‘Stomp’ing into Logan
For about 20 years they have played sold-out shows around the world. Their tickets sell for hundreds of dollars. Their explosive performances shake the theatre and bring audiences to their feet.
But they aren’t The Rolling Stones; they are the performers of “Stomp”.
Since its premier in the early ‘90s, “Stomp” has become an international sensation that combines 11 performers and a variety of recycled everyday objects to create an energetic show that incorporates movement, dance, music and percussion. The show will play at the Ellen Eccles Theatre Oct. 11 and 12.
“Having them come to Logan is a special opportunity,” said Wally Bloss, executive director of the theatre. “This is a national touring company that has never been here before.”
“Stomp” was founded in Brighton, England, in 1991, by Steve McNicholas and Luke Cresswell, who spent 10 years developing the show before its first performance.
Marissa Castillo, program director at the Eccles Theatre said the high energy and creativity of the show makes it a great activity for students from all backgrounds and interests to attend, even if they aren’t typical theatre patrons.
“It’s a perfect show for students,” Castillo said. “It’s not a boring show. There’s a lot of energy, and students appreciate it. It’s really a show for anyone between three to 100. Because it has so much going on, every guest will appreciate it.”
Although ticket prices are beyond what most students are used to paying for an evening’s entertainment — after the 25 percent discount offered to USU students, the tickets range from $20 to $35— Castillo said attendees should know this is a unique opportunity to see a national tour for a portion of the regular price.
“We’re bringing this great show to Logan that otherwise wouldn’t be here and making it affordable. They’d be paying a lot more if they saw it anywhere else,” she said.
Bloss said it’s important that students take an active role in supporting the arts by attending live performances such as “Stomp”.
“There is an energy that flows between a performer and the audience,” he said. “You get involved in what they are doing and they get energy for the audience.”
But “Stomp” is more than just an exciting, high energy show, Bloss said.
“It is also a lesson in recycling,” Bloss added. “Everything they use for instruments are found objects — cans, pieces of tubing and so forth. They don’t go buy stuff, they just make things. That’s one of their fun appeals.”
This practice is known as upcycling, which local artist and upcycler Nancy Jones said is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into objects with a new function.
“We all throw too many things away,” Jones said. “Shows like “Stomp” are inspirational and teach us what you can do with things you find at thrift stores and garage sales, or even just around your home.”
Jones, said she uses only second-hand household objects to create her art, the same way “Stomp” does. All of the show’s percussion instruments are made of recycled items. The show’s prop list includes brooms, lids, trashcans, folding chairs and old shoes.
In a world in which resources are becoming increasingly scant, Jones said, the need for recycling is becoming increasingly more important. She said some people think recycling is a pain, or things made from recycled materials are not as valuable, aesthetically pleasing or usable as new products. Jones said she is excited that shows like “Stomp” help present the idea of reusing and recycling in an exciting and positive way.
“The show is another way to encourage students to get creative,” Jones said.
The Ellen Eccles Theatre hosts a family activity before each “Stomp” performance in which, Castillo said, attending families make musical instruments, similar to ones used in the show, out of recycled materials provided by the theatre.
Castillo said theatre organizers hope this event will promote the show while encouraging audiences to explore creativity in recycling.
“We’re hoping to get everyone involved in the recycled theme of the show,” Castillo said.
– m.van911@aggiemail.usu.edu