STOMP Returns to The Fox Theatre 3/2

 

"STOMP is making its triumphant return to Atlanta," states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. "We are delighted to present a return engagement of this international sensation. Join us March 2-6 at the Fabulous Fox Theatre for an utterly unique experience which appeals to all ages! Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-982-2787, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the Fox Theatre Box Office. Special group rates are available through the Fox Theatre Group Sales Department at 404-881-2000. Come see what all the noise is about!"

The percussive hit also brings some new surprises with some of the show updated and restructured and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans.

"After creating new routines for Stomp Out Loud in Vegas, [co-creator] Luke Cresswell and I decided it was time to rework elements of our main production, STOMP," said co-creator Steve McNicholas. "STOMP has evolved a great deal ever since its first incarnation at the Edinburgh Festival. Every reworking has involved losing some pieces and gaining new ones, but has always stayed true to the original premise of the show: to create rhythmic music with instantly recognizable objects, and do it with an eccentric sense of character and humor."

The changes that can now be seen in the tour of STOMP are the biggest since the late 1990's. A new piece "Paint Cans" evolved out of the "Boxes" routine in the Las Vegas show and "Donuts" is a piece that implements huge tractor tire inner tubes, worn around the waist on a bungee cord. For many years, the creators had looked for a STOMP equivalent of the Latin percussion instrument the guiro, a gourd-shaped open-ended instrument with ridges along the side that are rubbed by a wooden stick to create its sound. The climactic trashcan sequence "Bins" has been restructured to include a guiro-like new found instrument: strip-lighting recycling containers.

From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK, STOMP has grown into an international sensation over the past fourteen years, having performed in over 350 cities in 36 countries worldwide. STOMP continues its phenomenal run with the ongoing sell-out Off-Broadway production at New York's Orpheum Theatre, a North American tour, and two productions overseas - a London company and a European tour.

STOMP, an overwhelming success marked by rave reviews, numerous awards and sell-out engagements, is the winner of an Olivier Award for Best Choreography (London's Tony Award), a New York Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience, and a Special Citation from Best Plays. The young performers "make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound," says co-creator/director Luke Cresswell. Stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra; 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 percussion instruments - trashcans, tea chests, plastic bags, plungers, boots, and hubcaps - to fill the stage with compelling and infectious rhythms.

Critics and audiences have raved: "STOMP is as crisp and exuberant as if it had opened yesterday," says The New York Times. The San Francisco Chronicle declares "STOMP has a beat that just won't quit!" The Los Angeles Times exclaims: "Electrifying! Triumphs in the infinite variety of the human experience." "A phenomenal show! Bashing, crashing, smashing, swishing, banging and kicking - a joyous invention!" says the Chicago Tribune.

STOMP is directed and created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas. For info about STOMP, visit their web site at www.stomponline.com.

STOMP will play the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta from March 2-6, 2011. Performances are Wednesday-Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 1 pm, 5 pm & 9 pm and Sunday at 1:30 pm & 6 pm. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster outlets, 800-982-2787 and www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices range from $24-$59. Special group rates are available through the Fox Theatre Group Sales Department at 404-881-2000.

Theater of the Stars celebrates its 58th Anniversary as one of the nation's premier regional theater companies. A civic not-for-profit cultural treasure, Theater of the Stars is dedicated to presenting and producing the best in musical theater. To learn more about our history of excellence, visit www.theaterofthestars.com.

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