Reviewed by Joe Blenkle/Sacramento Stage & Theatre
Percussionists Adam Rapa and Francis Franqui beat out a number during the production of BLAST. Photo: Joan Marcus.
Think Marching Band and then throw in a Broadway stage and you've pretty much got the concept behind BLAST - now appearing at Sacramento's Community Center Theater through Jan. 4 as part of the 2002-03 Broadway Series.
This well-choreographed musical parade is far beyond any marching band you'll ever see, however. The simularity ends with the precision steps around the stage, the abundance of brass instruments and the heavy use of percussion throughout the production. BLAST is as stunner musically as well as visually and leaves you wondering after each number what the cast is going to parade out next. It's non-stop fun!
The winner of the 2001 Tony Award for "Best Special Theatrical Event," BLAST runs through about 15 numbers in a little less than two hours. The 54 member touring cast splits its time between the stage and the massive six-cube set that houses many of the instruments too large to carry around the stage. It's glitzed-up props (265 total) include everything from acrylic glow rifles to whirly gigs to multi-colored flags - all of which are frequently flying through the air or across the stage to the waiting hands of another cast member.
In addition, approximatley 320 musical instruments are used - 234 of which are percussion instruments.
This all adds up to a musical extravaganza that you won't soon forget.
Adding even more fun to the show, on several occassions the cast brought their act out into the audience. Horns were seen strolling through the aisles and even appeared in the Community Center Theater's upper level. Some of the percussionists appeared in the lobby during intermission and after the show. And cast members lined the aisles as the audience exited, shaking hands and thanking everyone for coming.
Even more amazing is that the majority of the cast are in their early 20s Forty-two are 25 and under and the average age is 23.8. Many are World Champion Drum Corps/Winter Guard musicians; some performed in the Closing Ceremonies for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games; and collectively the cast has 759 combined years in the performing arts.
BLAST is such an eye- ear- and mind-pleasing experience that you just don't want it to end.
BLAST runs through Saturday, January 4, with performances at 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, matinees at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Friday (Jan. 3) and Saturday, and performances at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday Dec. 29. Tickets are on sale at the Wells Fargo Pavilion box office, 1419 H Street, or by phone at (916) 557-1999. Tickets can also be purchased from tickets.com, including select Raley's and Bel Air markets.
For more information on the Broadway Series, visit sacBroadwaySeries.com. For more information on BLAST, visit BlastTheShow.com.
