Stompin’ their way into people’s hearts
Veteran dancer says show still boasts universal appeal
It’s been banging a drum or just about anything else that isn’t tied down since 1991, and still the show Stomp continues to come through loud and clear for fans around the globe.
Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, the performance is a combination of percussion, dance and enough energy to light up Las Vegas. This is one of those shows you must see live; you will never look at your pots or broom the same way again.
Jeremy Price has been a member of the touring company and performer since 2003. The Roanoke, Va., native plays both Sarge and Potato Head onstage and is also the rehearsal director for the company. He took some time to answer a few questions for Postmedia News. Q: Has the show changed much since you started?
A: It hasn’t changed too much. There are new numbers, but the original premise is basically the same. The new numbers keep it fresh for us and for the audience. What’s the hardest part of your job?
The travel. It’s definitely hard on the body, and you learn to deal with that, but travelling and being away from home is the price you pay to do something you love. Are you always tapping on things?
I tap a lot, but not as much as you would think, because when you get paid to tap and make noise, you don’t necessarily want to do it when you get home.
What would surprise someone if they came and watched the show from backstage?
It wouldn’t be a surprise at all, because we actually use everyday objects. There’s nothing fancy about what we use. When you walk around backstage, there’s a bunch of garbage cans and poles and stuff. That might be a surprise, I guess.
This is very physical work. What do you do to keep your body working, and strong?
I do a lot of yoga. The show is very physical, so as I age, I do a lot of yoga and watch my diet. The younger folks might want to lift a lot of weights to strengthen certain parts of their body, but the show exposes something different for every Stomper, and we come from different backgrounds, so there isn’t one answer to that question. Do you switch up casts to keep people fresh? Not just to keep things fresh, but also to give people a night off to rest, because the show is very physical. How is your hearing?
My last hearing test didn’t go so well. The doctor interrupted and asked if I was a construction worker. My right ear isn’t really that good, the left ear is better ... I wear earplugs now though.
What kind of reactions do you get from people when you tell them what you do?
I don’t tell too many people what I do, but I’d say it’s 50-50 — some people I end up explaining the job to, and others are somewhat impressed. Describe Stomp in one sentence. Stomp is the music inherent in the world around us onstage. What is the key to the show’s longevity? Why do people love it?
Kids love the show. It’s very easy for kids and adults to relate. It’s universal. All people, cultures and languages can appreciate the show. Who makes the best audience member?
Stomp has been experienced by audiences all over the world, and they’re all great. Is the show big with kids?
Yes, I love kids and I love how purely they relate to the show. When you hear kids laughing in the audience, it feels really great.
Are there any tips you can give parents who bring their kids to the show? Maybe some tips for when they go home all Stomped up?
Let them do it, let them ... make some noise and get it out of their system. You never know, you might have a budding Stomper on your hands.