By Suzanne Reese
In their 22nd year in production, Odyssey Dance Company’s Thriller, running currently throughout the state – including at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo – is fast becoming the way many Utah families welcome in the holiday season. If you love Halloween, the arts, incredible dancing, and/or dark humor and all things creepy – this is the place for you. Do take note that while it is all in good fun, there are elements of gore that are not for the faint of heart or young children.
The performers at Odyssey Dance Theatre are nothing short of amazing. While it is common to have a stand-out dancer in any performance, it quickly becomes clear that this troupe is made up of stand-out performers who have a mind-boggling level of control over their bodies. But this is not just an incredible dance show. Thriller is a combination of comedy and artistry; along with theatrical elements like lighting, smoke, costuming and scenery that move the audience rapidly from one laugh and gasp to another. Technical director Kyle Baumann and costumer Cheryl Yaeger deserve for kudos for bringing so many elements together with little to no hiccups.
The fun starts pre-show with zombies strolling the lobby, foot dragging and growling. Despite their solemn mood, they’ll be happy to stop for a picture (just don’t expect a smile). The first number of the night is of course the iconic Thriller, with choreography by Derryl Yaeger. The number not only sets the stage for the remainder of the evening, but leaves behind any doubt that you’re about to be thrilled. Crowd favorites include Frankenstein and Frankenstein (also choreographed by Derryl Yaeger), a touching story of new love with jaw-dropping dancing; Salem’s Mass, also a moving story that demonstrates sorrow and tragedy of the Salem Witch Trials; and Jason’s Jam, which starts as a percussion number and turns into a slow-bit comedy routine. The level of gore ranges from the hilarious Miss Alli’s Nightmare (no blood involved, just truly the nightmare of a dance teacher) to Transfiguration which ends in blood spewing from the mouths of the dancers. My personal favorite is River of Blood Dance (choreographed by Tina Shelley and Joanna Edlinger), which lasts so long that you may start to forget that something horrific is bound to happen to the talented river dancers.
There is a unique and enjoyable solution to scene transitions with videos provided by popular YouTuber Scott Winn. And Bubbles the Clown (John Boy) provides comical narrative. While the clown does provide several good laughs, it feels a little like he is more concerned with getting likes and followers on his social media than entertaining the crowd.
It acts as a natural tonic for curing nervous weakness, insomnia, memory loss and fatigue. viagra for sale uk It was same with me I was surprised buy viagra uk to note that my existing hair was no longer falling. In certain cases, Provigro cannot be considered discount levitra an aphrodisiac. We believe there should be predetermined settlement numbers so that the person can reduce tension, stress, worry and anxiety to enjoy generico levitra on line http://appalachianmagazine.com/2017/01/19/opossums-once-a-celebrated-all-american-meal/ the sexual life to the fullest.
If you go, arrive early enough to get pictures in the lobby, and only take an aisle seat if you’re not a screamer. If you happen to be attending with a screamer, go ahead and put them there if you’re up for a good laugh. You should know that you could also be pulled up onstage if you sit near the front (and even asked to do some lip syncing). There are performances across the state, so make sure you check their website to find the one closest to you.
Odyssey Dance Theatre presents its smash Halloween Hit Thriller
Covey Center for the Arts, 425 West Center Street, Provo, UT 84601
October 9 – 16, 2018 7:30 PM
Contact: 801-852-7007
Recommended for ages 12+ (Some children may find this show too scary.)
Odyssey Dance Theatre Facebook Page
Thriller Facebook Event
0 Comments