Review: Stomp. Now through November 14 at The Paramount.
Stomp is a daftly epic convergence of percussion, movement and visual comedy that both titillates and thoroughly entertains. In a swift two hours at the Paramount Theater, the cast of Stomp managed to put on a show that never lagged and continually surprised. Amazingly enough, it was a show that was accessible to the “general public.” A plethora of technical dance or percussion-based knowledge was not required to enjoy the show. Stomp managed to bring an impressive array of ordinary, household items to life.
From a musicality perspective, the technical skill and pure speed displayed was immensely impressive. Using such basic items as trash can lids, basketballs, brooms, paint cans and even inner tubes, the performers ignited powerfully complex rhythmic beats and integrated them visually with powerful physical movement. I hesitate to label this type of movement as traditional dance. However, the complex blending of the performer generated rhythms with the visually interesting physical movements helped to elevate this art form beyond being just a show where janitorial tools are the instruments of choice.
While the entirety of the show was impressive, a few particular scenes stood out. An entire scene was conducted in pitch black darkness, with only the sounds and illuminations of lighters guiding the scene. The speed and precision with which the performers lit the lighters created very interesting visual patterns…in a way they resembled a well synchronized set of twinkling lights.
Another interesting element included solo performances under bare spotlights, where the performance used nothing more than their own bodies to audibly produce the beats to which they moved. A particularly brilliant choice was the dance using basic metal chairs, something that was reminiscent of Janet Jackson’s and Britney Spears’ infamous chair dances. In this bit, the intensity and precision of the performers was impeccable. If there was a single beat that was off, it was definitely not noticed. Of course, the use of a wall adorned with pots, pans and other metal objects was incredibly exciting to watch.
Never before have broomsticks and trashcans looked like so much fun to play with. An unexpected twist for any first time viewer of Stomp would be the randomly placed bits of visual, physical comedy. These bits helped balance out the intensity of some of the larger group numbers and resulted in a show that was successfully holistic.
– Chris Heide
