons, and Kristin Caskey & Mike Isaacson, Executive Producers.
Bring It On: The Musical will be performed on the Alliance Stage with previews beginning Saturday, January 15, 2011 with opening night planned for Friday, January 28. The run will continue through Sunday, February 20. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $25 and are available at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office by calling 404.733.5000 or online at alliancetheatre.org. Discount rates for groups of 10 or more are available by calling 404-733-4690. Discount rates are also available for members of the military, seniors and students. The Alliance Theatre is located at the Woodruff Arts Center, corner of Peachtree & 15th Street, in Midtown Atlanta.
About Varsity
Varsity is the source for all things related to cheerleading and dance team. With a rich heritage and traditions dating back to 1948, Varsity is an innovative global leader comprised of the leading spirit brands and organizations including its educational camps, clinics, competitions and uniforms to teams around the world. Varsity’s National Championships, which are held at the Walt Disney World® Resorts, have been televised on ESPN Networks for more than 25 years. Sponsors of Varsity events include Gatorade and Nike. Web-based Varsity TV features thousands of cheerleading and dance team videos and has become a favorite cheer destination for cheerleaders and coaches alike. Varsity has led the way in cheerleading safety as a supporter of the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators since 1987 and as a camp leader training more than 300,000 cheerleaders per year in cheerleading fundamentals with an emphasis on safety. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Varsity employs 5,000 employees nationwide. For more information about Varsity, please visit http://www.varsity.com.
About Bring It On: The Musical
Bring It On: The Musical is presented at the Alliance Theatre by special arrangement with Universal Pictures Stage Productions/Glenn Ross, Beacon Communications/Armyan Bernstein & Charlie Lyons, and Kristin Caskey & Mike Isaacson, Executive Producers.
Bring It On: The Musical will be performed on the Alliance Stage with previews beginning Saturday, January 15, 2011 with opening night planned for Friday, January 28. The run will continue through Sunday, February 20. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $25 and are available at the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office by calling 404.733.5000 or online at alliancetheatre.org. Discount rates for groups of 10 or more are available by calling 404-733-4690. Discount rates are also available for members of the military, seniors and students. The Alliance Theatre is located at the Woodruff Arts Center, corner of Peachtree & 15th Street, in Midtown Atlanta.