There’s a proverb that says the empty pot makes the most noise. But in the hands of the creatively talented percussion specialists behind Broadway’s iconic STOMP, empty pots, matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, hubcaps and even Zippo lighters become musical instruments for a night of unique entertainment. Get tickets now and don’t miss Olympia’s spot on the North American tour of this immersive, exciting show when it arrives at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts February 20-21, 2024.
Make Some Noise with the North American Tour of STOMP
STOMP was created in the early 1990s and featured performers using everyday items for beats and musical instruments. This fan-favorite show has traveled the world, been featured in television shows and movies, and recently completed a Broadway run of almost 11,500 performances.
Playbill.com says that during the show’s first decade, they went through 7,800 pairs of drumsticks, 5,300 wooden poles, nearly 10,000 garbage cans and 14,000 boxes of matches.
Cast member Sean Perham is a comedian, drummer and actor from New York. He explains that the crew’s downtown Olympia stop is part of a larger tour extending for more than nine months. During that time, they’ll crisscross the United States with stops in Mexico and Canada as well.
Eight of the traveling cast of 12 are typically on stage at any one time. The show’s physical, downright acrobatic nature means cast members frequently rotate roles. This keeps each stop fresh and unique with no two performances the same.
Pots, Pans and Performers Make Unexpected Music at the Washington Center
Like their seemingly commonplace instruments, STOMP shows are creative and inventive from start to finish. “STOMP is unique in that most performers are swings,” explains Perham. “That means most cast members know more than one role, some know four or five. Depending on the city, who is in the show, and what role they are playing, STOMP feels different every time.”
He estimates that 75 to 80% of the show is written. “The rest is improvised,” he adds. “Cast members are given a lot of freedom both musically and theatrically to improvise.” A music teacher who studied both music education and performance, Perham has traveled the world and played at both Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, just to name a few. He says being a cast member for STOMP is truly a dream come true.
Don’t Miss Out on the Unmistakable Sound of STOMP
“STOMP is an experience unlike any other,” promises Perham. “There is a reason it has been around for almost 30 years and become a part of worldwide lexicon. It’s not a typical theatre show; it’s aggressive, it’s raw and it’s singular. You won’t know if you like something like STOMP until you see it. Mostly because nothing else like it exists.”
The performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20 and Wednesday, February 21. Tickets are available through the Washington Center’s website, at the downtown box office or by calling 360.753.8586. Box office hours are from 12 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday or two hours before any ticketed performance. Please note that the box office will be closed from January 1-8, 2024, but you can order seats online during that time.
While online, check out other upcoming Washington Center events and concerts including “Comedy Underground” and Black Box Jazz in the Black Box Theater and “Eireann, A Taste of Ireland” and Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood (from “Whose Line is it Anyway”) in the “Scared Scriptless Tour” on the Main Stage. Load up on STOMP merchandise through the show’s website and keep track of the tour on Facebook and Instagram. Or sign up for their newsletter and let details come to you.
The new year means a fresh start and what better way to ring in 2024 than with a bang? Come experience something new, exciting and delightfully loud with the no-holds-barred—and no trashcan spared—arrival of STOMP. It’s sure to leave you upbeat, excited and ready to dance. Then check out the Center’s line-up and come back for more with a spring in your step.
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