STOMP is a collection of musical numbers done via garbage cans, drumsticks on metal bars, and other uncommonly used instruments that one could find on any street corner. The show is a wondrous cacophony of the city’s own natural music. The sounds depicted from these unlikely instruments are unexpectedly gorgeous and could inspire just about anybody to tap their foot or even get up and start dancing.
The musicians are as talented as you’ll find in any city in the world, even New York, New York, where performers seem to really take the cake. Though there have been many performers in STOMP, the originators are Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, who started STOMP back in ’91 in Brighton, UK, and the show previewed at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre.
Since 1991 many talented individuals have been added to the show, being allotted to add their own unique rhythm and style to this already amazing group. These individuals usually begin to perform and practice as young as nine years old and has been working towards performance and music their entire lives, seeing STOMP as the perfect opportunity to express themselves.
Though this show runs off-Broadway, it is still one of the most popular and interesting shows that ever graced the stage. The mind-blowing rhythms get you from the beginning, whether it’s a box of matches, trash cans, newspapers, etc., you just can’t keep yourself from nodding your head and tapping your feet to the beat.
But the highlight of the night has to be when the Zippo lighter comes out.
Picture it: The stage is devoid of all light and each performer is equipped with two lighters as they are lined up, shoulder-to-shoulder. What happens next is an amazing rhythm created by the sounds of lighters turning on and off throughout the stage. This is art; taking an object, as trivial as a lighter, and allowing the audience to see it in a whole different perspective. This change allows us to see art in a new and different light and therein lies the power of art.
The allure of ‘STOMP’ is that there are these deep pealing instances for both the young and the old, moments that will make you breathless no matter your age. In other words, it’s a true family show.
I deeply and sincerely recommend you see this the next time you visit the Big Apple. It is definitely one show you do NOT want to miss.