Theater Review - Bring it On: The Musical

We Got Spirit!  Yes We Do!
by Philip Doyle

'Bring It On: The Musical' is inspired by the cheerleading rivalry 'Bring It On' movie franchise.  Live theatre goers have been assaulted as of late with stage versions of successful movies, to various degrees of popularity. I could mention the previous attempts, like '9 to 5', but I wouldn’t want to put a negative vibe out there in cyber land.

'Bring It On: The Musical', soars by leaps and bounds (pun intended), above and beyond its celluloid counterpart.

Set in the realm of competitive cheerleading, the characters live in diametrically opposing worlds.  The story challenges our notions of what is means to be privileged, popular, and accepted.  
The entire cast share exceptional moments of comedic and acrobatic prowess.

Head cheerleader Campbell, played by Taylor Louderman is as endearing as she is beautiful.  What amazes me the most is how she can harmonize while literally standing on the shoulders of her cast mates.  Taylor brings it!

Gregory Haney serving confident beauty as La Cienega.

Gregory Haney plays La Cienega, a confident and beautiful transgender student.  I admire how La Cienega struts the stage as an untroubled and strong woman.  I must admit that, with her unfettered attitude and amazing body, for me, Haney’s La Cienega is the perfect woman.  I think I may be in love.  I mean for realz.  Haney brings IT!

Ryann Redmond is a star.  She plays the outcast and dejected, “neurotic and weird,” Bridget, and takes her character to glorious heights of joy.  Her energetic and playful performance is an uplifting celebration of diversity that this musical is all about.    Redmond brings it, serves it, crunks it, and the audience loves it!

Elle McLemore is an adorable she-devil as the ambitious and conniving Eva. Adrienne Warren brings it with sass, and a very likeable approach, as Danielle.

Technically the show is a spectacle of lights, sound, set, and costume design that fills the theatre with radiant energy. Under the competent musical direction of Dave Pepin, the show never misses a beat.

Each cast member of 'Bring It On: The Musical' possess such a staggering arsenal of diverse performance talent, it boggles the mind.   They sing, dance, leap, tumble, and practically fly on stage.  It would be a challenge to recall a show that demands so much physical acuity and confidence.


BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL plays at the Buell Theatre until January 21st.
Tickets may be purchased at www.denvercenter.org or by calling (303) 893-4100.

Theatre Review: Flaming of the Shrew, a modern twist on a Shakespearean classic

By Philip Doyle

Lucky 20 Productions is comprised of Samantha McDermott and Jerian Franco who present the very clever and inventive 'The Flaming of the Shrew'.

Lucky 20 Productions is a new theatre company dedicated to reinventing Elizabethan works with a modern day twist.   A percentage of every ticket sold goes to charity.  Words fail to express my enthusiasm for a burgeoning theatre company’s dedication to the creative arts for such a noble cause.

Shakespeare’s 'The Taming of the Shrew' contains many of the bard’s typical conventions found in his later comedies, but stands out for being less lighthearted.  It is a controversial play that reveals how men can achieve their hearts desire through deceptive manipulation.

'Taming of the Shrew’s' worldview highlights chauvinistic entitlement of men over women, and the presumption of power held by men of high social class.  In brief, the male characters disguise themselves, in order to win the devotion (and mastery) of two women, Bianca and Katherine.  The discontented and fierce Kate becomes the object of desire to Petruchio, who eventually obtains his object.

'Flaming of the Shrew' retains the archetypes of Shakespeare’s characters and adds a twist.  As its title suggests, the re-imagined characters in this version are gay.  Some may argue that changing the gender and sexual orientation of the characters alters the misogynistic tones of Shakespeare’s original work.

As a lover of Shakespeare and all things gay, I must confess that mere suggestion of adapting Shrew in this way takes major cojones.  I applaud Lucky 20 Productions for this effort.

'Flaming of the Shrew' is set in modern day New Orleans in the Mardi Gras shop of the Krewe De Vieux, within we find a mixed bag of surprises.  The ensemble provides an entertaining variety of complicated family dynamics and drag performance, duals of witty banter and comedic slapstick.

Standouts include Tim McGrath as the shrewd and headstrong KD.  McGrath displays a confident understanding of what his character says and perceives. 

Damon Guerrasio as Hortensio is comfortable on stage, and a joy to watch.  Scott Jones is convincing as the patriarchal Baptiste. Brian Anderson as Graham has some delightfully funny moments.  Damien Dane has a strong drag presence and singing talent as Dion Bello. Tyler Mauro as Peter is young, cocky, and has an attractive presence.  Expecting an all-male cast, I was pleasantly surprised by Cassandra Steinhauser, who stepped into the role of Tranio.

I wouldn’t be doing my job without throwing in some tough love, so here goes. The "flaming" concept suggests a bold intention, and The Betsy Stage is a very intimate space, but there are moments where the actors lack the courage of their convictions.  At these times, it would have been nice to see some "sparks," but eventually the cast did manage to bring the show back up to temperature.

All things considered, the 'Flaming of the Shrew' is a refreshing reconsideration of one of Shakespeare’s earliest and controversial comedies. 

Flaming of the Shrew runs through December 17 at The Betsey Stage, 1133 S. Huron Street in Denver, and a portion of all proceeds goes to Project Angel Heart.

Michelle Williams on Marilyn

Tags: Gay Video & Lesbian Movies, Logo: Fierce TV

Logo TV sat down with Michelle Williams to talk about playing the iconic blonde bombshell in her new film My Week With Marilyn, which debuted in select theaters last Thursday!

Check it out below and check out the rave review of My Week With Marilyn by MileHighGayGuy's own Philip Doyle by clicking here.