07 Oct 2024 Percussion sensation ‘Stomp’ coming to Reynolds Performance Hall

CONWAY —The University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances presents “Stomp” at Reynolds Performance Hall at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22.  

From its beginnings as a street performance in the United Kingdom, “Stomp” has grown into an international sensation over the past 29 years, having performed in more than 50 countries and in front of more than 26 million people. “Stomp” also won 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.

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, suitcases, radiator hoses, boots, hub caps – to fill the stage with a compelling and unique act.

The performers “make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound,” said 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.

Tickets range from $30-$50 for adults and $10 for children/students. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Reynolds box office or Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., online at uca.edu/publicappearances or by calling UCA Ticket Central at 501.450.3265 or toll-free at 866.810.0012.

UCA Public Appearances is celebrating 25 years in Reynolds Performances Hall and has continued to grow each year, and now has five unique series that are offered: Broadway, POPS, Night Out, Speaker, and the Windgate Collection. Reynolds Performance Hall has also welcomed over 65,000 pre-K through12th grade students from across the state to experience live performing arts through the Main Stage Education Series. This series educates while entertaining and provides arts accessibility to all students.