Opinion: Stomp redefines music at Hammons Hall

For three days, Nov. 10–12, Springfield got a taste of urban arts like never before. In short, Stomp is the world’s most unconventional percussion group, using props from broomsticks to matchboxes to hubcaps all in the name of rhythm.

Without question, it’s the best show I’ve seen in Springfield – in both entertainment value and talent. The competition includes Jim Brickman, David Copperfield, Dora the Explorer (I have a 2-year-old), various orchestra/symphony concerts and Springfield Little Theatre performances.

Growing up in Chicago, I had the opportunity to see plenty of shows; I mostly chose rock concerts. Some of the most memorable are Pearl Jam and U2, both at Soldier Field, and an aging yet still enthusiastic Jimmy Page and Robert Plant at the United Center (home of the Chicago Bulls) that featured a guest appearance by former Bull Dennis Rodman of all people. There is also Phish at Wisconsin’s rugged outdoor Alpine Valley Music Theatre and the impressive Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds acoustic set on Louisville University’s campus in a historic theater that resembles Landers Theatre.

An appreciation of more theatrical acts developed in my young adult years.

In college, one of the first dates with my wife was “The Phantom of the Opera” at Chicago’s 76-year-old Civic Opera House. Sure, we were in the nosebleed seats of the historic venue, but I’ll never forget the experience.

We also saw Blue Man Group at Chicago’s Briar Street Theatre. You can’t describe the show. It leaves you saying, “You’ve just got to see it.”

Ditto for Stomp, except that it’s a notch above even the quirky blue men. The originality of each group is on par; it’s the teamwork that propels Stomp. Having a sports background, I really appreciate that aspect.

The synchronicity on display that night at Hammons Hall was amazing. It rivaled the best play of any dominant Missouri State University Bears basketball performance across the street at Hammons Student Center.

We’re talking about eight people dribbling basketballs in rhythm, passing back and forth – all with choreographed moves and a beat pleasing to the ear.

We’re talking about making music with newspapers, which was one of my favorites skits, being in the business.

We’re talking about a fight scene with wooden poles reminiscent of “West Side Story.”

And we’re talking about the mashing of aluminum garbage cans that has the audience bobbing their heads.

The key in all of this is being in sync with each other.

They say the Greatful Dead and their modern version, Phish, played in unison on stage like no other bands. Ten-minute jams sprouted from the connectivity of each member. Dave Matthews Band enjoys some of that same camaraderie. I’ve witnessed it.

But the abovementioned groups don’t hold a candle to Stomp, the group that played a song using only Zippo lighters in a darkened Hammons Hall. Their originality is unmatched.

The United Kingdom-born show has evolved from broomsticks to include an elaborate set (that members climb) and seemingly infinite props as musical instruments. And the show is done in a clever, lighthearted way that draws countless laughs.

The Hammons Hall audience showed their appreciation with a standing ovation like I’ve never seen here. This art form ignited excitement throughout the crowd.

Stomp is part of the hall’s Broadway Series, which resumes Jan. 6–8 with “The Will Rogers Follies: A Life in Revue,” followed by “Thoroughly Modern Millie” Feb. 16–18 and Blast April 20–22.

Stomp didn’t miss a beat. Don’t miss any chance you get to see them.

Eric Olson is Springfield Business Journal news editor.

[[In-content Ad]]