Theater review: Bring It On delivers unexpected treats

Truman High vs Jackson High
Bring it on!

Review by Jim Anderson

'Bring It On', running at Shorecrest High School, delivers unexpected treats. Spectacular singing and choreography, music, costumes, lighting... You come to watch and just like that, you are in high school all over again. Only this time with grace.

It's easy to recognize old awkward moments (and worse) and they get rewritten because the play highlights the enduring need for us to see things as they really are and to simply do the 'right thing' in each situation. The opening night audience, with a fair number of Shorecrest students, was on fire because the performance was great and because this audience seemed to be getting that message.

Shorecrest drama performers again offer something beyond what you'd expect from a high school play. I kept looking across the stage to see actors and dancers consistently on cue and making the most of every moment for their characters.

The dance moves are razor sharp and full of energy. And the music from the orchestra was in the first moment impressive and then seemed to disappear, melding into the show and making the whole production greater without a moment's distraction. 

The vocal performances were impressive as regular patrons of the Shorecrest drama program could readily see signs of vocal growth in individual actors.

The lighting was stunning and at times seemed to eliminate the distance between actors and the audience. Intimate moments with characters disclose the moral lessons in their characters, sometimes with dramatic lighting. At other times, an actor drops their character's guard to betray inner thoughts.

No fault in the cast here, but a weakness in modern day drama writing expresses itself in the script. Civil libertarians and those tired of political rancor may need to brace themselves at allusions - like one to the good and politically correct 'ninety-nine percent' versus the distasteful and evil 'one percent'. But brace ourselves we must, just as in high school.

Shorecrest High School's Andy Kidd tells in his Director's Notes how he struggles to find works that bring out and develop his unique pool of talent. The entire cast presents this show, each actor relying on other very credible actors to help unfold their own character.

Watching that talent unfold and the sharp presentation makes 'Bring It On' very watchable, very entertaining. The quick and energetic pace means theater lovers - and others - will enjoy 'Bring It On'!

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Bring It On plays May 18-21 at the Shorecrest Performing Arts Center, 15343 25th Ave NE, Shoreline 98155.

Tickets online