STOMP making noise in Lexington

Shelby Klingerman

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STOMP performances starring the eight-member troupe that uses unconventional percussion instruments to create rhythm begin Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Lexington Opera House.

The group uses items like matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans and other items as instruments in their performance, giving a unique spin on traditional percussion.

The show has recently been updated and two new routines have been added. These new sections include the use of tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. Gabe Sutkamp, a finance senior, is attending the Wednesday showing.

“I’ve been anxiously awaiting this new routine for weeks,” Sutkamp said. “I know their routine will be better now than it was when I first saw them. I went to their show back when I was in high school and knew they would be accomplishing big things some day.”

The show blends dance, music, and theatrics into one performance accompanied by the beats of various objects creating a percussion sound. Many of the performers in the show have backgrounds with drum-lines, theater, dance, and music.

Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas originally formed STOMP in Brighton, England in 1991. The show premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The group is now largely based out of New York City, but still travels both across the country and internationally for shows.

The group has been featured in film multiple times including a feature on “Good Morning America,” a 45-minute televised HBO special called “Stomp Out Loud,” an appearance on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” and several IMAX films.

They have also had major televised performances, including one on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at President Bill Clinton’s televised Millennium celebration, a performance at the Academy Awards, and a performance at the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony.

Merchandising sophomore Mary Harris remembers watching their Olympic performance.

“I remembered seeing them on television when I was watching the 2012 Olympics, and then I heard they were coming to Lexington,” Harris said. “I got a group of my friends together and they’re all coming with me to watch their show again.”

There will be a second showing of STOMP Thursday at 7 p.m. The Lexington Opera House is located at 401 W. Short St. Lobby doors open 90 minutes prior to show time, and the doors to the seating areas open 30 minutes before.

Attendees can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster online or over the phone by calling (800) 745-3000, at the Lexington Center Ticket Office by calling (859) 233-3535, or at the Opera House when the box office opens 90 minutes prior to show time.