Spring Break
"Stomp" finds music all around
Online exclusive
Annette Andre
Issue date: 5/9/06 Section: Entertainment
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The performers of "Stomp" proved during their Tuesday night performance that music can be created with some of the most unsuspected instruments - a kitchen sink, a trash can, a trash bag, a plastic pipe, a basketball and more.
The stage of San Jose's American Music Theatre could hardly be recognized after it had been transformed into the set of "Stomp" - made of metal scrap pieces, chain-linked fences, trashcans, road signs and other items that can be found in a garbage dump.
The show began when one guy came out on stage and started sweeping. Then someone else entered the stage and the two performers soon had a syncopated rhythm going on with their brooms.
One by one, a new person would come on stage with a broom adding his or her own sweeping beat. Every now and then, one could hear laughter throughout the theater after one of the performers would send a little stage dust into the audience or onto another person on stage.
The broom number got even better during solo time. One guy began creating rhythms with the ends of two broomsticks and then added stomping beats with his feet.
By the end of the second section, the performers had already established identifiable character types - all created through body language and facial expressions and completely without the use of any spoken words.
One of the performers played the part of the dorky small guy that all of the other performers picked on. Each new number he would try to get in his own solo, but someone else would find a way to prevent it. His character soon gained the support of the audience as could be heard through their sympathetic "aws."
Another performer played the character of the strong guy who was always eager to show off his talent. He was competitive with the other performers, and rightfully so because this guy was a master of rhythm. He was also the one who encouraged audience participation, as he would clap a beat and encourage them to imitate him.
Just when one would expect the show to start winding down, another prop was introduced as a new instrument.
The stage of San Jose's American Music Theatre could hardly be recognized after it had been transformed into the set of "Stomp" - made of metal scrap pieces, chain-linked fences, trashcans, road signs and other items that can be found in a garbage dump.
The show began when one guy came out on stage and started sweeping. Then someone else entered the stage and the two performers soon had a syncopated rhythm going on with their brooms.
One by one, a new person would come on stage with a broom adding his or her own sweeping beat. Every now and then, one could hear laughter throughout the theater after one of the performers would send a little stage dust into the audience or onto another person on stage.
The broom number got even better during solo time. One guy began creating rhythms with the ends of two broomsticks and then added stomping beats with his feet.
By the end of the second section, the performers had already established identifiable character types - all created through body language and facial expressions and completely without the use of any spoken words.
One of the performers played the part of the dorky small guy that all of the other performers picked on. Each new number he would try to get in his own solo, but someone else would find a way to prevent it. His character soon gained the support of the audience as could be heard through their sympathetic "aws."
Another performer played the character of the strong guy who was always eager to show off his talent. He was competitive with the other performers, and rightfully so because this guy was a master of rhythm. He was also the one who encouraged audience participation, as he would clap a beat and encourage them to imitate him.
Just when one would expect the show to start winding down, another prop was introduced as a new instrument.
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