Theater Review: STOMP!

by Mark-Brian Sonna of MBS Productions

STOMP! is having a one week run at Fair Park as part of the Dallas Summer Musicals. If you have never seen STOMP!, you are probably wondering why it is being presented as a show during musical season. STOMP! is not just a concert; it is truly a theatrical experience. In one hour and forty minutes, a band of percussionists bang, stomp, clang, whistle, clap, or take turns at silence. No lines are spoken and only a few shouts are heard every now and then. Nonetheless the show transcends the novelty act quality you think it’ll have and becomes a much more meaningful and insightful experience that rivals any spoken play or musical.

STOMP! entered the world consciousness nearly two decades ago. It had its first US tour back in the early 90s. I was fortunate to see it back then when practically no one knew who they were. It has since been on Broadway and spawned various international tours. Like Phantom of the Opera, it has deservedly pleased millions of fans across the globe.

The premise is extremely simple: a bunch of people create a cacophony of ever evolving and complex rhythms that scintillate and fascinate with everyday objects. Some of these objects are pots, pans, plastic grocery bags, even straws in lids on a plastic cup. The rhythms and the found melodies created by these objects at times become orchestral in quality, and then on a dime switch to become dance music, or rock and roll jams. Each performer presents a distinct personality and thus creates a character. As they interact with each other by either contributing or detracting from the created rhythms, we get to know each of these personalities. Some are charming, others are devious, others controlling, manipulative, optimistic, hopeful, longing, etc. If one were to see an excerpt of the show, as many people have, one might assume that an hour and forty minutes would be too long. But as my companion exclaimed at the end “I feel like I know everyone well.” Indeed we did. We laughed with them, felt sad, and most importantly became involved. They aren’t just caricatures but are three dimensional characters. The brilliance of this show and its perpetual fascination with audiences is: like all great art, it hits us on multiple levels and can withstand repeat viewing.

When I first encountered STOMP! in the early 90s, the show had a bit of a rawer feel. Most of the cast was the original cast, and the show had an edge. Flash forward to 2008, and while edge is a bit lost (perhaps because the novelty is gone?) the show is much tighter, better structured, and even more emotionally satisfying. What has changed is the order of the musical presentations. The original show kept building in volume. It started with the broom sweep scene but it ended with the cast suspended in the air clanging on the wall of pots and pans, which is the loudest sequence in the show. Then it stopped. I left exhilarated but I was left with a bundle of nervous energy and felt jangled. This touring show actually helps cool the audience down, which I appreciated more. Also after every loud number a quiet one followed allowing our ears to rest. In the original, I remember thinking as it progressed in volume that if it got any louder I would start getting a headache. Not the case here. This show is quite a bit funnier than the original also. Since the order of the scenes has changed, the humor is peppered throughout thus causing greater delight and never wearing out the visual jokes; they remain fresh.

The only disappointment in this perfect show was that the gift shop was out of mugs. I never have been able to get one for STOMP! I want my souvenir!

STOMP! is not to be missed even if you’ve seen it before. This tour is extraordinary.

It runs through June 22 and tickets can be purchased online or by calling 214-631-ARTS.