“STOMP”: Making rhythm look easy

In my experience, usually, it’s clear when a show is starting. The man sweeping the stage was so innocuous and people were still chatting, so I thought he was just ensuring a clean stage before the performance of “STOMP,” a percussion and movement visual comedy show. He looked startled by the now quiet audience before him as they stared intently at the broom in his hand. Then, the light dimmed and his sweeping became a tune. While not traditionally narrative, each rhythmic vignette of “STOMP” illustrated that music can be found anywhere. 

A set cluttered with signs, (“Go,” “Railroad Crossing” and Michigan Ave,”) trash cans and other seemingly discarded pieces of metal doesn’t necessarily scream timeless. Especially when compared with the gorgeous architecture of The Landmark Theater which would typically be thought of as “classic.” However, there’s a reason why “STOMP” has been impressing audiences since 1991. There is something about the simplicity of a group of eight people (I imagined them as friends, although it’s never officially stated) making music with random, everyday objects that feels oddly achievable — I could also find a song hiding among the dishes in my sink.

But the truth is, they just make it look easy. This was evident every time they asked for some audience participation. One of the performers would clap or clang out a sequence and mime for the audience to repeat. For a cast that doesn’t speak at all during the show, they sure are good at expressing disappointment. It’s hard to measure up against “STOMP”; the performers could play a bag full of air and make it sound good, which they actually did at one point. Although nameless, most of the characters have distinct personalities and archetypes — like shy or silly — that feel relatable to one’s own friend group.