Stomp. Photo by Steve McNicholas.
For over twenty years the international rhythm extravaganza known as Stomp has been proving that sound and rhythm can be made with pretty much any kind of object. From obvious things like trash can lids to things not so obvious like cigarette lighters, Stomp is a high octane evening at the theatre. The current touring company is now at the National Theatre and shaking the rafters, although not quite as much as it does in the considerably smaller Orpheum Theatre that has been its New York home since 1994.
…makes a set of shopping carts into a symphony…’Stomp’ is a high octane evening at the theatre
The show was created and directed by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas and takes place in a junkyard setting. There the twelve member ensemble creates rhythm with anything available. The show starts out with a cast member sweeping the stage. As the number goes on, more people join in and the rhythm gets more complicated. From there matchboxes, all types of tubes, washbasins and other objects are used to create all the sound for the show.
Stomp. Photo by Steve McNicholas.
My favorite section might be where the cast plays the multi objects grid which is made up of traffic signs, pipes and more. Here is a wall of sound enhanced by Steve McNicholas and Neil Tiplady’s lighting for a spectacular visual and audible ride. You have to marvel how the cast makes a set of shopping carts into a symphony. It is something.
The ensemble changes up nightly on who does what, so there is no set list as to who is who in the program. Here is the ensemble listed alphabetically: Ivan Delaforce, Eric Fay, Andrés Fernandez, Cammie Griffin, Mike Hall, Delaunce Jackson, Karisma Jay, Guido Mandozzi, Andre Meggerson, Nancy Rubio, John Sawicki, and Carlos Thomas. Everyone is a superb musician and are in great shape, which is a plus because Stomp is a very physical show.
I mentioned early on that this show shakes the rafters with its decibel level in places and the tour most definitely does but believe it or not I did not get the same rush as I did in NY. This is not because the intensity is any different, but because it is impossible to duplicate in the National Theatre and its 1,676-seat auditorium with what happens in the intimate Orpheum Theatre in Greenwich Village, which seats only 347. When the cast plays the grid in NY, you feel it in every square inch of the theatre. Here you do get the audible rush, it just isn’t as big. It doesn’t detract from the enjoyment, but if you have seen the show in NY you might notice the difference.
All in all Stomp is one of those shows everyone can enjoy. The kids will be in awe of the use of the objects and the adults will be impressed by the talent and stamina of the performers. To quote my favorite slam poet Regie Cabico, “Make some noise!!” and check out Stomp playing this week only at the National Theatre.
Running Time: One Hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.
Stomp plays through February 9, 2014 at The National Theatre – 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in Washington, D.C. Call the box office for tickets (800) 514-3849, or purchase them online.
