The Globe Gazette proudly presents the sold-out performance by the international percussion sensation STOMP at the North Iowa Community Auditorium on the NIACC campus at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. This presentation is part of the 2016-2017 Performing Arts and Leadership Series.

From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK, 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.

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; this year it will incorporate two new pieces. It is safe to say you will never again look at supermarket carts or plumbing fixtures the same way… or paint cans, or kitchen sinks or…

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.

In addition, STOMP has received an Academy Award nomination, four Emmy nominations and an 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.

To learn more about STOMP visit their website at www.stomponline.com or watch a video at www.niacc.edu/palvideos.

This performance is sold-out.

Platinum sponsors for the 2016-2017 Performing Arts and Leadership Series include Samuel & Patricia Congello, First Citizens National Bank, Elizabeth Muse Norris Foundation, Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa, and Principal Financial Group.

Gold sponsors include Dr. Dave and Cathy Beck, First State Bank Belmond, Globe Gazette, Mason City Clinic, Dean Genth & Dr. Gary Swenson, Dr. Bryan & Alicia Navarette, Henkel Construction Company, Sukup, Historic Park Inn, North Iowa Eye Clinic P.C., Petro Blend, Stratford Foundation, Arts Midwest Touring Fund, Holiday Inn Express, KIMT, KGLO, and North Iowa Broadcasting.

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