Broadway star stops by to teach Capital performers

Budding musical theatre stars from across the Capital are being coached by a top Broadway actress this week in preparation for the debut of Bring It On: The Musical.

Broadway star Taylor Louderman, right, with Eilidh Murray. Picture: Greg Macvean

Taylor Louderman, who played the lead role in the New York production, has travelled to Edinburgh to work with the young hopefuls for two weeks in a bid to improve their acting abilities and stage stunts.

The 25 year-old, who previously played the role of Campbell in the show, says she is “impressed” with the talent she has seen so far in Edinburgh, and feels privileged to have been given the opportunity to help the young actors.

The American actress, who also stared in Peter Pan live on American TV channel MBC, said: “I was so excited to come to Edinburgh and I’ve been having a great time – it’s such a beautiful city.

“The young people I have been working with are so professional and so dedicated to musical theatre. I’m glad I am able to use my knowledge of the show to help them.

She added: “Choreography and stunts is an important part of the show, but the cast have been picking it up really well.”

The show, staged by Edinburgh-based Beyond Broadway Production, will debut at the King’s Theatre this weekend, and stars teenagers and young adults from across Scotland, as well as students from the MGA Academy of Performing Arts in the city.

It tells the story of an American cheerleader, who moves schools and starts a new cheerleading squad and continues to compete.

To secure a role in the dazzling musical, each of the teenagers went through an intense audition process, which involved performing in front of West End casting director Benjamin Newsome and Zoe Tyler, the Loose Women star and former judge on TV talent shows Any Dream Will Do and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?

Kieran Cooper, from Granton, was delighted to be cast as a principal.

The 19 year-old, who has recently graduated from the MGA Academy of Performing Arts, said: “I’ve really enjoyed working on the show and it helped that I could learn my lines before starting rehearsals.

“My plan was to do one last show in Edinburgh before I move to London to start 
auditioning for shows, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.

“Working with Taylor has been amazing. She is able to give us advice on the actual show but she’s also been great at giving us career advice too.

“I love the music and the gymnastics in Bring it On: The Musical, I can’t wait to perform – I’m absolutely buzzing.”

This is the first time Bring it On: The Musical has ever been performed in Scotland.

Drew Gowland, managing director of Beyond Broadway Productions, said: “These talented young people are just some of shining lights among our cast of 140 brilliant young performers.

“There’s great music, breathtaking dancing and awesome cheerleading routines throughout the show.

“Coming to see Bring It On: The Musical is a great way to whet your appetite for festival season in Edinburgh.”