Stomping Into Town

Is “Stomp” dance? Is it music? Eight performers create elaborate percussion effects with oil drums, wooden poles, wooden matches, hubcaps--everything, it seems, except drums.

Originated in Brighton, England, in 1991, “Stomp” has become an international phenomenon, appearing on television variety programs, sitcoms (including a memorable spot on “Roseanne”) and commercials.

There’s enough demand to keep four companies on the road: one in London, one traveling throughout Europe and two in this country. One of the two States-bound troupes will swing through Southern California, arriving in Thousand Oaks next week for several shows.

A little more than three years ago, Coralissa Gines was 22, living in Los Angeles and had never heard of “Stomp.” Gines had been a student of ballet, jazz and tap since she was 5 and had danced in showcases, music videos and on “Melrose Place.” At that time, she was looking to get out of Los Angeles.

“It was February and freezing in L.A. My best friend had heard that ‘Stomp’ was auditioning in Miami,” she said in a recent interview. “I had some extra cash--why not go to Miami?”

Gines passed the audition. Her friend didn’t.

Members of the troupe come from a variety of backgrounds, Gines said.

Some are percussionists, some are actors, and some, like Gines, are primarily dancers.

“My background definitely helped me as far as movement on stage, but doing percussion was a lot more difficult. I have a sense of rhythm and could relate to the percussion, but hands-on, it was hard.”

Though the script followed by all four companies is essentially the same, Gines said, there are some differences from group to group and performance to performance.

“Among the things they hire you for are your personality and what you can bring onstage,” she said. “Parts of the show are written so that you can do your own solo--the amount of improv you can do is amazing.”

The “Stomp” unit of which Gines is a member has appeared on the Emmy Awards show, a Quincy Jones television special, and Magic Johnson’s and Howie Mandel’s talk shows.

“What’s cool about ‘stomping’,” she said, “is that it’s taught me a lot about performing. Even though I don’t have any lines, it’s helped me learn a lot about acting. I’m not leaving any time soon, that’s for sure.”

* “Stomp” runs from Tuesday through Dec. 27 at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Auditorium, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Shows are at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Dec. 26; and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.. Dec. 27. There will be no show Christmas eve. Ticket prices range from $27.50 to $36.50 and are available from the Civic Arts Plaza box office or TicketMaster, 583-8700 or (213) 480-3232. For further information, call 449-ARTS.

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Scrooge Returns: The ninth annual edition of the Santa Susana Repertory Company’s “A Christmas Carol” concludes this weekend at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Forum Theater.

Starring veteran actor Hamilton Camp in his second appearance as Ebenezer Scrooge, the production features several returning actors, but has a new look: new music, a new director (Allan Hunt, who also plays Bob Cratchit); and a new script by James Egan--a returning actor who plays the spirit of Christmas Present. Appearing as the narrator is Robert Towers, whose experience includes 17 years as Captain Crook in McDonald’s commercials.

Egan’s script and Hunt’s direction seem to include more laughs (without resorting to parody, but eliminating the strongest gag of last year’s show). There is less Dickens, although the author might well approve of Egan’s ending revelation.

Two songs written by the previous director have been dropped; one by continuing musical director and show producer Rick Rhodes remains.

Alan Toll’s stage set is spacious and clean--not necessarily qualities associated with Dickens--and not only doesn’t Marley’s ghost appear on Scrooge’s door knocker, there isn’t even a door.

It’s an OK “Christmas Carol,” but don’t be surprised if your mind starts to wander as you estimate how long it’s going to take Mrs. Cratchit to cook that huge new turkey the reformed Scrooge brings her on Christmas morning.

* “A Christmas Carol” continues through Sunday at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza’s Scherr Forum Theater, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. tonight through Saturday, with matinees at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets to all performances are $25; $22, seniors and students; and $12, children 4-17 and are available from the Civic Arts Plaza box office or TicketMaster, 583-8700 or (213) 480-3232. For details, call 449-ARTS.