STOMP – The International Sensation In Columbia County – A Review
What’s that saying? Something about “everything but the kitchen sink”? Well, STOMP had everything AND the kitchen sink, literally! Last night, as part of the Broadway series at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center, STOMP came in with a bang.
My Experience With STOMP
I started taking dance classes when I was 10 years old. While ballet was my main love, I took various styles, including tap. There were a few times when we would be preparing for a recital, and some of the classes would be performing pieces from various shows, like STOMP and Cats. In preparation for the recital, we’d often go and see the show if it was coming through. And one year, the older classes were going to be performing some pieces inspired by STOMP. It just so happened that the show was going to be coming through Columbus, Georgia that year.
My dance studio was in Barnesville, Georgia. That’s about an hour South of Atlanta, and an hour and a half from Columbus. As a group, a bunch of us from the studio made the trip. I was pretty young, so I don’t remember a lot of details from the show then. But I do remember being fascinated by it. So, when I saw STOMP was coming to the Columbia County Performing Arts Center, I knew I had to go.
STOMP In Augusta
I will admit that we waited pretty late to grab tickets to the show. I’d mentioned wanting to go a few times, we just hadn’t bought tickets until around 2 weeks ago. Our friends, Michael and Lisa, came too. Unfortunately, because we waited later to grab tickets, we wound up sitting one row from the very top of the balcony. When we got there, I was worried about whether I’d be able to enjoy the show since we felt so far away. But, I quickly learned there really aren’t “bad” seats in the PAC.
I was so excited for the show. From the moment it started, I was drawn in. And I’m pretty sure I smiled throughout the entire show. There are so many words I could use to describe the show: thrilling, exciting, impressive, captivating… the list could go on. The stage came alive with explosive performances from the entire cast.
Now this is a show that has no “music” and no dialogue… But it didn’t even need it. The performers were so animated and talented. There were moments of laughter and even moments where we felt pity for the one guy who kept getting singled out. It’s a show that brings a host of emotions.
The biggest thing to me about the show is how there’s no music, the performers make all of the music and rhythms using a whole host of items. There were brooms, buckets, suitcases, lighters, shopping carts, and, yes, even kitchen sinks!
So Much Talent
Despite having years of dance training, I am still in awe of the skill and talent of dancers and performers. With STOMP, I am even more impressed because there’s no music, and yet they all somehow manage to keep the rhythm going. It’s almost like controlled chaos on the stage. Everyone is doing their own thing, but together it makes such a cool sound.
Watching these performers not only bang and clang items around on stage but also tap dance and act… it’s something I can’t even wrap my brain around. There was so much energy emanating from the stage and the action didn’t stop. It’s hard to even pinpoint a particular favorite moment because the entire show was so great.
If or when STOMP comes back to the Augusta area, I highly recommend it! It’s family-friendly, and something that the whole family will enjoy. Even my fiancé, who wouldn’t typically get into Broadway or dance shows, was highly impressed. I was glad that he seemed to enjoy it as much as I did.
Also, I know many people say there isn’t anything to do in Augusta. But, I assure you there are SO many great things you can do in the area. Sometimes all it takes is stepping out of your “routine” and doing something new. We’ve got so many great event venues, not to mention the various parks, local restaurants, and more.
Photos From The Show
