The Fox Theatre comes alive this weekend as STOMP, the international percussion phenomenon, hits the stage with its signature fusion of rhythm, physical comedy and movement - no dialogue required.
“There’s no words in the show,” said Cade Slattery, a performer with STOMP. “Everything is spoken through the universal language of rhythm.”
Stomp began as a UK street act called Pookiesnackenburger in the 1990s before moving to New York and evolving into a full theater production. The show runs about 1 hour, 40 minutes with no intermission.
While many expect an all-out barrage of sound, Slattery said audiences are often surprised by the quieter moments. “You think of it as loud, kind of in your face, intense energy, which is true for a lot of the show,” he said during an appearance on Live in the D. “But there’s also a lot of subtle moments that people don’t expect.”
The ensemble rehearses for about an hour before each performance, with cast members rotating roles to keep the music tight while leaving room for improvisation. Slattery, who came in with percussion skills, said STOMP’s cast draws from varied backgrounds and learns from one another - even down to movement built around everyday objects. “We used trash can lids as kind of an element of movement,” he said of a skill he had to pick up on the job.
To watch their performance on Live in the D, click the video above. For showtimes and ticket information, visit stomponline.com.