Neil Tiplady News

For 25 years now the percussion spectacular known as Stomp has been making beautiful noise all over the world. This high-octane audible feast is back in town at the National Theatre for a week and the historic rafters are shaking from the melodious vibrations Stomp brings with it.

The latest tour to entertain Syracuse audiences is none other than STOMP, the international sensation that features the use of some of the most unlikely instruments. On a blustery and cold April day (welcome to Spring in Syracuse) STOMP sizzles inside the historical Landmark Theatre. The multiple award-winning percussion sensation, created and directed by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, brought the house down with its intense rhythms, explosive sound, and top-notch performers.

One thing I really love about STOMP is that no matter how many times you've seen it, there are always a few new bits thrown in for you to enjoy. It's a constantly evolving show, although you can bet it will always begin with the troupe using their brooms to demonstrate how common items can be utilized to produce music and magic. Productions have been touring the world with various participants for so many years now that it's even become a touchstone for parents, who have already experienced it, to take their children to see it for the first time. My own son has seen it at least three times, but has grown to appreciate it even more as he's gotten older and more into music. The touring company that just passed through The Fabulous Fox Theatre (April 10-12, 2015) proved, once again, that the poly-rhythmic textures that reverberate in the venues they play overflow with a truly joyful noise that both amuses and delights.

The last time STOMP came to the Fabulous Fox Theatre I made sure to bring along my son. I made a point of taking him this time as well, because their antics seem to absolutely delight him. I can understand why. If you've ever drummed on your steering wheel to a song on the radio, or absentmindedly tapped your pencil on your desk, creating your own rhythmic accompaniment, then you already grasp the concept at the heart of STOMP. Over the course of an hour and a half, a group of performers demonstrate how you can make music with just about anything, and in doing so, create a genuinely joyful noise. It's akin to taking the guy in office with the annoying habit of pounding on things, and elevating what he does to high art; but, it works like a charm.

If you've ever drummed on your steering wheel to a song on the radio, or absentmindedly tapped your pencil on your desk, creating your own rhythmic accompaniment, then you've already grasped the concept at the heart of STOMP. Over the course of an hour and a half, a group of performers demonstrate how you can make music with just about anything, and in doing so, create a genuinely joyful noise. It's akin to taking the guy in office with the annoying habit of beating on things, and elevating what he does to high art; and it works like a charm. A lively and energetic group of performers are currently appearing on stage at the Fox Theatre for a three-day engagement of STOMP (March 25-27, 2011), and it's a very entertaining show fit for the whole family.

I first saw STOMP over four years ago at another, smaller, Boston theatre. I remember being absolutely amazed at how the performers took what seemed like the ordinary and morphed it into an extraordinary fusion of rhythm, dance, and an innovative style of music...