'STOMP' returns to Phillips Center March 30 and 31

March 19, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Three performances of the international percussion sensation “STOMP” will be held at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – at 7:30 p.m. March 30 and at 2 and 7:30 p.m. March 31.

Described as explosive, provocative, sophisticated and utterly unique, “STOMP” appeals to audiences of all ages. The show has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. As USA Today says, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.”

The percussive hit’s return to Gainesville also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. These changes are the biggest to the show since the late 1990’s. A new piece “Paint Cans” evolved out of the “Boxes” routine in the Las Vegas show and “Donuts” is a piece that implements huge tractor tire inner tubes, worn around the waist on a bungee cord.

From its beginnings as a street performance in the U.K., “STOMP” has grown into an international sensation over the past 14 years, having performed in more than 350 cities in 36 countries worldwide. “STOMP” continues its phenomenal run with the ongoing sellout off-Broadway production at New York’s Orpheum Theatre, a North American tour and two productions overseas – a London company and a European tour.

“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.

Tickets are on sale and available for this performance. Call 352-392-ARTS (2787) or 800-905-ARTS (toll free within Florida), or visit www.performingarts.ufl.edu for more information.