Can't beat it: 'Stomp' combines percussion, dance and comedy

The music in "Stomp" does not come from conventional instruments.

Rather, it's made from items like metal folding chairs, brooms and empty paper cups. The musicians can keep a high-energy beat throughout the nearly two-hour percussionist/dance/comedy show, here for a one-week run at the Bank of America Theatre in Chicago.

"Stomp" is a Blue Man Group-styled show, meaning that it walks the line between entertaining and odd. Fortunately, "Stomp" stays safely on the entertaining side.

Each scene features the cast making music using different items, and sometimes dancing along to the sounds.

One of the most creative and interesting scenes involves the entire cast, standing on a dark stage, using cigarette lighters to create a musical light show.

The star of the show is Justin Myles, a hyperactive and talented dancer who, in one standout solo routine, makes music by just clapping his hands and stomping his feet. Near the end, he gets the audience to join in.

Another great janitorial-themed jam features the dancers swinging around on cords, using drumsticks to bang on the various cans and metal junk pieces that decorate the stage.

While there is no dialogue or singing - the performers communicate with hand gestures and grunts - the show incorporates humor into many of its scenes, most of it slapstick.

If you've seen "Stomp" before, this current production will feel fresh. A circuslike paint can routine and the drumming of tractor tire tubes are among the new additions.

The fabulous finale, featuring the show's iconic, garbage can lids, reminds the audience that the cast is not just comprised of drummers and comedians, but tremendous dancers. The break dancing by Guillaume Carreira steals the show.

While a few of "Stomp"'s percussion scenes feel a tad long, each one is unique, superbly choreographed and fun to watch.