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Stomping Richmond

Brad Holland knows that it takes patience to reach your goals in the entertainment industry. The actor/percussionist auditioned twice for the cast of the high energy musical " Stomp ," which comes to Richmond's Landmark Theater Feb. 6 and 7.

In the last 14 years, "Stomp" has grown into an international sensation, performing in over 350 cities and in 36 countries worldwide. The award-winning show, which started out as a street performance in the United Kingdom, continues to play to sold-out crowds in New York's Off-Broadway Orpheum Theatre.

The show's infectious rhythms are produced on everything from stiff-bristled brooms and trashcans to plastic bags and Zippo lighters.

Holland originally tried out for a part in the production when he was only 19 years old, fresh out of high school. Even though he failed to make the cut that time, he mustered the courage to audition again two-and-a-half years later.

"I had no intention of doing that," he said. "My friends in college pushed me to do it."

During his second attempt, Holland auditioned with 1,000 other hopefuls. Two weeks later, he got the call he'd been waiting for. He's been with the show since that day in 2002.

Holland got hooked on percussion when he was in middle school. He went on to become an all-state percussionist and the section leader in his high school's drum line.

"I grew up in Alabama where football is king," he said. "If you have a great football team, you have to have a great band. I was lucky to be involved with a very progressive drum line that was influenced by amazing instructors. I've love drums ever since."

Since Holland joined the show, "Stomp" has continuously evolved, recreating itself to bring audiences new routines and awe-inspiring surprises.

"The creators of the show bring in new numbers and change things constantly," he explained. "Recently, we spent about two weeks in Vermont changing about 50 percent of the show."

One of the show's new numbers involves paint cans.

"We juggle them and play music on them at the same time," Holland said. "We've had a few black eyes learning that number but it's been worth it, because it's a spectacle."

Learning the new routines can be difficult, even for seasoned actors.

"We all have different backgrounds and different levels of learning," Holland said. "A dancing section may be easier for a dancer while a drumming section may be easier for a percussionist. The cool thing is that through our backgrounds we all become a hybrid of a performer."

Actors in the show don't have to adhere to a rigorous workout schedule to keep their energy level high.

"'Stomp' keeps you in shape because it's an hour and 45 minutes of a workout," Holland said.

Not everyone that comes to the show understands just what they will be seeing.

"I've had hundreds of people come up to me and say that they had no idea that something like 'Stomp' was around," Holland said. "'Stomp' has the unique quality of not getting old. We don't allow it to. Everyone in the show plays multiple roles. You could see 'Stomp' a few times a week and have a different theatrical journey each time. It all depends on who is playing which role each night and what theatrical journey and choices they choose to make that night. That's what keeps 'Stomp' fun."

"Stomp" will play the Landmark Theater Feb. 6 and Feb. 7 with performances at 8 p.m. each night. Tickets range in price from $30 to $50 and are available by calling the Landmark box office or going to www.ticketmaster.com or a Ticketmaster outlet or by phone at 262-8100. Tickets can also be purchased at www.stomponline.com.