A library isn't the kind of place you'd expect to find a crowd gathered to see the banging of cans and stomping of feet.
But on Thursday, Oct. 28, the internationally famous percussion performance group STOMP did a special show at the Seattle Central Library, filling the generally quiet building up with their signature rhythmic beats. In connection with the group's upcoming show at the Paramount Theatre Nov. 9-14, a free preview was held for the public in the common space at the library.
"We hope the preview will drum up some excitement," said Amanda Bedell, public relations manager for The Paramount, the pun clearly intended.
Young and old alike gathered around the stage, which was set up with such items as plastic garbage tubs, a ladder, metal racks and an electric drill. By the time the performers descended the escalator, clapping and snapping rhythmically while approaching the stage, the audience was following their every move.
The performance lasted a mere eight minutes, which left many in the crowd asking for more, especially the children. Luckily the actual show will be closer to 90 minutes.
While STOMP has toured in Seattle in the past, this year has some new and improved additions. These include new full-scale routines and props like tractor tires and paint cans.
"It's not all banging on trash cans, and it's not all loud and crazy," said Garrett Hanson, a cast member who performed in the preview. "We have some great smaller numbers. For example, our intro uses just brooms for this nice sweeping sound."
With a cast of 12 members, the STOMP crew is made up of percussionists, dancers, musicians and actors. Eight perform each night without an intermission, and then rotate throughout the tour.
"Everyone's different," said cast member John Angeles when asked about the interconnected backgrounds STOMP members might have. "Some people have a dance background, others acting,. Everyone has their own special training. It's a good mix of people who do a little bit of everything."
The show was created in 1991 in London by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas. Within three years, the hit show begins playing world stages. The premise of STOMP is to create rhythmic music using everyday objects, and to do it with an eccentric sense of character and humor. Angeles agrees that they strive to be more than just a dance performance.
"There's a lot of comedy in it which people don't expect. There's a character to it. It's a lot of fun," he said.
The STOMP cast just completed a tour of South America that had them playing in Panama and Brazil. Now, STOMP performers say, they're ready to perform their show for Seattleites.
"I love Seattle," said Hanson. "Couldn't be happier to be here."
For more information on show times and tickets visit www.stgpresents.org, or call STG's sales hotline 206-315-8054.[[In-content Ad]]
