Sticks and garbage can lids may break your bones, but their noise will never hurt you.

By Dan Hudak

Reading a description of Stomp, it’s hard not to think its endless array of loud noise and obnoxious banging would induce a massive headache. But that notion couldn’t be more wrong.

Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas devised the show — in which performers make music using such everyday objects as garbage cans, newspapers and brooms — in 1991, after 10 years of collaboration. Their idea produced the most financially successful off-Broadway show in history and spawned a North American tour that has been running nonstop since 1995.

The eight-member troupe, performing this week at the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts, brings home Miami native Raymond Poitier, a graduate of Miami Norland High School and member of the Florida A&M “Strikers” dance troupe. Poitier recently stopped to talk with us about making noise, doubling for Martin Lawrence and his Academy Award-winning cousin Sidney.

 

Okay, be honest: Isn’t Stomp just a bunch of loud noise?

It’s not just noise, trust me. I met a classical pianist in New York, who was famous in the New York Philharmonic, and he said to me: “Ray, I didn’t know the show would be so amazing. I thought it would be a bunch of noise, but I heard a lot of dynamics in there.” It was a real thrill to hear that. We switch things up in the show, too. There are comedic routines and other things happening on different levels as well.

 

Nearly 20 everyday objects are used in each show. What do you use?

Everything including a kitchen sink — brooms, matches, pots and pans, candles, you name it. Sometimes the crew guys find things in junkyards and they’re ready to go that night. We even use our own bodies for music. Anything you can think of, we’re making music out of [it].

 

What’s the strangest sound you’ve ever made?

Wow, tough question. I never really think about that. I’d say music with plungers. People think these are special plungers we use, but they’re real, ordinary plungers up there on stage making music. The kitchen sink stuff is also amazing — it’s the strangest way I’ve ever made music.

 

Are you related to Sidney Poitier?

Yes, he’s my cousin.

 

What did he tell you about show business?

He always tells me to keep trying and keep up the good work. He believes everyone has obstacles in life that they have to conquer themselves, and I’ve had some obstacles, persevered and kept going. I’ve heard similar things from Quincy Jones and other stars as well. Just keep doing it.

 

You were Martin Lawrence’s stand-in and photo double for the first Bad Boys movie in 1995. Tell me something horrible that he did or said to you.

(Laughs.) Martin was an amazing guy. He sat down with us and gave me good advice: It’s a tough business, but, if you really want it, keep your head up and stay focused. He was very professional. Sometimes with a comedian you’d think he’d be crazy, but he’s really down to earth.

Stomp is playing at the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts Sept. 25-30. Tickets are available at www.carnivalcenter.org or 305-949-6722.