Award-winning 'Blast!' reconnects with Hoosier roots

Marching bands are not only a staple of high school football games, but occasionally one blasts off to international fame. "Blast!," which performed Thursday through Saturday at the IU Auditorium, is based on marching material standard to American high schools. "Blast!" tweaked the style and added its own flair to become a unique and award-winning production.\nA musical and theatrical production that involves a heavy percussion section, "Blast!" showcases a variegated brass section and a well-choreographed dance team. The cast currently includes 33 members, a large number that boosts the show's powerful sound and impressive stage presence.\nThe show originated from the drum corps "Star of Indiana," which has given the show a large marching band influence, according to www.blasttheshow.com. "Blast" has traveled the globe, visiting London, Broadway and places all across North America. The show has picked up several awards along the way include a 2001 Tony award for best theatrical event and a 2001 Emmy award for best choreography.\n"Blast!" didn't only evolve in Indiana, it also has four members representing the Hoosier state: Wes Bullock, originally from Knox, Ind., Matthew Finger, from Anderson, Ben Handel, from Warsaw, Ind., and Hillary Parr from Brazil, Ind.\nThe show's Hoosier roots brought a special feel to many people in Friday's audience. Two members with IU connections recalled interesting stories. Ben Handel, a 2003 IU graduate, was part of the first ever U.S. tour for "Blast!" in the summer of 2000. Handel considers himself a veteran now, but is still involved with the show as a percussion supervisor.\n"That means I'm on stand-by all of the time, ready to jump in and play for any of the five percussionists," Handel said of his position.\nHe spoke about his show and its relation to acts in similar genres. "Blast!" has been compared to the well-known "Stomp," but Handel said there are significant differences between the two award-winning shows. "'Blast!' is a lot more musical than 'Stomp' is because of all the classical pieces and jazz pieces being played, whereas 'Stomp' is just a bunch of groove," he said. "'Blast!' is also in some ways a little higher energy, but I hesitate to say that because 'Stomp' is so awesome. 'Blast!' is a little more musically pleasing than 'Stomp' is actually."\nHillary Parr, another native Hoosier, is the youngest member of "Blast!," having graduated high school this year. This tour of "Blast!" is the first time Parr has been away from her home, so it is a new experience for her. She said it's all worth it because she's following her dream of becoming a famous performer.\n"I've always wanted to be a performer ever since I was a little girl," Parr said.\nThe audience responded very well to the performance with loud claps, whistles and an enthusiastic ovation. After the show, some cast members took their percussive skills to the halls of the IU Auditorium, which drew large crowds. Bloomington resident Heather Davis echoed the overall audience reaction to this performance.\n"I loved this show and have never seen anything like it before. I would recommend this high-energy show to anyone," she said.