For Immediate Release: December 5, 2005
Media Contact: Rebecca Fullan, Merriam Theater/Theater League of Philadelphia, 215.732.5997

STOMP, the international percussion sensation, makes its triumphant return to the Merriam Theater, from December 20 to December 31. After playing to sell-out crowds for over ten seasons, STOMP continues its phenomenal runs with one North American touring company, two productions overseas - a permanent London company and a European tour - and the New York company’s continuous sell-out run at The Orpheum Theatre, now in its eleventh year. From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK, STOMP has grown into an international phenomenon over the past ten years, having performed in over 350 cities in 36 countries worldwide.

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. The young performers “make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound,” says co-creator/director Luke Cresswell. Stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra; 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 – trashcans, tea chests, plastic bags, plungers, boots, and hubcaps – to fill the stage with compelling and infectious rhythms.

Critics and audiences have raved: “STOMP is as crisp and exuberant as if it had opened yesterday,” says The New York Times. The San Francisco Chronicle declares “STOMP has a beat that just won’t quit!” The Los Angeles Times exclaims: “Electrifying! Triumphs in the infinite variety of the human experience.” “A phenomenal show! Bashing, crashing, smashing, swishing, banging and kicking – a joyous invention!” says the Chicago Tribune.

STOMP is directed and created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas. The smash hit returns to Philadelphia’s Merriam Theater from December 20 to January 2.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, December 20th ………….8 PM
Wednesday , December 21st ……..2 and 8 PM
Thursday, December 22nd ………...8 PM
Friday, December 23rd …………...5 and 9 PM
Saturday, December 24th …………2 PM
Monday, December 26th …………..8 PM
Tuesday, December 27th …………..8 PM
Wednesday, December 28th ………2 and 8 PM
Thursday, December 29th …………8 PM
Friday, December 30th ……………5 and 9 PM
Saturday, December 31st …………..2 and 8 PM

Tickets are available at the Merriam Theater box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (215) 336-1234 or by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com or www.broadwayacrossamerica.com. The ticket price range is from $25-$49.50.

Go to News Releases»