Jaime Hadwin Bring It On The Musical Interview

Bitingly relevant, sprinkled with sass, and inspired by the hit film, Bring It On The Musical takes audiences on a high-flying journey filled with the complexities of friendship, jealousy, betrayal and forgiveness.

Bring It On The Musical will have its Australian Premiere at NIDA THEATRES, Kensington playing from Saturday 27 June to Thursday 9 July 2015.

Uniting some of the freshest and funniest creative minds on Broadway, Bring It On features an original story by TONY Award winner Jeff Whitty, music and lyrics by TONY Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, music by Pulitzer and TONY Award-winning composer Tom Kitt, lyrics by Broadway lyricist Amanda Green and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical.

Bring It On The Musical tells the story of the challenges and unexpected bonds formed through the thrill of extreme competition when rival high school cheer squads perform explosive dance and aerial stunts, tumbling and flipping across the stage, performing elaborate routines culminating in towering formations of human pyramids.

A colourful cast of 27 bright, young performers, including cheer-royalty Campbell, captain of the Truman High School cheer squad, is suddenly forced to spend her final year of high school at the neighbouring, hard knock Jackson High School. Despite having the deck stacked against her, Campbell befriends the dance crew girls and, along with their headstrong and hardworking leader Danielle, manages to form a powerhouse squad for the ultimate competition - the National Championships.

Bringing this Australian Premiere to life will be Director, Rod Herbert, Musical Director Anne-Maree McDonald, Choreographer Tracey Rasmussen, and Stunt Choreographer Melissa McKenzie.

Season Details

Dates: Saturday 27 June – Thursday 9 July
Venue: NIDA Theatres, 215 Anzac Parade, Kensington
Times: Saturday 27 June @ 8pm;
Sunday 28 June @ 2pm & 8pm
Wednesday 1 July @ 2pm & 8pm
Thursday 2 July @ 8pm
Friday 3 July @ 2pm & 8pm
Saturday 4 July at 2pm & 8pm
Sunday 5 July @2pm
Monday 6, Tuesday 7, Wednesday 8, Thursday 9 July @ 2pm
Prices: from $49 (groups of 10 +) to $59
Bookings: 132849 or www.ticketek.com.au

Interview with Jaime Hadwin

Question: Can you talk us through your previous performance history?

Jaime Hadwin: I always had a passion for singing and decided once I left school that I wanted to take it more seriously. After 3 years of study at two different institutes I began to get auditions. Auditions turned into work and work turned into my passion. I was in Spring Awakening last year, playing Thea, and then began my journey in children's entertainment. Performing in an educational musical tour for Book Week for a month around NSW. In November I travelled to the Philippines and played Alice in the Alice in Christmas Wonderland musical with Pen2Stage. Then Bring It On came about, and I was so lucky that I suited the show and the role.


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

Jaime Hadwin: Playing the villain. I am known as quite a polite, sweet and friendly person. And I am not just saying that. It has been my type-cast my whole life. And finally I can bring out my acting chops and show everyone what I can do. Also the songs are brilliant and showcase a contemporary vocal quality, which is great. Finally, the cheering! I always wanted to be a cheerleader! And now, I am!


Question: Did you watch the movie, Bring It On, growing up?

Jaime Hadwin: I watched the movie Bring It On at almost every sleepover in primary school. I was very very aware of the 'spirit" that would be needed to be cast in this show!


Question: How does the musical differ from the movie?

Jaime Hadwin: The musical is a little different from the 1st movie. Though very similar to the 3rd movie, almost identical!


Question: Can you talk us through the training and rehearsing for Bring It On The Musical?

Jaime Hadwin: The training is at an elite level. I consider myself a very fit and active person. But, my first week of rehearsals with Bring It On I was sweating and puffing more than I knew I could! It is crucial the cast are at the best show fitness we can be! Physically and vocally! Every number has to be sharp, fast, hard and technical. There are that many lifts and throws that you feel like you are spinning around because one moment you're in the air, the next you on the floor pumping out the most physical choreography! I didn't come into the show with a fear of heights, though, once you see how high you are thrown in the air, you become fearful…let me tell you!


Question: Have you practiced cheerleading, before?

Jaime Hadwin: I have never cheered before. But I have always been active and physical. Some people would say yes I have, because of my -cheerful' nature.


Question: Can you tell us about your character, Eva?

Jaime Hadwin: Eva…what a bundle of absolute craziness! She is brilliant! I adore her. Everyone knows an Eva in their life. She is the girl who is so sweet, kind, innocent and meek to your face. Until she wants something, something that she has never had before, then, the little demon inside all of us comes out. And she is ruthless! Will literally do ANYTHING to get what she wants. My favourite line she sings is, 'wouldn't all of you kill to be me?". It's just perfect. I think everyone needs a little bit of Eva confidence and drive in their life, as long as they know when to hold back that drive, before it comes harmful to others.


Question: How are you similar to the character of Eva?

Jaime Hadwin: In many ways I am so similar to Eva. I don't know if that is a good thing to admit or not. She is driven, strong and works very hard to get what she wants. We both have that in common. I would like to think that I would never take things as far as she does though. We possibly laugh the same too. I have quite an evil laugh at times…which is great, for this role!


Question: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Jaime Hadwin: Apart from reading my mums annual show message which usually reads 'We are so proud of you and wish you all the best tonight. Love Mum and Dad!". I think I naturally walk around the stage and take in the space and the theatre before every show. Drink lots of water, then regret it at the 10 min call! Eat a few cheeky lollies at the 5 min call and go around giving little cuddles and good luck high fives at the beginners call. Every show is different and new little rituals and traditions start with every new experience I suppose.

Question: What's next, for you?

Jaime Hadwin: Well I am in a production of HAIR by Exclaim Theatre Company a month before Bring It On The Musical. Then I will take a few weeks off after Bring It On before going back on tour with the 2015 Book Week tour with Perform Educational Musicals. I have a big passion for children and theatre. So this is a great way to have the best of both worlds. Then, I'll keep auditing, keep singing and dancing, keep training and enjoying every opportunity. I have been so lucky the past year and I hope I can continue line of work as it makes me so happy.


Interview by Brooke Hunter