By Lynne Marie Judd
lynne@newsroom.byu.edu
Looking around an ordinary kitchen or street corner most people see dishes or trash, but some see more -- STOMP performers see musical instruments.
The award-winning performing group STOMP opened at Kingsbury Hall Tuesday evening, Oct. 11, and will run through Sunday, Oct. 15.
STOMP is a unique blend of rhythm, gymnastics, comedy and dance. Every move the performers make is perfectly coordinated to the percussive music they create.
The show is set in an abandoned warehouse, where the performers find everything from street signs and brooms to a broken washing machine to hit, push and bang.
STOMP has a laid back, street smart attitude reflective of their street band beginnings.
Most of the time the performers do not look like they are performing at all. They seem more like friends hanging out whose actions just happen to make music.
While each scene has different instruments and a different musical feel, the presence of rhythm is continuous.
There is a basic beat even between scenes making the show seem more like one piece with various movements rather than many pieces played in a row.
Most scenes start with one or two people creating a basic rhythm. As others join the scene, instruments are added and the rhythms became more complex.
All items on the set, including some hung on the warehouse's rafters, are used as instruments during the show.
In one scene, performers bring out kitchen sinks, complete with soapy water and dishes. Wearing yellow cleaning gloves they demonstrate how fun the often dull task of washing dishes can be.
In another scene, the basic rhythm is the noise made when pulling a straw in and out of the plastic lid of a soft drink cup.
Just when the audience thinks it has seen everything, the performers bring the jugs from the office water cooler on stage.
Comedy is another constant in the show.
Much of the comedy comes from the performers continually trying to outdo each other.
One character entertains the audience with his constant attempts to be part of the crowd. He never quite seems to make it, but his attempts always add to the music being created.
Laughter is not the only way the audience participates in the STOMP. Throughout the show audience members are asked to participate by echoing the clapping, snapping and stomping sounds of the performers.
STOMP will run through Sunday at Kingsbury Hall. Tickets are available at all ArtTix outlets, Kingsbury Hall ticket office or on-line at sfx.com. Information and tickets are also available by calling 1-888-451-ARTS.