“Stomp,” the internationally acclaimed percussion show, returns to Penn State for an “explosive” stage production at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, in Penn State’s Eisenhower Auditorium.
From its beginnings as a street performance in the United Kingdom, “Stomp” has grown into an international sensation over the past 29 years, with performances in more than 50 countries and in front of more than 26 million people.
Tickets are $69 and $54 for adults; $52 and $37 for those 18 and younger; and $35 and $30 for University Park students. They are available for purchase online, by calling 814-863-0255 or in person from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at Eisenhower Auditorium.
“Stomp” continues to tour North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. It was in performance for 15 years in London’s West End; 29 years at New York’s Orpheum Theatre; and had lengthy productions in San Francisco, Boston and Las Vegas.
Throughout its run, the show has continued to change by creating new material to bring music to everyday objects.
Synchronized stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra, eight Zippo lighters flip open and closed to create a fiery fugue; wooden poles thump and clack in a rhythmic explosion. “Stomp” uses everything but conventional instruments—dustbins, suitcases, radiator hoses, boots, hub caps—to fill the stage with a compelling and unique act brought to life by an idiosyncratic band of body percussionists.
The performers “make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound,” co-founder-director Luke Cresswell said. A unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, “Stomp” has created its own inimitable, contemporary form of rhythmic expression. It is a journey through sound, a celebration of the everyday and a comic interplay of characters wordlessly communicating through dance and drum.
“Stomp” was created by Cresswell and Steve McNicholas in 1991. The production has since won rave reviews, sell-out engagements and numerous awards, including an Olivier Award for Best Choreography, a New York Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience and a Special Citation from Best Plays.
In addition to the stage shows, “Stomp” has received an Academy Award nomination, four Emmy nominations and a Emmy Award for the HBO special “Stomp Out Loud.”
The Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State hosted performances of “Stomp” in 2000, 2004 and 2010, all at Eisenhower Auditorium.
