How to go
What: “Stomp”
Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton
When: 5 and 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, and 2 and 7 p.m. next Sunday, March 1
Cost: $30-$55
Tickets/more info: Call (937) 228-3630 or go online to www.ticketcenterstage.com.
The national tour of the thrillingly high-octane, internationally acclaimed percussive extravaganza “Stomp” will electrify the Victoria Theatre next weekend.
Praised for its clever assortment of innovative, witty and thoroughly unique techniques, “Stomp” energetically entertains with an unconventional essence. The eight-member troupe impressively bypasses traditional percussion instruments in favor of fascinating rhythms derived from common items such as brooms, garbage cans, hubcaps, matchboxes and wooden poles. The production is full of surprises but is also carefully choreographed in order for routines to be properly balanced.
“Four performers particularly specialize in visual and auditory functions, while the remaining four are more character-driven,” said ensemble member and Cincinnati native Delaunce Jackson, whose love of the arts was formulated in children’s theater and vocal performance. “The character-driven performers carry the comedy and assume different roles with various props. Overall the show reminds audiences how important it is to use your creativity, inspiration and the resources that are available to you to transform something and make it memorable.”
A graduate of Howard University, Jackson studied with Assane Konte and performed with Kankouran W. African Dance Company of Washington, D.C. He also trained and toured nationally and internationally with Step Afrika!, performing at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and various venues around the globe from Chile to Madagascar. Most recently he taught and choreographed with Baltimore’s RawSound for events such as National Tap Dance Day and Earth Day on the National Mall.
“I enjoy being a part of ‘Stomp’ because it caters to my mobile, detail-oriented personality,” Jackson said. “I think a lot of people enjoy the chance to see ‘Stomp’ because they can find acceptance. They can come to the show and see all kinds of wonderful things recognizable from their own lives. Whether it’s a broom or sink from a kitchen or something they’ve noticed someone performing on the street while busking, there is a definite universality to this production.”
“Stomp,” created by British duo Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1991. In 1994, the production arrived off-Broadway at New York’s Orpheum Theatre winning Obie and Drama Desk Awards. Last year the Empire State Building commemorated the show’s 20th anniversary with red and white lights.
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