STOMP in Manila

The international theatrical sensation STOMP is now in Manila for the first time for a limited 8-day run of shows. The show features a unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, similar to what we usually see in an ad in the cinemas before the movie starts.

STOMP will open our ears and make us aware of the interesting sounds that come from things around us that we tend to ignore. The show uses random everyday objects as performance instruments -- lids, buckets, trash bins and even matchsticks -- to create a show-stopping spectacle. STOMP has no words yet everyone can understand it and there are fun resonating moments for kids and adults alike.

In the press preview held yesterday at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), I got to meet and chat with some of the cast members. First there was Nigel Clarke who has been doing STOMP for 13 years now. He left the show 10 years ago thinking,"I thought I was out...they pulled me back in!" An explosive energy in the company, Nigel indeed has STOMP in his blood and springs in his feet.

(l-r) me, Nigel Clarke of STOMP and my colleague Dya

The second cast member that I met was Michael Landis, a nice burly guy from San Diego who played the percussion. A man of few words (or maybe I didn't ask him much) he gladly did a short stint on the drums for me to video and here it is.

Michael Landis describing percussion

Among the chaos of interviews and photo shoots left and right, I saw this one performer seated quietly and taking sips of his bottled water. Obviously tired from the preview performance and interviews, his face instantly lit up into a smile when I approached him for a photo and some questions. He is Johannes Bohun from Vienna, Austria and he studied music and played drums in different bands and theatre productions before he joined STOMP in 2001.

Me with Johannes Bohun of STOMP

I asked him what particular "instrument" did he play in STOMP and he explained that since they are only twelve in the cast but only eight perform on stage at a time, each performer must take on 3 roles and master three "instruments" so that should one not be able to perform, another can step in. He further explains that you can watch STOMP more than once and it will still be exciting because, "Each show is different as it features a different set of (eight) performers every time."

STOMP was born out of a 10-year collaboration between its creators, Luke Cresswell ans Steve McNicholas. Founded in Brighton, UK in 1991, it is now on its 9th year in London's West End and on its 17th year on Broadway. There are currently four STOMP companies performing worldwide. The company that is now here in Manila is on its Asian leg with Philippines as the first stop. Next two destinations will be Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Big boys of STOMP having fun with bin and lids

The show may seem like child's play but with the movements and the rigorous efforts to make sounds out of the "instruments", doing one STOMP show lasting for 1 hour and 40 minutes is comparable to one football match. Hmmm, that's a lot of burned calories and so I wonder if I join the cast, how many pounds will I lose? Just a thought, ha ha ha. As if I can join the company and make my own "noise." I'll just go and buy a souvenir of this magnificent show at the booth located in the lobby.

STOMP keepsakes and wearables

STOMP will run from October 18 to 23 at the CCP, Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. Tickets are priced at P750, P1000, P1500, P2000, P3000, P3500, P4000, P4500, P5000 and P5500 (exclusive of TicketWorld fees). Senior citizens enjoy a 20% discount. All tickets are available at all TicketWorld outlets, selected National Bookstore branches, Robinsons Department Store (Galleria, Manila, Metro East, Festival Mall and Starmill Pampanga), and Ayala Malls (Greenbelt 1, Glorietta 4, and Trinoma Mall Cinema Booths). You may also call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Filed under SHOWS

Solenn Sizzles

Those who don't know or haven't heard of Solenn Heussaff by this day must be living under a rock. The French-Filipina beauty, who is also a talented fashion designer and make-up artist, has graced the covers and fashion editorials of numerous magazines; is seen on TV and billboards for her endorsements; was a reality show contender and now a TV host and budding actress.

Solenn Heussaff did Q&A before singing before the press

A Jill-of-all-traits? Perhaps. Or maybe she just wants to try out all possibilities in life before she settles on one career to make her mark. Or she is able to do all that and more out of sheer talent plus a combination of good luck and hard work. Now she adds another feather to her cap as she releases her debut self-titled album "Solenn."

The debut album

The album encapsulates Solenn -- fun, sassy and sexy. The carrier single "Fire" is a remake of the Bruce Springsteen original which Solenn transforms into a danceable beat, her seductive singing voice making it hotter. She also takes on hits like Sheryl Crow's "All I Wanna Do", Natalie Imbruglia's "Torn" as well as singing her versions of The Other Two's "Selfish", Prince's "Kiss" and Bruno Mars' "It's Our First Time."

"Solenn" CD plus mini-magazine containing her photos

She shared during the press con that she is more of a singer than a musician (although she took up years of classes for piano and saxophone and wanted to learn guitar because it is "sexy") but she tried her hand at song writing via a collaboration with ex-Rivermaya frontman Rico Blanco for "Chemistry", a song they co-wrote. Another original track to watch out for is "Ladies Night" which features Viktoria Vixen. Solenn's debut album under MCA Music is now out in CD's with a mini-mag of her images.

My signed "Solenn" album

Solenn is nervous about performing before a big audience but her love for singing prevails as she will be having her first major concert "Solenn On Stage" on August 19 and 26, 8 pm at Teatrino Promenade, Greenhills. Joining her are special guests Ogie Alcasid, Geoff Taylor and her brother Erwan Heussaff. For ticket inquiries, please call Ticketworld at 8919999, Music Museum at 7210635 or Teatrino at 7216726.

So what are you waiting for? Whether you buy the CD or watch the concert, Solenn -- the person and the CD -- sizzles.