I'm sorry, what?

Normally, I would gloss over any news about another stage adaption of a popular movie but this one caught my eye - not because of what movie it is but because who is involved.

I remember having a good time when I saw the movie "Bring It On" back in 2000 when I was a freshman in high school, almost ten years later, it is being turned into a musical with a lot of big names attached.

My nerdy Latin love (did you guys see him on House??) Lin-Manuel Miranda will be writing the score with Tom Kitt (Broadway's other 'it' boy), with lyrics by "High Fidelity"'s Amanda Green. My favorite curly haired In The Heights orchestrator Alex Lacamoire will serve as music supervisor and arranger. Oh, and also to perfect the Heights trifecta, Andy Blankenbuehler will direct and choreograph.

The press release states :

In a statement Blankenbuehler said, "The explosive world of cheerleading heightens so naturally to the stage. I can't imagine a more perfect team to bring this musical to life on stage. Jeff Whitty has come up with an enticing original story, and Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tom Kitt, two of Broadway's most talented composers, are joining their amazing creative forces to write the score. With Amanda Green collaborating on lyrics and musical supervision by Alex Lacamoire, this team is a director and choreographer's dream."

The explosive world of cheerleading? I'm sorry, I guess I was too busy sitting on the bleachers to care too much about the explosive world of cheerleading. But I digress, this movie is a huge fixture in pop culture (but not as big as "Mean Girls" - oh hey, there's an idea for a musical I'd be willing to see! Can you imagine a fierce, oh sorry I mean, fetch solo by Gretchen Wieners about how she can't wear the silver hoops she received from her parents?? Pure art!) Anyway, what is the need for this musical in the theatre world? What need do we as theatre lovers, audience members have for this type of show? Surely there will be some who think this could be exciting to see a version of the movie on stage ("Legally Blonde", anyone?), but why? What is the need? What is the creative need to bring "Bring It On: The Musical" to life when there are certainly more important stories to be told? Or are cheerleaders getting the short end of the spirit stick in this debate.

Also according to the press release, this will not immediately, or at all come to Broadway but will first be a regional production and then tour.

Now excuse me, while I sip on my glass of Haterade.

source: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/132992-Blankenbuehler_Whitty_Miranda_Kitt_Green_and_Lacamoire_Creating_Bring_It_On_The_Musical