REVIEW: Stomp

A Review

Make A Joyful Noise

By R. J. Donovan

All that noise you hear in the vicinity of the Colonial Theatre is the merry band of "Stomp," making yet another energetic visit to Boston.

Stomp is one of those "have to see it " shows. Telling you that the cast of 8 makes music out of push brooms, Zippo lights, water jugs, garbage can covers, plungers, empty soda cups and giant oil drums doesn't really do the exhilarating experience justice.

The carefully and cleverly choreographed evening is non-stop sound, although no words are spoken (save one prolonged "sshhhhhhh" from the cast). The unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy was created in England via the collaboration of Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas. The two had first worked together as members of a street band in the 80s.

"Stomp" premiered in London's West End in 1991, promptly took off to tour the world and subsequently arrived at The Orpheum Theatre in New York in 1994. From its beginnings as a street performance, "Stomp" has now been presented in more than 350 cities in 36 countries around the world.

Each member of the cast has a "role" of sorts to play. Dressed in a variety of work clothes, tank tops and boots, the six men and two women are a sharp lot. The woman with the fighter pilot goggles is a fireball and the other gal with the dreadlocks is right out of an MTV video.

The show is not without its silliness; in fact, it happily relies on heavy doses of comedy in more than one sequence. The young man with the beard and backwards baseball cap is consistently funny as the loveable guy who doesn't seem to get much respect from the rest of the group. He's at the center of a segment that finds the company rustling newspapers while he's trying to find a little peace and quiet -- a hard commodity to come by in this show. And the tall drink of water with the glasses is a riot as he uses those newspapers to great comic effect.

As a side note, Broadway Across America - Boston is working with The Greater Boston Food Bank to help "STOMP Out Hunger" this holiday season by hosting a food drive at all performances. Patrons are encouraged to bring canned goods and non-perishables to the lobby of The Colonial for collection. The Food Bank will distribute all donations to those in need locally.

Meanwhile, the beat goes on at The Colonial.

"Stomp" is at The Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston Street, through December 17. For information, call 617-931-2787.

-- OnStage Boston

12/08/06

			A Review Make A Joyful Noise By R. J. Donovan All that noise you hear in the vicinity of the Colonial Theatre is the merry band of "Stomp," making yet another energetic visit to Boston. Stomp is one of those "have to see it " shows. Telling you that the cast of 8 makes music out of push brooms, Zippo lights, water jugs, garbage can covers, plungers, empty soda cups and giant oil drums doesn't really do the exhilarating experience justice. The carefully and cleverly choreographed evening is non-stop sound, although no words are spoken (save one prolonged "sshhhhhhh" from the cast). The unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy was created in England via the collaboration of Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas. The two had first worked together as members of a street band in the 80s. "Stomp" premiered in London's West End in 1991, promptly took off to tour the world and subsequently arrived at The Orpheum Theatre in New York in 1994. From its beginnings as a street performance, "Stomp" has now been presented in more than 350 cities in 36 countries around the world. Each member of the cast has a "role" of sorts to play. Dressed in a variety of work clothes, tank tops and boots, the six men and two women are a sharp lot. The woman with the fighter pilot goggles is a fireball and the other gal with the dreadlocks is right out of an MTV video. The show is not without its silliness; in fact, it happily relies on heavy doses of comedy in more than one sequence. The young man with the beard and backwards baseball cap is consistently funny as the loveable guy who doesn't seem to get much respect from the rest of the group. He's at the center of a segment that finds the company rustling newspapers while he's trying to find a little peace and quiet -- a hard commodity to come by in this show. And the tall drink of water with the glasses is a riot as he uses those newspapers to great comic effect. As a side note, Broadway Across America - Boston is working with The Greater Boston Food Bank to help "STOMP Out Hunger" this holiday season by hosting a food drive at all performances. Patrons are encouraged to bring canned goods and non-perishables to the lobby of The Colonial for collection. The Food Bank will distribute all donations to those in need locally. Meanwhile, the beat goes on at The Colonial. "Stomp" is at The Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston Street, through December 17. For information, call 617-931-2787. -- OnStage Boston 12/08/06

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