Stomp

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Theater Review: "Stomp" a high-energy hit at Wolfe Auditorium
by Susan Strehler
updated January 30, 2008 9:11 am


It’s difficult to go anywhere without meeting someone who hasn't seen “Stomp.” And now I understand why.

I've never seen such good use of a floor. Or a plunger, kitchen sink, tin trashcan lid, water cooler jug, bucket, broom and other nondescript items that we see on any given day. The production finishes a two-night run this evening at Thomas Wolfe

What makes this show so unique is its cast's ability to individually hold a beat, creating a collective output which is eclectic, rhythmic and so well choreographed it seems effortless.

Over the years, I've heard various tales of how “people bang on things,” so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I had earplugs in my pocket in case the “banging” became a little too obnoxious. On the contrary, it could have been a bit louder.

In some acts, subtle, gentle beats erupt into a full-blown circus of people doing round-house leg maneuvers, jumping, arms swinging, playful stick-fighting, all while purposefully maintaining their own particular beat on a can or jug. My toes were tapping most of the time.

There were a few times when the lead cast member elicited the crowd to follow his clap or finger snap, and that was all good and fun; not like one of those shows where the amount of audience participation gets annoying.

Though not indicated by drawn curtains or the end of a song, the acts are separated by dimmed lights. Each segment takes on a whole new “instrument,” which sparks laughter in the audience because of its ingenuity. Would you really think to crinkle a newspaper as a source of rhythm?

Another source of hilarity was the cast's resident “goofball.” He was the poor soul who couldn't quite keep up with his stagemates' acts, yet brought comedy and musical talent when least expected.

One of the best moments was the show's only off-the-floor act: five people dangling, rappel-style, beating on the wall of pots, pans, cans, cups and jugs.

Performed without spoken word, the whole production based upon ordinary "junk" creates a dialog on its own.

Contact Susan Strehler at 828-232-5964, via e-mail at sstrehle@gannett.com