The Stomp musical has exceeded 5,000 performances and still continues to be a popular attraction for individuals of any age.
As previously stated, Stomp performances are very unique. There are different components of these performances that help enhance the overall show. One of the most basic attributes of each show would be the costume selection. Intricate costumes are not necessary in these shows due to the level of innovation and creativity used in the dance routines themselves. A common performing costume generally consists of a plain pair of baggy pants and a comfortable, neutral-colored tee shirt.

Most of the clothing used looks worn or faded, yet the clothing provides ample mobility for each group member.
The members of Stomp perform on a large stage with an untraditional style. The setting of each show has a garage feel (because trash can lids are used frequently as instruments). The back drop of the stage usually contains vibrant graffiti. The costume choice and stage docor directly relate to one another. Both of these components help the dance routine speak for itself.
The performance itself is the most notable topic. As opposed to traditional dance shows and musicals, Stomp utilizes different objects and styles of movement to create a unique fluidity to the performance. Noted earlier, garbage can lids (and the cans themselves) are a popular object used in the Stomp musicals. Many of the objects are used for percussion purposes. Other items used in these shows are pipes, chairs, plungers, poles, and plastic bins. As you have probably guessed, the members of Stomp use everything but traditional percussion units, like drums. Along with their unconventional use of instruments, the overall body movement of the performers is astounding. Their movements include jumping, crawling, twisting, and flipping!
One of the last components of the show is the comedic relief. If unique dance styles and use of instruments is not enough, the show will provide a laugh for each attendee!

As the story opens, Billy Elliot is an 11-year old boy in a northern English community that is battling a miner?s strike. Without a mother, Billy watches as his father, family and friends struggle with the forces controlling the mines. On a whim, Billy joins a ballet class, after training to become a boxer. Initially, his only confidant his is grandmother, who turns out to be a great lover of dance, as well as a former dancer herself.

The boxing coach informs Billy?s dad that he has not been practicing. The frustrated father storms into the class and informs Billy that he is forbidden to return. Without the financial backing of his father, Billy is without means to pay. Mrs. Wilkinson, the dance instructor, steps forward and offers free lessons.

Aware of his talent, Mrs. Wilkinson arranges for Billy to audition at the Royal Ballet School. On audition day, she is forced to explain their intentions and that she has been giving Billy lessons for free. Billy?s dad becomes irate and begins to verbally and physically abuse his son. This forces the younger Elliot to give up ballet.

During a Christmas presentation, almost a year later, Billy?s friend, Michael Caffrey expresses his feelings for Billy. Michael had been coming to terms with his homosexuality as Billy first began to dance. Billy allows a kiss on the cheek but rebuffs his friend?s intentions. Once left alone Billy begins to dance unaware that he is being watched by his father. After, Billy?s father goes to meet Mrs. Wilkinson to discuss Billy?s future.

Due to the high cost of Billy?s tuition, his father decides to cross the picket line to give his son a chance. An argument ensues and Billy is hit on accident. The miners then offer to pay for Billy?s tuition in order to give him a chance.

In London, Billy auditions and feels that he has not made the grade. He returns so broken that when the letter arrives to announce the school?s decision, he throws it away, unopened. His brother retrieves it, opens it and announces Billy?s acceptance. Billy then thanks those who supported him and returns to London as the miners give up their strike and return to work.

To be precise, its revival began in 1988, and it has been running continuously at one theater or another since. It took several years to catch on, but critics have slowly warmed up to its subtle merits. A major playing troupe has been on tour for the past few years, and it still draws crowds. It is easily the longest-running musical in history. It appeared only once in the Colonies, during a 1994 tour. Yanks might pass through fads too quickly to notice a good script, but the British have long revered indigenous genius.

The plot of the play revolves around class differences and the tension that can arise in a family when one member does well and another is socially destroyed. A mother-to-be, Mrs. Johnstone, begs her employer for help because her husband left her and she cannot take care of impending twins. Mrs. Lyons agrees to help by taking one of the infants. The twin brothers grow up in separate households, and are unaware they are brothers even though they live in the same town. Mrs. Johnstone conceals the fact out of shame, telling her older children that one of the twins died.

Though raised separately, the twins become involved with each other on several occasions, starting with Mrs. Johnstone’s unavoidable interest in the growing child. Mrs. Lyons becomes uncomfortable with this and relieves the natural mother of her position. Mrs. Lyons also plays on a superstition and says that if separated twins meet, they will both die. In spite of this lost connection, the growing children meet each other on their own and note they both have the same birthday.

One is given an education and inherits valuable social connections. The other is raised under humble means, but with no real opportunities for advancement. He becomes involved in a failed bank robbery and ends spending seven years in jail. When the two brothers meet again, it is a confrontation, and both brothers accidentally die, fulfilling the superstition. The theme, announced by a narrator, questions the role social class had in the tragedy.

However music is used, it is clearly an important and popular part of our world.