Courtesy

If you think Broadway shows require flashy sets, elaborate costumes and piercing love ballads to be successful, you should check out “Stomp.” The show, which has been around for 16 years, doesn't have dialogue or a narrative line. The performers wear overalls or jeans. And instead of making music on violins or flutes, they use brooms, matchboxes, trash cans and Zippo lighters as percussion instruments. In short: It's what would happen if a bunch of bored janitors held jam session in an alley using whatever was close at hand. Michelle Smith, 24, has been part of the “Stomp” ensemble cast for about two years. A Brooklyn native, she studied dance at Juilliard. Smith spoke to 210SA about her role in the show and the key to its popularity.

How would you describe “Stomp” to someone who has never seen it before?

It's kind of like being a kid in the candy store. You get a little bit of everything. You get amazing music played on everyday objects you would find on a construction site or in your home. You get comedy, you get dance, you get movement. But you never know what you're going to get when you're in that candy store. You just know when you walk out, you're going to be pleased. You're going to enjoy yourself. It's going to be sweet.

How did you get cast in the show?

I was at a period after graduating Julliard where I was dancing for a few companies in New York. I saw “Stomp's” audition posted in Backstage magazine. It turned out to be a really good fit for me.

How so?

The rhythm of the show just seemed to be in my body. I never learned or trained in any percussion before the show, but it seemed natural to me. It's like my dream job.

Why has “Stomp” remained popular for so long?

The show is very unique in that there is no speaking. The communication is only through the visual movement and the music, the universal language. No matter what language you speak, no matter where you're from, no matter your age, we all speak that same language. It's also unique in that there's a lot of improvisation. No two shows are alike. If you come see us in San Antonio, it will be a different show from what you saw before. And the show is constantly being recreated. The cast also changes. We travel with 12 cast members but only eight perform. You can see us Tuesday night and on Saturday night, and the cast dynamic can be completely different.

What is your role in the show?

We all do everything. We all act, we all play percussion, but there are definitely roles that are more comedic than others. But the people who play the comedic roles have to be just as strong percussionists as someone who plays a less humorous role. It's kind of hard to explain the characters. You kind of have to see it. But we all have very unique and distinct characters, through movement, visual comedy and the music we play.

Are you one of the comedians?

I wouldn't consider my role comedic. I'm a very strong character. I'm more of a tomboy.

Speaking of, you have really muscular arms. Do you work out or is that from performing?

It's from doing the show. When you do six or seven of these a week, your body takes form. Luckily for me, I don't have to pump iron. I get a good workout from doing the show.

Jessica Belasco | 210SA Contributor