'Bring It On' brings on the energy

For all its clichés and life lessons acquired directly from an ABC Afterschool Special, “Bring It On: The Musical” — loosely based on the 2000 film set in the world of competitive cheerleading — manages to insinuate itself into the audience's good graces.

A not-so-subtle tip-of-the-hat to “All About Eve,” with a hint of “Mean Girls” for good measure, “Bring It On” has endless energy — thanks to director/choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler's invigorating, athletic choreography — and undeniable appeal, especially to teens.

Much of that appeal has to do with the exhilarating high-flying production numbers. Young performers soar through the air and tumble across the stage as if they were competing for a national cheerleading title on ESPN 2, which many of them have done if athletic prowess is any indicator. The immensely engaging numbers unfold to an up-tempo, urban-flavored score by Tony Award-winners Lin Manuel Miranda (“In The Heights”) and Tom Kitt (“Next To Normal”), with lyrics by Miranda and Amanda Green (“High Fidelity”). As if that wasn't enough to cheer about, the book is by Jeff Whitty, Tony Award-winning writer of “Avenue Q.”

That's a lot of firepower and it's on target, most of the time.

The hip-hop grooves are infectious, and Miranda's raps are razor sharp and pop culture savvy. Whitty has a flair for funny one-liners, most of which go to Ryann Redmond's sweetly nerdy Bridget, the perennial mascot who dreams of throwing off her costume's parrot head, and Kate Rockwell's deliciously self-absorbed, blonde beauty Skylar.

Savvy enough not to take itself seriously, “Bring It On” shows a certain irreverence, but it could stand more. At this point, the show seems to pull its punches. More bite might nudge it in the right direction, perhaps toward full-on satire.

Presently, it exists in a kind of sanitized, Wonder Bread world. Perky, kindhearted Campbell (Taylor Louderman, who has the baby doll voice of a pop diva) is poised to take over as captain of her Truman High cheerleading squad, which puts her one step closer to her dream of a national title. Campbell's got it all: BFFs Skylar (Rockwell) and Kylar (Janet Krupin), a sweet but dim boyfriend (Neil Haskell) and her very own protégé, sophomore Eva (the ever-watchable Elle McLemore), whose sweetness masks a killer instinct.

Campbell's dreams crumble when redistricting forces her to transfer to the gritty underfunded (no cheerleaders) Jackson High. Presiding over that school is Danielle (the charismatic Adrienne Warren), who leads a hip-hop dance crew featuring her besties Nautica (Ariana DeBose) and La Cienega, a high school drag queen, fiercely played by Gregory Haney. Fortunately, Campbell has Bridget (Redmond), who has also been redistricted out of her comfort zone.

The transfer to Jackson marks a definite upturn in the show. Everything becomes more vivid. The costumes are bolder. The music — particularly the tough-sounding “Do Your Own Thing” — is more interesting, even if the story itself sticks to the familiar.

Initial distrust between Campbell and Danielle turns to grudging friendship after Campbell proves herself worthy of joining the crew. Campbell even finds a new guy, the wise-beyond-his-years Randall, affably played by Jason Gotay. She also convinces her new friends to field a squad at the national cheerleading championship where, of course, they go toe-to-toe with Campbell's former squad.

Gotay acquits himself well on “Might As Well Enjoy the Trip,” a poignant ballad. Redmond's a charmer. Haney's a crowd-pleaser. And Warren very nearly steals the show.

Her blistering rejection of Campbell's offer to help transform Jackson's dance crew into a cheer squad — seen as a patronizing attempt to uplift unfortunate African Americans by a well-meaning white person — reveals just how sharp this show is.

All it needs now is to bare its teeth.

"Bring It On: The Musical"

★ ★ ★

<b>Location:</b> Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (800) 775-2000 or broadwayinchicago.com

<b>Showtimes:</b> 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday; through March 25, also 7:30 p.m. March 11

<b>Tickets:</b> $18-$85

<b>Running time:</b> About 2 hours, 20 minutes, with intermission

<b>Parking:</b> Paid garages nearby

<b>Rating:</b> For teens and older