Although Stomp opened at the Orpheum Theatre in New York in February 1994, the spontaneity and excitement generated in this small, intimate theatre almost six years later makes one feel that the show was just born. In a nonstop one hour and forty-five minute performance, the audience is treated to a symphony of rhythmic percussion and movement using anything but standard instruments and choreography. Many shows have subsequently been influenced by the work created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, but I doubt whether they retain the freshness and creativity of Stomp. Sixteen performers are listed in the program, with Fiona Wilkes being the only cast member from the original production. The group interacts miraculously with each other never missing the beat.
Marimbas are too cumbersome in Manhattan apartments anyway.
Everything, including the kitchen sink, can be used by this orchestra - with or without the water. Many of the cast members have strong dance training. Stephanie Marshall studied with the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Dance Co. and the Clive Thompson Dance Co. Raquel Horsford holds a BA in Dance from Reuters University.