Date: Fri 13-Jun-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Quick Words:

Stomp-Shubert-review-April

Full Text:

("Stomp" @Shubert review, 6/13/97)

A Lot Of Noise Over An Unconventional Show

(with photo)

By June April

NEW HAVEN - So what is "Stomp," the latest stage sensation to arrive at New

Haven's Shubert Theatre? "Stomp" is vibrantly unconventional.

It is a production that is fun. Lots of fun. It is spirited, unique, zippy and

creative. And it is still exciting on its second visit to the state ("Stomp"

made its Connecticut debut last summer, with a series of performances at the

Meadows Music Theatre in Hartford).

Running through June 15 at the Shubert, "Stomp" serves as a standard of what

can be done with "what's around" when combined with musical minds. Using

refuse (junk), the performers in the show make music.

They make rhythm, and they engender enthusiastic responses from the audience.

There are no spoken lines. Just looks and percussive music.

Starting with brooms, sweeping a dusty stage - which adds to the overall

just-picked-it-out-of-the-trash motif - the exaggerated sounds of sweeping

bristles on wood are augmented by the wooden ends of the broomstick to create

a contrasting drumming rhythm.

There are strong elements from many cultures on a rhythmic level, recalling

Latin flamenco and African heritages. Shows like the long-running "Blue Man

Tubes" has a similar zaniness, as did the tap dancing workers of "Tap Dogs."

The winner of numerous awards - including England's equivalent of the Tony

Awards, an Obie and Drama Desk in the United States - "Stomp" has successfully

been touring to sellout crowds not only in this country but also in Japan,

Australia, Chile, Brazil, Hawaii and Korea. There truly is a universality to

this show, which was created and directed by Luke Cresswell and Steve

McNicholas.

Children use rhythm sticks in primary grades; "Stomp" uses various sizes and

thicknesses of wooden poles for different sounds. The show also applies the

same theory to rubber hoses, barrels, garbage cans and lids, old coffee pots,

pans, saws, rulers, boxes, bags and bodies. All of these, and more, are the

instruments of "Stomp."

Sand and water are incorporated in comedic ways, as is dirt - best called

"dust." The performers' attire is best described as second hand raggish, with

great boots for their energetic dance/tap soundings. Great noises emanate

throughout the theatre.

As with the incomparable "Mummenschantz," audiences are drawn in by the

performers. Clapping, finger-snapping and being the recipients of thrown

newspaper (didn't know that could be a rhythmic item, too, did you?) tossed

over the footlights are part of what brings the audience to its collective

feet at the end of each evening. The show is over all too soon.

The cast is male and female, representing different cultures. And they are

young - you would have to be to do what they do, with the zest and exuberance

and ferver they bring to the show.

Tickets for "Stomp" run $18 to $32 each. Curtain is Friday at 8 pm; Saturday

at 5 and 9; Sunday at 2 and 7. Tickets can be purchased at the Shubert box

office or by calling Pro-Tix, 800/955-5566.