STAR-BULLETIN / 1996 Members of "Stomp" entertained lunchtime guests at Tamarind Park during their 1996 visit.

Plan holiday romp
with ‘Stomp’

"Stomp," the international percussion sensation that wowed local audiences in its three earlier engagements at the Hawaii Theatre, returns to the venue for a holiday engagement Dec. 21 through Jan. 2.

Winner of an Olivier Award for Best Choreography (London's Tony Award), as well as an Obie Award, Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience, and a special citation from Best Plays, "Stomp" is a show of young and hip performers who "make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound," says co-founder Luke Cresswell.

The eight-member troupe uses everything -- matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps -- but not conventional percussion instruments to fill the stage with rhythm. As USA Today has reported, " 'Stomp' finds beautiful noises in the strangest places."

Among the cast is Andres Fernandez, born and raised in Hawaii. Fernandez has toured with his brother Johnny, a veteran of the national tour of "Miss Saigon," and has recorded background vocals on Johnny's album, "Puede Ba."

Performances will be at 8 p.m. Dec. 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, 29 and 31; 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 26 and Jan. 2; 5 and 9 p.m. Dec. 30 and Jan. 1.

Tickets are $25, $35 and $45 for shows Dec. 21 to 23, 26 to 29 and 7 p.m. Jan. 2; and $30, $40 and $50 for all remaining performances, with applicable service charges. Students, seniors and military receive a $5 discount.

Tickets go on sale Saturday at the Hawaii Theatre Box Office, 1130 Bethel St. Call 528-0506. Tickets also may be purchased online through the Web site www.hawaiitheatre.com. For group discounts (10 percent off for 20 or more) call 732-7733.