BWW Interviews: STOMP's Carlos Thomas

I had the chance to speak to Carlos Thomas, a drummer, percussionist, music producer and dancer. He’s on tour with STOMP, coming to Blumenthal's Belk Theater this week. 

Thomas, born in New York, learned to play instruments in high school and at church. These days, he’s banging on trash cans more than his own instruments. As part of the STOMP family, he was just getting ready to do a show when we spoke. 

Where are you right now?

Conway, Arkansas. We’re doing a show tonight.

What do you call what you do in Stomp, a drummer, a percussionist?

Both, and a dancer.

Have you ever been to Charlotte with Stomp before?

I was in Charlotte years ago. I’ve been on tour with Stomp for eleven years.

Wow, eleven years, that’s a long time. Why do you think the show is still on tour?

We have a fan base, and every time is different. The show improves. Things change in the moment. We are not a usual show with set lines. Our show is always different.

Why do you think the producers cast you for the role?

What they want first is good rhythm, but what they really look for is what you bring into the room. Do you bring everyone together?

Have you had formal music lessons?

I was in the band in high school. In church I played the drums and I was in the Choir. And I took dance.

What were you doing before you started touring with Stomp?

Working at the theme parks,... Universal Studios. We did an act 'pretend setup for a movie' with dancers. I lived in Los Angeles two years.

Have you made good friendships with the other cast members?

Yes, I have great friendships with all of them. There are eight people in the show. We’re a family. Once you get in [Stomp] you don’t get out. You might leave to do something else, but you come back.  Sometimes we have to double up on cast if we are here and in London.

What’s the best experience you’ve had on the road?

Playing the millennium in Washington D.C. in front of the Lincoln Memorial and then having a New Year celebration with President Clinton. That was the best.

What was the worst?

I was at a nightclub. I didn’t realize what time it was. I walked outside and it was daytime. I said ‘Holy Cow’ I missed my flight to Europe. That was the worst.

Where has the tour taken you?

Everyplace, but Australia,… and China.

Have you found a difference in the way audiences react to you depending on where you are?

In New York the audiences are more difficult. There’s a warmer feeling on tour. In smaller towns there’s a community feel. The people in the seats know each other. I feel that as a performer.

How often do you get back home to NYC?

About one week every month, and I get a summer break from the tour.

What’s your favorite meal at a restaurant when you are home?

My kitchen. I go to Fairway [grocery store] and then I cook in my kitchen.

What’s your favorite part of Stomp?

It’s very clever, what we do. The show was written by Luke Cresswell and Steven McNicholas. It has a brilliant start and I like how it ends. The middle is great too!

STOMP at the Belk Theater, April 3-8, 2012. Tickets are on sale now at Blumenthal Box Office: 704-372-1000.