Review: STOMP Sizzles at the Landmark Theatre

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.

Created in 1991, STOMP uses a combination of percussion, movement, and visual comedy to give the audience a unique theatergoing experience. For 27 years, STOMP has been entertaining audiences all over the world with a unique soundscape made possible by using objects such as shopping carts, buckets, sticks, matchboxes, brooms, Zippo lighters, and drums. Of course, the show has been updated and new routines have been added over time. The performers, for example, use tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans, both of which proved to be a crowd favorite, especially as the performers effortlessly moved while strapped to the giant tubes. The thrill, the sound, the sophistication, and the incredibly hip cast make this a show like no other.

The cast of STOMP often play different roles throughout the performance run. The idea that the performers jump in and out of the various roles is professionalism at its finest. They know every beat and every choreographed move. No matter what role they are portraying these multi-talented performers are intense and mesmerizing whether they are executing individual solo moves, showing off their comedic timing, or dazzling us with their percussion skills while hanging from the top of the set (a favorite routine of mine). Each performer delivered a flawless performance. The trust, the passion, the attitude, and the skill is what makes these performers perfection and allow such an electric performance to happen.

The lighting by Steve McNicholas and Neil Tiplady adds to intensity of the show in concert with all the thunderous sound that bounds from the stage. The visual appeal of the show is breathtaking.

There is no doubt that this show with its electrifying beats and powerful choreography is a definite crowd pleaser. STOMP takes what some consider junk and turns it into an incredible entertainment experience that makes your heart race and your feet stomp along to the deafening beats. Don't miss your chance to see this thumping and intoxicating show.

Running time: Approximately one hour and forty minutes with no intermission.

STOMP plays two performances at the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse, New York on April 17 & 18, 2018 as part of the Famous Artists Broadway Theater Series Broadway in Syracuse. For tickets and information on STOMP, click here. For tickets and information on The Famous Artists Broadway Theater Series Broadway in Syracuse, click here.