Theatre ReviewsTom Williams

STOMP

Created and directed bystomp

Luke Cresswell & Steve McNicholas

At the Bank of America Theatre, Chicago

Stomp tramples, pounds and beats into a hypnotic sensation

Since its inception in 1991, Stomp has captivated audiences similar to Blue Man Group. Millions love this show, I find it intoxicating. The show was interesting, engaging and unique. Folks love Stomp and it sure has a cult-like following. The opening night audience enthusiastically took to the intoxicating percussion sensations which included clapping in response to the clapping initiated by the lone performer. Stomp is everywhere—New York, London, European and North American touring companies. People can’t get enough of Stomp.

stomp

It is a clever show utilizing household cleaning items, Luke Cresswell, a self-taught percussionist, and Steve McNicholas, a British actor, spent years developing Stomp. Once complete, Stomp quickly became a world-wide sensation.

stomp

Stomp is so infectious because it produces basic rhythms in a unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy that plays to our basic sense of rudimentary communication. If you’ve ever banged on a can to get someone’s attention, you know what Stomp does. Stomp produces basic musical rhythms using push brooms, garbage cans, pipes, kitchen sinks, boxes, brushes, kettles, 55 gallon metal drums and an assortment of pots, pans, pipes, even hubcaps, tea chests, plungers, boots, plastic bags, wooden poles and washboards. The result is a hypnotic, hyper eight person show that grabs us and keeps us thrilled from the opening scene where the cast sweeps us into their engaging beats produced by their push brooms. The nice variety of ‘stomps’ produces a mixture of rhythms, tempos and sounds that communicate the expressive feelings that each performer wishes feels. Emotions are in good hands with these talented ‘stompers’ who never speak but sure communicate with the audience. The universal moods are aptly conveyed through the pulsating tapping.

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Stomp deftly demonstrates our human response to sound, movement and rhythm as we need to express ourselves and we need to communicate our thoughts and emotions through performance art.

Stomp is a unique experience that is a sure winner. It takes us on a journey back to basics of entertainment. If you’ve never seen Stomp—do so, you’ll have a bang-up time.  Stomp is only here for one week.

Recommended

Tom Williams

At the Bank of America theatre, 18 W. Monroe, Chicago, IL, call 800-775-2000, www.broadwayinchicago.com, tickets $20 – $65, Wed. April 28 at 7:30, Thursdays April 29 at 7:30, Friday April 30 at 8 pm, Saturday, May 1 at 2 & 8 pm, Sunday, May 2 at 2 & 7;30 pm, running time is 90 minutes without intermission.

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