THEY have the unique talent of generating noise and blending it together to create a musical experience unlike any other and after almost two decades of captivating audiences all over the world, Stomp finally arrives in Manila.
Performing to a very appreciative crowd at the CCP on opening night, Filipinos experienced what the noise was all about as the eight-member STOMP! crew clapped, banged, stomped and even coughed! their way for two straight hours creating rhythmic and oftentimes addictive beats.
Using ordinary house items such as broomsticks, trashcans, chairs, pots and pans, plastic hoses, drums, pails, plastic bags, newspapers and even lighters! STOMP proved that music is indeed everywhere and that even the kitchen sink can produce a melody.
Aside from the beats, the crew also showcased their flawless choreography both in dance and acrobatics as well as their showmanship as they infused each segment with comedy to keep the crowd involved.
Its not often that you can rave about something you’ve watched and not be able to mention a memorable line or dialogue, sing or even hum a few lines of song–but that is exactly what makes Stomp so different. It isn’t just a spectacle to be seen, but an incomparable experience that only beats–not words can describe.
check out this awesome clip “chairs”
Stomp is a high-energy, percussive symphony, coupled with dance and is played entirely on non-traditional instruments, such as garbage can lids, buckets, brooms and sticks. It transforms the stage into a pulsating, witty, and utterly irresistible theatrical event. It has little or no melody in the traditional sense, so it doesn’t matter if your taste in music is jazz, classical, dance or pop. Stomp has no words yet, everyone can understand it.
Birth of rhythmic noise
In the summer of 1991, Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, gave birth to a unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, and called it STOMP! It was the result of a 10-year collaboration between the two artists who have been working together as members of the street band Pookiesnackenburger and the theater group, Cliff Hanger.
These groups presented a series of street comedy musicals at the Edinburgh Festival throughout the early 80s, coming up with two albums, a UK TV series and extensive touring throughout Europe.
Pookiesnackenburger also produced the highly acclaimed “Bins” commercial for Heineken beer. The piece was originally written and choreographed by Luke as part of the band’s stage show and proved to be the starting point for Stomp’s climatic dustbin dance.
The musical finally made its debut at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre and premiered at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, where it became the Guardian’s “Critic’s Choice” and won the Daily Express “Best of the Fringe” award. Since then, the show has captivated audiences worldwide from Hong Kong to Barcelona, from Dublin to Sydney, London and New York.
It began its run at the Orpheum Theater in New York in February 1994 and quickly went on to win both an Obie and a Drama Desk award for “Most Unique Theatre Experience.” By the summer of 1994 the first American cast was in place at the Orpheum, freeing the original cast for sell out tours of North America and Japan.
Now on its ninth year in London’s West End and its 17th year on Broadway, Stomp has set its unique feet stamping, fingers drumming and adrenaline rushing feel good sensations to audiences totaling more than 15 million in 48 countries across five continents, producing pure stage magic.
Experience this most invigorating and innovative musical spectacle will be staged at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center of the Philippines for a limited season from October 18 to 23. Senior citizens enjoy a 20 percent discount.
All tickets are available at all TicketWorld outlets, selected National Bookstore branches, Robinsons Department Store (Galleria, Malate, Metro East, Festival Mall and Starmill Pampanga) and Ayala Center (Greenbelt 1, Glorietta 4 and Trinoma Mall Cinema Booths) and TicketWorld Office at 6793 Ayala Avenue, Suite 701 V. Madrigal Building, Makati City. To book, call (632) 891-9999, or visit TicketWorld’s website www.ticketworld.com.ph.