This is how long-running Stomp is: I saw an early tour at the Garde Arts Center with my nephew when he was a toddler. He’s now 22 years old.

There’s something eternally appealing about this show and to all ages. I think it’s the sheer inventiveness, the ways in which its creators use everyday objects and turn them into things of wild percussion. Zippo lighters? Yup. Brooms? Natch. Garbage cans? You betcha.

Stomp was the brainchild of Steve McNicholas and Luke Cresswell, back in 1991 England.

The response there was such that Stomp came to New York City for an off-Broadway run beginning in 1994. That same year, the first Stomp tour took off across North America.

The latest iteration of Stomp is returning to the Garde for shows Thursday and Friday. Another example of the ongoing draw of Stomp: originally just the Friday gig was scheduled, but when that approached sold-out status, the Garde added the Thursday one.

At both of those shows, the eight performers will have the crowd tapping their feet to the rhythm and experiencing a rush of euphoria at watching this innovative artistry. Guaranteed.

Stomp, 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $39-$59; (860) 444-7373.

Garde provides shuttle service for theatergoers

If you're going to see Stomp and don't want to tromp far from your vehicle to the Garde Arts Center, there is good news for you. The Garde is offering free transportation service from 5 to 11 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, when Stomp will play the New London theater.

Not only that, but the shuttle — a 24-passenger bus supplied by DATTCO — will be on duty for upcoming shows on Feb. 2, 16, 23 and 24.

Shuttle stops are at at the Garde, the Eugene O'Neill Drive municipal lots, the Pearl Street and Golden Street intersection of Bank Street, the Water Street municipal parking garage, and City Hall. The route will repeat every 15 minutes. There will be direct express service to the municipal parking lots immediately after each show.

For more information, visit www.gardearts.org.