UNEXPECTED RHYTHMS: STOMP uses everything but traditional percussion instruments to create intriguing sounds. The group holds “Stomp Out Hunger” food drives at its upcoming performances.

State Theatre New Jersey presents the international percussion sensation STOMP for three performances on Friday, December 2 at 8 p.m.; and Saturday, December 3 at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $40-$98. Ticket buyers can save 15 percent on tickets as part of the STOMP OUT HUNGER Food Drive.

State Theatre has partnered with REPLENISH to host the STOMP OUT HUNGER Food Drive. Patrons can drop off one or more of the much-needed canned or packaged goods from the list of requested items and receive 15 percent to a performance as a thank you. To receive the 15 percent off discount, patrons can use promo code STOMPHUNGER when placing their ticket orders. Patrons are asked to then bring drop-off food or supplies in bins that will be placed in the lobby when they attend the show.

For the list of requested items, visit STNJ.org/Event/STOMP.

REPLENISH provides nonperishable foods and necessities to a network of over 160 partner organizations throughout the 25 towns in Middlesex County to ensure that all residents always have access to nutritionally adequate food and necessities. 

From its beginnings as a street performance in the U.K., STOMP has performed in more than 50 countries across the globe, in front of more than 24
million people. Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, the group has an ongoing show at New York’s Orpheum Theatre, a permanent London company, and North American and European tours. Throughout its life, the show has continued to change by creating new material; this year, it will incorporate two new pieces.

The performers “make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound,” said Cresswell. A unique combination of percussion, movement, and visual comedy, STOMP uses both household and industrial objects, which find new life as musical instruments in the hands of an idiosyncratic band of body percussionists. Synchronized stiff-bristle brooms, Zippo lighters, wooden poles, dustbins, tea chests, radiator hoses, boots, and hub caps are among the “instruments” they use.

State Theatre New Jersey is at 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick. Visit STNJ.org for more information.