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TYPA ready to 'Bring It On'
bring it on
TYPA's production of "Bring It On" opens Aug. 4 and stars: (from left to right) Eva Cluff, Abby Helnore, Emily Wooten, Jayce Rocha, Makenna Boutelle, Stephanie Conklin, Morgan Zuniga, Noah Martin and Lillyauna Perry. - photo by SABRA STAFFORD/The Journal
Sabra Stafford
Updated: July 28, 2017, 4:51 p.m.

The senior troupe of the Turlock Youth Performing Arts will be leaping into the worlds of competitive cheer and high school drama when they stage "Bring It On, The Musical."

The troupe is set to stage the show at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 and 5 and 2 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Turlock Community Theatre.

"Bring It On" features an original story by Tony award winner Jeff Whitty (“Avenue Q”), music and lyrics by Tony award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (“In the Heights,” “Hamilton”), music by Pulitzer- and Tony award-winning composer Tom Kitt (“Next to Normal”), lyrics by Broadway lyricist Amanda Green (“High Fidelity”, and was nominated for the Tony award for Best Musical.

The show is very loosely based on the movie, said TYPA Director and Musical Director Lisette Sims.

"It's more inspired by the movie," Sims said. "I actually think the plot is more interesting in the musical."

The show starts with Campbell, played by Makenna Boutelle, ready to take on the role of cheer captain and lead her squad at Truman High School to a national championship title. But a redistricting rule sends Campbell to the hard-knocks Jackson High School, where she must confront her polar opposite, Danielle, played by Stephanie Conklin. Danielle is the leader of the dance squad and is going to need some convincing to take her dancers into the realm of competitive cheer.

"This show is very fun and exhilarating," Sims said. "It has so much energy woven into it."

Boutelle's previous acting and musical experience had been in smaller church productions and she wasn't aiming to land the lead role when she auditioned, but is having a blast with her turn in the spotlight.

"I love this character because she's killing it and the show is just so exciting," Boutelle said.

Conklin has had several years in community theater, though this will be her first production with TYPA.

"This is a great program and one of the most fun I've had in a show," Conklin said.

Tickets for the show are $10 and will be available at the door at the Turlock Community Theatre, 1574 E. Canal Dr. in Turlock.