Reviewed by Cynthia Terry, Front Row Reviewers
Great Hall Theatrical Experiences brings down the thunder at the Angelus Theatre in Spanish Fork with Valhalla | A Nordic Rock Opera, an explosive and heartfelt journey into Norse mythology, Christian faith, and the raw human desire to believe in something bigger than yourself. With lightning, sword fighting, and gut-wrenching vocals, Valhalla | A Nordic Rock Opera feels more like an interactive rock concert than a traditional theater performance.
From the moment we walk into the chandelier-lit Angelus Theatre auditorium, anticipation is in the air. The mood is casual and joyful—kids chattering, parents laughing—and the strong smell of popcorn adds an old-school theater vibe. Two musicians sit at the ready, waiting to rock our world. The sounds of slow-building drums and throaty humming send a clear message: we are about to enter Valhalla.
The story follows Sven, played with bright energy and youthful charm by Jake Oaklyn. He puts his entire heart—and maybe a few other vital organs—into playing this role. His smile and immediate likability draw me in, making me invest in his genuine friendships as they grow. Besides his obvious enthusiasm for sharing his huge grin, he also surprises with the powerful talent of belting extended notes, rich in vibrato and strength. I can’t reveal too much, but I must say, the contrast between his perky attitude and his pained expressions leaves my heart aching for him to conquer his quest.
Grace Clark as Mary is magnetic from the start. Her stunning, expressive voice never loses clarity, even when the notes climb to the higher registers of the musical scale. Her performance makes us feel every moment—grief, joy, fear, hope, love, and bravery. Her chemistry with Oaklyn is thoroughly entertaining. Their playful banter feels authentic, and it’s clear they enjoy sharing the stage. Their sweet dynamic makes the climax erupt with adrenaline, building desperation as Mary lets out terrified shrieks, crying for the safety of her dear friend. Her entire body trembles with natural emotion, yet the daring woman holds her ground with a fierce, determined stance. From skeptical nun to bold protector, Clark brings us along for Mary’s faith-building journey, which in turn makes me consider my own growth as I fine-tune my belief system.
Ian Parker is unforgettable as both Sir Hector and Odin. His raspy voice hits the spot just right while perfectly introducing the audience to Norse mythology with an exciting rock-opera twist. He delivers each growling line with crisp diction, adding power to the already energetic electric guitar and bass sounds. His transformation from godlike manipulator to respected, yet corrupt, knight is both chilling and entertaining. His macho character leaves me falling apart with giggles during a graceful ballerina dance—while still maintaining his creepy villain persona. It’s exactly the kind of comic balance that elevates the darker tone of his role. The humor continues as he surprises us with a bold falsetto voice that sharply contrasts his usual deep rasp.
I swear, Landon Christensen must have been handcrafted by the actual Thor to play the powerful role of the God of Thunder. His booming presence commands respect as he summons the elements, creating mayhem on stage. In addition to his godlike presence, his throat singing literally sends chills down my spine. His majestic energy fills the audience, drawing us into the storm—and into a world of mythology and mystery.
Nate Erickson as Magnus (Viking Jarl) shows us what a good leader is capable of. His voice is bold, and his final battle against an old friend is full of tension, making the ending all the more impactful. I also love his dynamic with his wife, Brunilda, played by Alexa Quigley, who commands the stage with a demanding voice, dramatic glares, and perfectly timed eye-rolls. She’s funny, formidable, and never overshadowed—clearly the only person Magnus truly fears.
Trevor Garn as Father Sven stands out, especially in the final scenes, defending his son with heartfelt power. His sacrifice and protection make me consider the hidden aid I imagine coming from ancestors gone before me. Sometimes I feel their strength fighting for me. I appreciate the reminder that I have an invisible army on my side. I’m not alone.
I love the Valkyrie warriors played by Anik Hansen and Mallory Miner. They constantly impress with graceful movements paired with dominating strength, giving them a noble and formidable presence. The anthem they sing while guiding the dead to Valhalla makes me want to join in. Though it’s just the two of them, they fill the entire stage with energy and power.
The ensemble—Larkspur Hudson, Marie Guzman, and Nathaniel Johnson—sounds like an army crying for battle. Whether dancing, stomping in Viking rhythm, or moving like ghosts across the stage, they deliver huge emotion.
Choreographer Anik Hansen knows how to take the obvious talent of this cast and bring it together to create strong emotions that spread to the audience, making us want to join in the dancing.
And I can’t forget the thrilling sword fights unfolding in front of me. The intricate fight choreography by director Taylor Hyde kept me on the edge of my seat. With metal clattering against metal and wooden shields chipping from contact, the stakes feel both real and theatrically satisfying.
A huge shout-out goes to the rockin’ musicians—Madi Hansen on guitar and Darin Erickson on bass. There’s something indescribably magical about live music in theater, especially when it makes me feel like I’m attending a rock concert. M. Hansen and D. Erickson bring life to the already inspired score, composed by Stephen Gashler with contributions from Desire Gashler, Teresa Gashler, Monte Emerson, and Leonard Gashler.
The music pairs perfectly with the flashy lighting, designed by Justin Stockett and operated by Ron Millett. The entire mood shifts with expertly timed effects, especially when it looks like actual lightning is striking the stage.
Costumes by Christy Houston, alongside hair and makeup expert Nuvia Gonzalez, paint the perfect Viking imagery, contrasted by the gentle look of simple nuns. I especially appreciate the Valkyries’ Norse-style battle crowns and sparkly face paint, which give off enchanting, fantastical vibes.
As a whole, the sound and visual effects submerge me into a fantasy world where I can lose myself in a story filled with danger, fate, friendship, and a rollercoaster of emotion.
While the entire production rises to a professional level, I literally catch myself squealing during a particularly powerful moment: Thor’s throat singing calls in a storm, and as the music grows with electric intensity, the ensemble joins in with shouts of unified energy until Thor is literally lifted into the air as lightning flashes across the stage. At the dramatic conclusion of the number, I’m tempted to shout, “Encore!”—not ready to let go of the thrill just yet.
Director Hyde and assistant director Abby Church give us more than just a visual and musical spectacle. Their direction portrays the characters as flawed individuals, like us, who wrestle with faith, cultural identity, and what it means to believe in something greater than ourselves. The show teaches that there is value in learning from different cultures and ideologies while still remaining true to our own customs and beliefs. I love that the message isn’t “one side wins all”—it’s about friendship and connection, even when faced with differences.
Valhalla is family friendly, though it contains stylized violence, sword fighting, death, and intense spiritual themes. It’s PG in rating, but some moments may be too intense or complex for younger children. That said, my 11-year-old loves this show—he’s obsessed with the sword fighting and music—but depending on the child, parents may want to preview it first.
Valhalla | A Nordic Rock Opera is wild, beautiful, and unforgettable. From the thunder of the gods to the tenderness of human connection, this production delivers on every level. It’s assigned seating, so it’s worth getting tickets early—and trust me, you’ll want a good view of the “manly” Sir Hector pulling off his graceful ballet skills.
Great Hall Theatrical Experiences presents Valhalla | A Nordic Rock Opera by Stephen Gashler
Angelus Theatre, 165 N Main, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
May 26–June 7, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Tickets: $14–22
Contact: (801) 358-8134 | angelustheatre@gmail.com
Facebook Page: Great Hall Theatrical Experiences
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