Nadia Komazec Bring It On The Musical Interview

Ready? Okay!

7– 16 June
The Athenaeum Theatre
188 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

From the Tony Award winning minds of Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton), comes a hilarious, high-energy spectacle. David Venn, in association with Stage Masters, presents the Australian professional premiere of Bring It On The Musical.

Inspired by the hit movie of the same name, it's a new musical bursting with acrobatics and sass, playing for a strictly limited season at The Athenaeum from 7-16 June.

Tickets are on sale now via bringitonthemusical.com.au

Nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical, Bring It On The Musical takes audiences on a high-flying journey that touches on themes of friendship and acceptance.

Uniting some of the freshest and funniest creative minds on Broadway, the show features an original story by Tony Award winner Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music and lyrics by Tony Award winning composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, 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).

The Australian production is directed by multi-Green Room Award nominee Alister Smith (Pacific Overtures, Urinetown! The Musical, The Drowsy Chaperone), with musical direction from Daniele Buatti (A Fine Romance, Godspell).

"I couldn't be more thrilled to be directing this brand new production. The breathtaking acrobatic feats of human athleticism, combined with comedy from the mind behind Avenue Q and the music and lyrics of the genius that is Lin-Manuel Miranda, makes it a truly exciting new musical theatre experience," says Alister.

"This is the perfect storm of musical theatre genius: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tom Kitt and Amanda Green, it really doesn't get better than this!"

Choreographer Michael Ralph (Georgy Girl, Loving Repeating, The Boy from Oz 2018) brings his dynamic, unique style to the production. Bring It On The Musical's explosive choreography comes complete with aerial stunts performed by world-class cheerleaders, fresh from the World Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida.

Under the guidance of Cheerleading Coach Natalie Commons, who has represented Australia at the International Cheer Union and IASF/USASF Cheer and Dance World Championships, Bring It On The Musical boasts a standout cast selected from over 500 professional dancers, singers and cheerleaders and promises to be an exhilarating display of physical strength and agility.

"I'm delighted with the sensational cast we've been able to assemble, which includes some of Australia's most dynamic musical theatre performers and amazing, multi-talented cheerleading champions," says Alister.

The story follows two squads with one mission: to claim the title at the National Cheerleading Championships. Through this, the challenges and unexpected bonds formed through extreme competition are explored. Campbell, played by Nadia Komazec (Legally Blonde, Matilda), is cheer-royalty at Truman High School and captain of the squad. But, an unexpected redistricting forces her to spend her final year at the neighbouring Jackson High School. Campbell befriends Jackson's dance crew girls and their headstrong and hardworking leader Danielle, played by triple-threat newcomer Elandrah Feo. Together, they form a powerhouse squad for the ultimate competition, going head to head with her old squad at the National Championships.

Making up the remaining principal roles is Karla Tonkich as Eva (Grease, Legally Blonde, We Will Rock You), Hollie James as Kyla (Rocky Horror Show, My Fair Lady), Emily Thompson as Skylar, Connor Sweeney as Steven (Muriel's Wedding), Nicola Bowman as Bridget, Ashley Roussety as Cameron (Spring Awakening), Marty Alix as La Cieniga, Samantha Bruzzese as Nautica (The Bodyguard, In The Heights), Thomas McGuane as Randall (Jersey Boys) and Tarik Frimpong as Twig (Mary Poppins Returns).

The ensemble includes William Brougham, Phoenix Mendoza, Dan Ham, Braide Mullane, Jayden Wall, Celina Yuen, Luca Dinardo, Ben Scarmozzino, Teagan Nowicki and David Shirianni.

In 2016, cheerleading beat 14 other sports to be awarded provisional recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and is described as one of the fastest growing sports in Australia.

Bring It On The Musical had a critically acclaimed, long running Broadway season and has toured the United States before it's Australian premiere. The production runs for 2 hours 20 minutes including a 20-minute interval.

Bring It On The Musical
When: 7.30pm Thursday 7 June, Friday 8 June, Wednesday 13 June, Thursday 14 June, Friday 15 June 1.00pm & 8.00pm Saturday 9 June & Saturday 16 June
Where: The Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Bookings: bringitonthemusical.com.au

Interview with Nadia Komazec

Question: What inspired you to audition for Bring It On The Musical?

Nadia Komazec: When I found out the show was auditioning for the role of Campbell I immediately downloaded the soundtrack and listened to her two main songs, What I was born to do and One perfect moment. I knew then that I just had to sing these wonderful songs. I have also had the pleasure of working with Michael Ralph previously and was desperate to have another opportunity to dance his choreography.


Question: Can you tell us about the audition process for Bring It On The Musical?

Nadia Komazec: The audition process seemed to happen very quickly and before we knew it we were in the rehearsal room learning our crazy cheerleading stunts. On the day the room was packed with energetic and athletic performers giving their all. The mirrors were fogged up, people were slipping on the puddles of sweat on the floor and the vibe was intense.


Question: Can you tell us about your character Campbell?

Nadia Komazec: Campbell is a very ambitious, kind hearted teenager waiting for her One Perfect Moment to shine. She is a leader and constantly tries to get to best out of her team and more importantly herself. Like any teenager she still has a lot to learn and as we follow her journey of self-discovery there are many hurdles along the way.


Question: How are you similar to the role of Campbell?

Nadia Komazec: Campbell and I have a lot of similar qualities. I too am very ambitious and hard on myself. She actually reminds me a little of my teenage self. I too was fairly naive and sheltered coming from 14 years at a private school in Adelaide. At just 17 I was thrust into the heightened world of Musical Theatre in Phantom of the Opera. It was such an eye opening experience and it was from that moment on through many other professional experiences that I gradually learned to see the bigger picture.


Question: What's it like playing the lead role in Bring It On The Musical?

Nadia Komazec: I feel very fortunate to be playing the lead role in this Musical. I have an opportunity to dance, sing, act and cheer all in the one show. There are so many great songs that I feel very lucky to sing.


Question: How have you been trained and rehearsing for Bring It On The Musical?

Nadia Komazec: There is a heavy cheer component required for this Musical. We have been trained to execute the intricate movements by the wonderful Natalie Commons. I have never cheered before and was quite hesitant before we started rehearsals however Natalie guided us so brilliantly that I felt safe and supported the entire time.


Question: What are you looking forward to most about the Bring It On The Musical performances?

Nadia Komazec: I am so excited for Australian audience members to come and see our show. This cast is one of the most talented group of quadruple threats that I have ever worked with. Audiences can expect to be wowed, moved and thoroughly entertained.

Question: Did you watch the film, Bring It On?

Nadia Komazec: I, like many others was absolutely obsessed with the movie. I can still recite the entire cheer from the opening sequence. Embarrassing or awesome?


Question: How does the musical differ from the movie?

Nadia Komazec: The storyline differs in many ways however there is still a strong theme of friendship and equality. I think audiences can expect the same vibrancy and energy that fills the screen in the film. The stage show is explosive and exciting with all of the live cheerleading stunts happening right before your eyes.


Question: What's next, for you?

Nadia Komazec: After Bring it On I will be performing the role of Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show at Her Majesty's Theatre.


Interview by Brooke Hunter