Why to Go and See Stomp the Musical
The expression stomp originally began with two buskers dazzling the streets of Brighton, UK with music, their catchy performance hooking in bystaders to stop, watch, and listen. Created by Steven McNichols and Luke Cresswell in Brighton, UK, the music STOMP debuted within the Orpheum Theatre in February 1994. The musical STOMP can also track some of its roots to Booth Theatres erected at the Village Fairs in the Middle Ages and Renaissance time period- an old custom in that time. As opposed to any other musical, STOMP challenges the concept of what constitutes audio. Eight nightly performers play simple and complex rhythms from everyday objects, 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 giving individual self-expression. STOMP is really a sensual combination of comedy, percussion, and energetic movements. The musical STOMP is the unique design of Steven McNichols and Luke Cresswell that captalizes on a ‘less is more’ premise. It’s a passionate production, not easily classified into a particular music or theatrical genre. Through the absence of melodies, the audience listens to music obtaining broken down into basics as eight chiseled and energetic performers pound out rhythms with common things: poles, drumsticks, match boxes, water, brooms, bins, and lids. Ironically, the ordinary quality of these items catapults STOMP to an artistic level not matched by some other modern theatrical acts. The simplicity in which the cast manipulates their ‘instruments’ and body stretches the imagination into a thrilling reality. Its set design is flashy and colourful at times; a more elaborate metal construction highlights 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 which shake the rafters and audience with it’s intense, tribal rhythms. These in-your-face cadences are a powerful avenue for person and collective expression, leaving numerous on the edge of their seats. STOMP’s shortage of fancy performer clothing keeps the emphasis on what truly counts: dance moves and musical rhythms, which become much more intricate with each subsequent scene. Subtlety is also used to balance these raw rhythms.One scene is structured around performers tapping six foot poles, as they stealthily circle the stage, almost preying on one another with their moves and rhythms. Their sense of correlation is palpable and sensual, cast eye contact stimulating the expectation, as you nearly discover yourself wondering who is going to ‘win’ at this music game. Yet, everyone wins, the audience even asked into the performance through a cast member who initiates a clap-and-response session. Approximately 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 right under our noses. Discover much more information about the musical and buyStomp Tickets online
