Magazine

GayCalgary® Magazine

http://www.gaycalgary.com/a2602 [copy]

Rhythm Nation

STOMP makes music out of unlikely items

Theatre Review by Jason Clevett (From November 2011 Online)
Rhythm Nation: STOMP makes music out of unlikely items
Rhythm Nation: STOMP makes music out of unlikely items
Advertisement:

Music can come from the most surprising of places. STOMP markes two decades since it was first created in the UK with a tour that is running at the Jubilee Auditorium until November 27th.

The concept sees a group of performs doing different numbers while creating sounds out of a variety of objects. Workboots, brooms, basketballs, garbage cans, and the audience are just a few of the things that are combined to create sound and rhythm.

For a show without a soundtrack, plot or dialogue it is quite funny, which speaks to the creativity of both the original design of the show as well as the performers ability to portray that. Exasperated and exaggerated facials and movements show the mock displeasure when the audience messes up a clapping segment, while one of the characters seems to offend others frequently through the show with his showboating.

Some of the standouts numbers include a session with sinks, pots, and glasses, a rousing percussion session from performers swinging along the top of the stage, and a scene that amazingly creates multiple layers of sound using just newspapers.

STOMP is a show that people should see at least once. It may not grip you in the same way that a song from a musical, or a especially powerful moment in a play does, but you can't help but be amazed and delighted by how simple things can create music. (GC)

Comments on this Article