Two young Hellenes are among the cast bringing the high-energy musical Bring It On to Melbourne audiences this month, with both describing the production as a milestone in their performing careers.

Twenty-one-year-olds Melissa Pritsis, from Thornbury, and Indianna Zeniou, from Lilydale, are part of Theatrical Inc’s production which will run at The National Theatre in St Kilda.

Based on the popular film franchise, the musical follows champion cheerleader Campbell as she navigates life after being transferred from her elite high school to rival Jackson High. The story explores friendship, identity and teamwork while celebrating a diverse group of young characters, including Broadway’s first openly transgender high school character.

For Pritsis, who recently graduated from Federation University Arts Academy with a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Musical Theatre and Acting, the production marks her first professional musical.

Melissa Pritsis. Photo: Supplied

“I am so excited to be a part of Bring It On the Musical! It is my first big show out of studying Musical Theatre and Acting full time at Federation University Arts Academy,” she told Neos Kosmos.

“I have been in love with the show itself since I was maybe 13 years old, so as soon as I saw the brief, I was determined to make it happen.”

Pritsis, who plays a member of the ensemble, said learning the show’s demanding cheerleading routines had fulfilled a long-held ambition.

“Finally having an opportunity to cheer myself has really fulfilled a lifelong dream to fly, and challenged my bravery and dance skills,” she said.

Having started dancing from three years old, she said she instantly fell in love with the feeling of being able to express herself through dance.

She followed in her mum’s footstep who also did ballet, and as she got older branched into other styles of performance in singing and acting.

“Growing up, I participated in every school show I could get my hands on, and danced almost every day of the week” – Melissa Pritsis. Photo: Supplied

Pritsis said her Greek heritage has remained an important part of her life.

“My Dad’s family is originally from Thessaloniki, my grandparents immigrating to Australia in 1965,” she said.

“As a kid, I have rich memories of attending family gatherings, with three tables pushed together, mountains of food, and laughter echoing through the garden.”

Zeniou, a long-time competitive cheerleader with Outlaws Allstars, said being cast in the production was the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition.

“Being part of Bring It On: The Musical feels completely unreal,” she told Neos Kosmos.

“Performing in a professional musical has always been a dream of mine, so to have this opportunity for the first time makes it incredibly special.”

“From a young age, I loved entertaining people, whether it was family, friends or even strangers at the shops. I was the child flipping through grocery store aisles because I loved the attention and the joy of performing” – Indiana Zeniou. Photo: Supplied

Zeniou has trained in cheerleading for 17 years, competing nationally and internationally, including at two of the world’s biggest cheerleading competitions. She has also studied singing and dance from a young age.

Over the years, she has become a six-time grand national champion and have won 12 national first-place titles.

“Looking back, performing has always been part of who I am, and it has shaped my confidence, passion and love for the stage,” she said.

Zeniou also said her family’s heritage has shaped her identity.

“My grandfather was born in Famagusta, Cyprus, before moving to England as a teenager following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus,” she said.

“Despite the distance from Cyprus, my family has remained closely connected to our Greek Orthodox faith and heritage.”

Indiana Zeniou (left). Photo: Supplied

The production’s choreographer, Louise Panagiotidis, said rehearsals had highlighted the cast’s commitment to the physically demanding show.

“It’s been so exciting to watch the choreography come to life in Bring It On rehearsals,” Panagiotidis said in a media release.

“We have such a talented cast who are bringing so much passion to every number, and I can’t wait to share all of their hard work with audiences soon.”

Bring It On The Musical will play a limited season at The National Theatre in St Kilda from July 11 to July 26.

For further information visit our Greek Guide events page.

https://neoskosmos.com/en/greek-guide