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K-State Today Student Edition

February 14, 2012

See what all the noise is about: McCain hosts international sensation 'STOMP'

Submitted by Communications and Marketing

Sounds of unconventional percussion and rhythm will fill Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium in a two-night performance event.

"STOMP," the international percussion sensation, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28-29 as part of the 2011-2012 McCain Performance Series.

This eight-member troupe uses everything from matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, lighters and hubcaps to fill the stage with a rhythmical performance. Stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra; Zippo lighters flip open and closed to create a fiery fugue; and wooden poles thump and clack in a rhythmic explosion.

"The creative spark behind 'STOMP' is to find music and rhythm in everyday items," said Todd Holmberg, director of McCain Auditorium. "They turn the ordinary into something extraordinarily innovative, creative, oftentimes humorous and always entertaining. 'STOMP' is a perfect blend of music, dance and theater presented in unexpected and inspiring ways."

From its beginnings as a street performance in the U.K., "STOMP" has grown over the past 13 years. The group has performed in more than 350 cities in 36 countries worldwide. Its phenomenal run includes the ongoing sell-out off-Broadway production at New York's Orpheum Theatre, a North American tour and two productions overseas -- a permanent London company and a European tour.

Directed and created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, "STOMP" is the winner of an Olivier Award for Best Choreography, a New York Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theater Experience and a Special Citation from Best Plays.

Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting at $17 for K-State students and $34 for the general public. Discounts for K-State faculty and staff, military and children are also available. They can be purchased at the McCain Auditorium box office from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, or by calling 785-532-6428. Tickets also can be purchased online at http://www.k-state.edu/mccain.