Trying to upstage each other with their musical talents and visual tricks, two performers dueled with their drumsticks in competition for the audience's attention. As one drummer held the beat, the other astonished the crowd while passing a drumstick through his teeth and fingers.
Blast, showing at Shea's Performing Arts Center March 12-17, is a 54-member theatrical show full of exhilarating showmanship and energetic choreography.
"Amazing show, great spectacle for the eyes," said Fred Wilhammer of West Seneca. "Very talented performers as well."
Blast was inspired by the Star of Indiana, a junior drum corps. Artistic Director James Mason has previously been involved in musical activities including drum and bugle corps, from which the show's cast was culled.
The young performers, mainly in their 20s, who hail from all over North America, are divided into brass, percussion and visual ensemble sections. Every scene is high-energy, full of blaring instruments plenty of sights and sounds. Even while moving on and off stage, the performers move in harmony with the music.
Drums, mallet instruments and electronic keyboards compromise the percussion group; the visual ensemble showcases a number of colorful flags, sabers and unusual implements that are spun and tossed frequently throughout the show.
Glowing drumsticks, flags representing every color of the rainbow, a "Hollywood Squares"-type background containing percussion and drums in each box, and glowing batons that spin so fast they appear as circular wheels in the air all add to the visuals.
The show begins with a spotlight on a drummer in the middle of the stage as a trumpet player is off to the right in the darkness. As music plays in the background, the drummer begins to tap quietly to its beat. Keeping with the rhythm, members of the cast begin to crowd the stage.
A large group of musicians is onstage with dancers, each moving in and out of rigid, systematic patterns. Every performer contributed to the marvelous production and each getting their chance to astound the crowd with their talents.
"I loved it," said Andrew Snyder from Amherst. "I'm not much for the arts, but this was spectacular."
During one act, a trumpet player is suspended from the ceiling while standing on a chair as an amazing array of flags is flashed beneath him.
An intricate dance sequence leads to yellow flags being tossed one at a time from offstage to each performer. Going from sounds of the jungle to a quieter, serene tone to tribal rituals of Africa to salsa music, the cast performed each piece passionately.
The costumes were vivid and corresponded with each of the scenes. For the salsa performance, each member wore a red shirt and flag.
"I wish it didn't have to end," said Lindsey Milhouse of Tonawanda. "What a remarkable group of performers."
The show's performers go through an intense training program that subjects them to dust, rain, heat and cold. They not only need to be musically inclined but athletic and possess excellent showmanship.
Blast has been recognized with a Tony award in 2001 for "Best Special Theatrical Event" and a 2001 Emmy for "Best Choreography." Cast-members hold over 40 world titles.
