Why to Go and See Stomp the Music
August 25th, 2010The expression stomp initially started with two buskers entertaining the streets of Brighton, UK with music, their catchy performance hooking in bystaders to stop, view, and listen. Created by Steven McNichols and Luke Cresswell in Brighton, UK, the musical STOMP debuted within the Orpheum Theatre in February 1994. The musical STOMP can also trace several of its roots to Booth Theatres erected at the Village Fairs in the Middle Ages and Renaissance time period- an old custom in that era. Unlike any other musical, STOMP pushes the idea of what constitutes audio. Eight nightly performers play simple and complex rhythms from everyday items, such as six foot poles, sand, brooms, lids, litres of water, and aluminum bins. Via dance and music, the group collaborates with every other to play audio, as well as supplying person self-expression. STOMP is really a sensual combination of comedy, percussion, and vibrant movements. The musical STOMP is the unique construction of Steven McNichols and Luke Cresswell that captalizes on a ‘less is more’ premise. It’s a passionate production, not effortlessly classified into a particular musical or theatrical genre. Through the absence of melodies, the audience listens to music getting broken down into basics as eight chiseled and energetic performers pound out rhythms with ordinary things: poles, drumsticks, match boxes, water, brooms, bins, and lids. Ironically, the common high quality of these items catapults STOMP to an artistic level unrivalled by other modern theatrical acts. The ease in which the cast manipulates their ‘instruments’ and body expands the imagination into a fun filled reality. It’s set design is flashy and multi-colored at times; a more elaborate metal construction displays instruments which are struck by performers harnessed from the ceiling. This restriction frees the cast to use their feet, legs, and arms to produce loud group rhythms that shake the rafters and audience with their intense, tribal rhythms. These in-your-face cadences are a strong avenue for person and collective expression, leaving numerous on the edge of their seats. STOMP’s shortage of fancy performer garments keeps the emphasis on what really counts: dance moves and musical rhythms, which become much more intricate with every subsequent scene. Subtlety is also utilized to stabilize these raw rhythms.One scene is structured around performers tapping six foot poles, as they stealthily circle the stage, almost preying on each other with their moves and rhythms. Their sense of interconnection is palpable and sensual, cast eye contact igniting the anticipation, as you almost discover yourself asking yourself who is going to ‘win’ at this music game. Yet, everyone wins, the audience even invited into the performance via a cast member who initiates a clap-and-response session. Around two hours in duration, STOMP keeps one’s attention, making you wonder how items usually reserved for math problems, cleaning, and construction projects can entertain and produce a powerful musical group dynamic. In this age of modern technology, STOMP is a refreshing blend of primal instincts meeting music genious, reminding us of the music and rhythmic potential correct under our noses. Find more information about the musical and buyStomp Tickets on the internet











