“Stomp” is a step show. “Stomp” is a circus. It’s a pep rally, a rock concert, a play, a ballet, a drum line and a tribal dance. The performance throbs from beginning to end to create a unique musical and theatrical experience.
From the moment Chris Rubio — the apparent ringleader of the show’s eight-percussionist team on a recent night — strolls onto the stage, calmly sweeping the stage in a lazy melody, the show begins to pulsate. “Stomp” has a heartbeat; once the players emerge, an all-out rhythmic assault engulfs the stage. The junkyard backdrop soon becomes a playground of auditory ammunition for the eight drummers. Anything that exists can and will be beat upon: wooden sticks, rubber tubes, matchboxes, plungers, street signs, oil drums, Coke cans, plastic bags, Zippo lighters, hubcaps, basketballs, fire extinguishers, newspapers — everything but the kitchen sink, really. (No; they played that, too. Really.)
Theatergoers who expect a repetitive “Stomp” will be surprised. The players keep the pace at a brisk clip; each number is a good length, and the variety of different techniques and instruments used is enough to maintain audience interest.
A bigger surprise: The show is funny. Each of the cast members develops a distinct personality — no small feat considering not a single world is spoken during the entire performance despite a handful of yelps and throat gargles — and each personality is well used to create a fair share of humorous moments.
Audience interaction soon becomes a thrill of the show, too. Nods of recognition to the crowd and coaxes to clap on beat not only encourage rapt attention, but enhances the overall experience. The sophistication of the choreography is staggering; the troupe not only knows the every movement of each other, they are well prepared for the reactions of the crowd as well.
The performers do their best to overcome what can be the show’s only shortcoming: seats. Like a marching band firing up a group of languid fans, there are moments when the composed dignity of the Warner Theatre crowd pales next to the onstage merriment. A raucous wedding or a frat party might be a more appropriate place to unleash these talented folks.
“Stomp” is a jubilant event, completely different from other Washington theater fare. There’s nothing too fancy about banging on water jugs or pounding garbage can lids together, but in many moments it’s entertainment at its most pure. Wholly enjoyable, “Stomp” might leave you asking for another dance.
‘STOMP’
“Stomp” runs through Sunday
Venue: Warner Theatre, 1299 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington
Performances: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 5 and 9 p.m. Saturday, 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $34.50 to $52
More info: 202-783-4000
