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Blast! So how do you define this thing called Blast!? Its not a musical, for there is no book or characters in the true sense of the word. But there is singing, lots of music and dance. Blast! is a cornucopia of brass, percussion, flags, band presentation, Cirque de Soleil, Las Vegas glitz, even didgeridoos all provided by a cast with a mind blowing energetic quality to it. This production is just amazing, for the eyes and the ears. The intricate patterns and configurations they create on the stage with their instruments, twirling props, choreography, and voices are flabbergasting. Blast! evolved from the drum corps Star of Indiana, which was founded in 1984 in Bloomington, Indiana, by businessman Bill Cook to benefit young people in music education. The Artistic Director, James Mason, is a lifelong veteran of drum and bugle corps and other musical activities. In its initial year, Star of Indiana became the first corps ever to place among the top ten corps at the prestigious Drum Corps International World Championships. Since 1993, Mr. Mason has been shaping the evolution of Star of Indiana from a competitive 128 member drum corps to a theatrical show which brings the power, passion, and precision of outdoor pageantry to the stage in a musical performance now known as Blast!. The current tour consists of 54 members drawn from all across North America. There are over 40 world titles held by cast members who comprise three performing sections: brass, percussion and visual ensembles. They bring with them 61 brass instruments, 234 percussion instruments, and even 25 didgeridoos! The visual element enhances the show through the spinning and tossing of unusual implements along with traditional sabers and colorful flags in perfectly synchronized ballet-like drills. The cast members have been through months of intense training, and it shows. Not only must they be able to play an instrument, but they must also know how to dance, sing, play other instruments, and even twirl. Mark Thompson's scenic design is comprised of six multi-colored, stacked, open boxes that are filled to the brim with percussion instruments, but he also has a massive scrim that has milky white boxes that reflect the light beautifully. Hugh Vanstone's magnificent lighting design is glorious and loaded with every color you can think of. Vanstone's designs have pure "emotional lighting" throughout the evening. The musical selections that are played come from the worlds of pop, jazz, soul, techno dance, and classical. There is even a hilarious take on "Gee, Officer Krupke" from West Side Story. Christopher "Kit" Chatham is one of the stars of the company. From his hysterical drum duet (with Nicholas Angelis) in "Battery Battle," to his constant comic and instrumental solos sprinkled throughout the show, he is a standout in this talent packed company. Another standout in the large company is Jeremiah T. Huber, who is the main male dancer of the company as well as a major focus of many of the twirling dance sequences. Huber possesses perfect dance technique and magnetic stage presence. He is phenomenal in the number "Marimba Spiritual/Malaguena." But to be honest with you, the entire company is pure brilliance. They come with so much energy, talent, and classic showmanship. The standing ovation on the night I attended was one of the longest I have ever witnessed at The Music Hall, and in all honesty this cast deserved it. Blast! |
