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OTHER FEATURE STORIES - Blast, Flashy yet a let down - One student reflects on his experiences with the miricle of life Insider's thoughts on Blast Ty Garfield Editor-in-Chief 'Blast', an eclectic explosion of music, dance, drum corps, and performance art, opened in London three years ago. The show ran on Broadway until last September, and now has come to the 5th Ave. Theatre. Debbie Barrigan, lead ensemble cast member, shared her thoughts on performing in this high energy stage production, Photo courtesy of www.blasttheshow.com "This is the ultimate dream job," Barrigan says. "I sleep in every morning, I get to see different cities, go shopping and hang-out with my friends. I go to work by six, I'm done by ten then, I'm free to go out at night." Barrigan joined the road cast of 'Blast' one and a half years ago, after being nudged to audition by one of the Broadway cast members. A competitive baton twirler since the age of five, Barrigan fell into a comfortable groove with the drum corps-style production within a month. "You wouldn't believe the coordinated effort that goes into each performance," Barrigan says. "In addition to the 50 people on stage, there is an army of lighting technicians, sound engineers and other production staff supporting you." Barrigan says 'Blast' is based on the structures of drum corps. "Take the idea of a collegiate marching band multiply that by 1000 and you have drum corps. Take drum corps, blow that completely out of proportion, add the costumes and props and you have 'Blast." The wide range of music 'Blast' employs include: Jazz, Blues, Classical, Latin and African. One number even utilized a digery do (the Australian aboriginal instrument.) "The music is pulled together under the common theme of 'Colors'," says Barrigan. "The producers celebrate music and dance by envisioning what music would the audience associate with color red. They then incorporated costumes, props and set designs to correspond." Barrigan sums her feelings about performing with 'Blast' as "Alive." "I've had the opportunity to visit new cities, experience new cultures and do something that I love. What feels best is the way the show inspires kids. Children are inspired by seeing us on stage to pick up instruments and try new things." "Blast" is running at the 5th Ave. Theatre, on 5 Ave. between Union and University Streets, from Oct. 8 through 27. Tickets range from $15 - 58 and are available from Ticketmaster (206) 292-ARTS (2787). © 2002 Shoreline Community College™