The International Sensation STOMP Makes Its Long Island Debut

Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts (PTPA) and The Gateway are proud to present STOMP as the international percussion sensation makes its Long Island premiere at Patchogue Theatre on Friday, Jan. 5 and Saturday, Jan. 6. From its beginnings as a street performance in the United Kingdom, STOMP has grown into an international sensation over the past 20 years, having performed in more than 50 countries and in front of more than 24 million people. The New York production of STOMP recently celebrated its 10,000th performance at the Orpheum Theatre.

Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, STOMP continues its phenomenal run with four global productions: the ongoing sell-out production at New York's Orpheum Theatre, a permanent London company, and North American and European tours. Throughout its life, the show has continued to change by creating new material, including the addition of two new pieces. It is safe to say you will never look at supermarket carts, paint cans, plumbing fixtures or kitchen sinks the same way again.

STOMP, an overwhelming success marked by rave reviews, numerous awards, and sell-out engagements, is the winner of an Olivier Award for Best Choreography, a New York Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience, and a Special Citation from Best Plays.

In addition to the stage shows, STOMP has been an overwhelming success marked by rave reviews, numerous awards, an Academy Award nomination, four Emmy nominations and one Emmy Award for their acclaimed HBO special "Stomp Out Loud," noteworthy TV appearances including The London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, The Academy Awards (produced by Quincy Jones), Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and a series of award-winning international commercials.
The performers "make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound," says co-founder, director Luke Cresswell.

A unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, STOMP has created its own inimitable, contemporary form of rhythmic expression: both household and industrial objects find new life as musical instruments in the hands of an idiosyncratic band of body percussionists. It is a journey through sound, a celebration of the everyday and a comic interplay of characters wordlessly communicating through dance and drum.

Synchronized stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra, eight 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 - dustbins, tea chests, radiator hoses, boots, hub caps - to fill the stage with a compelling and unique act that is often imitated, but never duplicated.
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.

Tickets for STOMP are now available online, by phone or at The Gateway and Patchogue Theatre box offices. Ticket prices range from $59 to $89, plus ticket convenience charges. For more information on STOMP, visit www.stomponline.com or call 631-286-1133.

STOMP makes its Long Island debut at Patchogue Theatre on Jan. 5 & 6.

ABOUT PATCHOGUE THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (PTPA)
Patchogue Theatre first opened in 1923 as the largest theatre in Suffolk County. It still is, with the installation of 1,106 brand new seats during the 2016 renovation. Saved by Village of Patchogue in 1996 and lovingly restored it to its original grandeur, this beautiful and historic venue was in use 230 days with over 150,000 in attendance for its 2016-2017 season. PTPA is an independent community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that leases the building from the Village of Patchogue and covers all of the operating costs without any subsidies from the Village. PTPA's leadership consists of a volunteer board of directors and a small professional staff. Patchogue Theatre continues to thrive thanks to the hard work of over 90 volunteers as well as the businesses, funding agencies and individuals who support PTPA by contributing their time and resources. Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts is located at 71 East Main Street, Patchogue, N.Y., and can be reached at 631-207-1313 or by visiting PatchogueTheatre.org.