December comes in with a bang — or rather a stomp — as Oakland’s newly reopened Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts presents “STOMP,” the international percussion sensation, Dec. 6 (7:30 p.m.) and Dec. 7 (1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.).
A clever combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, “STOMP “uses household and industrial objects to make its own unique sound.
The body percussionists take the audience on a journey through sound as they celebrate everyday life while characters wordlessly communicate through dance and drum. Synchronized stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra, eight Zippo lighters flip open and close to create a fiery fugue, while widen poles thump and clack in an explosion of rhythm.
From its beginnings as a street performance in the United Kingdom, “STOMP” has grown into an international sensation, performing in more than 50 countries. Their performance in Oakland is part of a 30th anniversary tour.
After seeing this show, you’ll never look at suitcases, paint cans or supermarket carts the same way again.
For a beat that just won’t quit, go to hjkarts.org. The Henry J. Kaiser Center is located at 10 10th St. in Oakland.
Lafayette: I’m always amazed at Kimberly Ridgeway. She always looks gorgeous and seems so at ease, as if stress has never touched her life. You’d never suspect she is a busy actress, director and playwright who often juggles at least two or three projects at the same time.
She just finished directing the Altarena’s “The Wisdom of Eve” and has now teamed with Town Hall’s Artistic Director Richard Perez to write a new holiday show. Of course, she is also directing the heartwarming tale.
“The journey of writing ‘Snowbound: A Holiday Tale’ surpassed every expectation,” said Ridgeway. “Richard Perez’s artistry, collaboration, creativity and generosity made the process a fulfilling experience, and together we’ve created a story full of humor, humanity, connection, kindness and gratitude — the true spirit of the holidays.”
Perez couldn’t agree more: “When I returned to the Bay Area three years ago, I had the privilege of being directed by Kimberly Ridgeway,” he said. “I quickly discovered what so many already know — she is an extraordinary artist whose talent and vision elevate every project she touches. Co-writing ‘Snowbound’ with her has been an absolute joy.”
The story created by these two enthusiastic artists sets the action in 1992 when Nirvana ruled the airwaves and “Home Alone 2” was the movie to see. The holidays take an unexpected turn when a high school group in route to a national academic competition becomes stranded by a blizzard and take shelter in an abandoned house. As they deal with missing their families, tensions rise, secrets unfold and unlikely bonds form. Through laughter, conflict and moments of ingenuity, they discover the true meaning of the season isn’t about what you get or where you are but rather who you’re with.
“Snowbound: A Holiday Tale” runs Dec. 6-20 at Town Hall Theatre on 3535 School St. in Lafayette. For tickets, all 925-283-1557 or go to townhalltheatre.com.
S.F.: The incredible Cirque Du Soleil returned to San Francisco with a jaw-dropping performance of its latest spectacular show “Echo.” Playing through Jan. 18, the show melds together poetry, stagecraft, fantastical acrobatics including a vertical ballet, amazing juggling feats and cutting-edgy technology as it explores the delicate balance between people, animals and the world we share.
“Echo” carries on the company’s bold visuals and vibrant characters as the multimedia extravaganza tells of a young girl Future (French trapeze artist Louana Seclet-Monchot) and her dog Ewai (Canadian Philippe Dupuis) who stumble upon a magical cube that sends them to a fantasy world where they join animal characters to rebuild the planet and create a better world. They are joined by two clowns who interact often with the audience.
Mukhtar Omar Sharif Mukhtar directs the highly organized chaos which includes Nicolas Vaudelet’s incredible costumes featuring performers in meticulously crafted animal heads often paired with a suit. The skilled artists then move around the stage exhibiting all the qualities of their animal. The “birds” literally soar through the air, and two aerial “fireflies” astound with fantastical moves while suspended by their hair. Ouch!
Set and props designer Es Devlin created the extraordinary cube that constantly transforms throughout the show.
For tickets to this amazing evening of theater, go cirquedusoleil.com. Located at Oracle Park’s Parking Lot A on 74 Mission Rock St. in San Francisco, public transportation or advanced reserved parking is recommended.
Santa Cruz: If you prefer the traditional “A Christmas Carol” and happen to find yourself on the coast during the holiday season, you can catch Santa Cruz Shakespeare’s “A Christmas Carol,” which runs through Dec. 24 at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall on 846 Front St. in Santa Cruz. Mike Ryan stars as Scrooge. For tickets to the 90-minute, no-intermission show, call 831-460-6399 or go to santacruzshakespeare.org/christmascarol.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.