A kababayan adds some oomph to Stomp

MANILA, Philippines - Imagine making music out of the ordinary by using trash bins, kitchen sinks, brooms, water pipes or this newspaper you’re holding.

If you haven’t heard of this one yet, here’s a musical spectacle set to the pounding beats and rhythms coming from an interestingly odd mix of instruments, including the so-called “noisy” objects and even your bodies (guess what, you are a walking bass and drum set).

It’s called Stomp (also touted as the theatrical wonderland of percussion, well-choreographed movement and visual comedy) and it has been mounted on West End, Broadway and many other stages around the globe (the Philippines included) since it originated in Brighton, UK in the early ‘90s, thanks to the creative genius of British musicians/performers Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas.

And Stomp is heading back to Manila for a June 17 to 22 run at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theater.

The last time Stomp was here, in 2011, the international touring show was a stomping success, being the novel and exhilarating experience that it was for the Filipino audiences. At the time, it was discovered that some of its members, also known as Stompers, were Filipinos although they weren’t part of the troupe that dazzled the CCP crowd three years ago.

On its return visit, however, there’s now a kababayan on board. The STAR had an e-mail interview with the Hawaii-born, full-blooded Pinoy Andres Fernandez, who has been a Stomper since 1997, ahead of the comebacking Stomp show next month. According to a brief bio provided by Concertus Manila, which is co-producing the show, Andres was raised in a family very proud of their Filipino heritage. His father is Visayan while his mom is Kapampangan. Since 1985, Andres has been singing and dancing with his older brother, Johnny, and even did back-up vocals to the latter’s album Puede Ba which was recorded in the Philippines.

Andres told The STAR: “I look forward to reconnecting with my family there in the Philippines. My dad has 17 brothers and sisters, so there’s a lot of people that I will be reconnecting with.”

Here are excerpts from the e-mail interview:

How would you describe Stomp to those who have not seen it?

“For someone who hasn’t seen it, Stomp is an exploration of sound. We make music with non-conventional instruments like brooms, polls, trash cans, radiator hoses, even the kitchen sink. There is also dance movement and the comedy which people don’t expect. It’s a fun show for all ages kids, three to 93. Hahaha! Fun for the whole family to enjoy. Everyone leaves Stomp feeling like they can do it, too, because music is all around us.”

How did you become part of Stomp?

“My background is singing and dancing. My brothers and I used to tour the Hawaiian islands doing concerts and performing for graduation parties and opening acts for Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera and many more. I auditioned for Stomp in 1997, but before that audition, me and my kuya auditioned for Lion King, Starlight Express, Phantom of the Opera and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. None of which I made it past the first round hahaha. Stomp was the last on our list and to my disbelief, I made it past the first round and all the way to the final call back. And about a month later, I was called to join the company. A very exciting day for me.”

So, what does it take to become a Stomper?

“To become a Stomper, one must have rhythm and some percussion skills. Or some acting skills because the creators believe they can teach anyone to be a Stomper; sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t.”

What’s the most challenging and fulfilling part of being one?

“For me, the most challenging part is being away from my family and the most fulfilling part is being able to perform in front of thousands of people and making them laugh every night.”

The last time Stomp was here, it was a huge hit. Anything fresh and exciting we can expect from the return show?

“This time, for the Stomp that’s coming to the Philippines, we have added a couple of new numbers in the show and you have a kababayan coming back. Hahaha. (There’s) a few different cast members coming to Manila so that it changes up the show as well.”

Name at least three of your most unforgettable Stomp experiences.

“No. 3 being able to go to and perform in Johannesburg, South Africa. No. 2, performing for the first time in 1997 for my hometown Honolulu. No. 1, performing in Athens, Greece in an amphitheater below the Acropolis. That was by far the most unforgettable. But I’m sure when I do perform in Manila that will bump one of those out. Hahaha.”

(Tickets are available online on ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999.)