Calling all Monsters (and Humans Too): Odyssey Dance Theater presents Thriller at Tuacahn Center for the Arts in Southern Utah

By Linne Marsh

Tuacahn Center for the Arts ushers Halloween spirit to southern Utah with Odyssey Dance Theater’s Thriller. This production showcases famed ghoulish characters that will terrify and entertain the masses. Like Tuacahn’s website says: “if it’s not part of your Halloween tradition, it should be.” Thriller has something for everyone: comedy interludes, creative videos, and of course, dancing of all varieties.

Thriller is primarily a dance production, and the choreography is thrilling. (See what I did there?) Choreographers Chantele Cook, Rick Robinson, Derryl Yeager, Eldon Jonson, Michelle Butterfield, Tina Shelley, and Joanna Edlinger bring an element of creativity that wows an audience of all ages. The routines feature a variety of dance styles including ballet, tap, hip hop, modern, and clogging.

This complex choreography is not for the faint of heart, and the Odyssey Dance Theater rises to the challenge. Darby Jones, Kiana Little, Hope Parker, Lydia Forsgren, Miranda Borkan, Jamie Borkan, Kassi Balcer, Tenealle Farragher, David Lorenzo, Ryan Moguel, Brandon Glass, Rachel Perry, Brooklyn Johnson, Samantha Jo Ruotsi, Jordan McIntosh, Briana Fitzpatrick, Erzsi Bernath, Peiter Mortensen, Enrique Torres, Nathan Rommel, and Amos Oliver III each bring a palatable energy to the stage. The talent and athleticism that each dancer infuses into the performance is impressive. Thriller is unique in that is not only demands talent for movement but also for acting. This company does a spectacular job of drawing the audience into the performance.

Of course, Frankenstein’s monster, Jason (of Texas Chainsaw Massacre fame), and the Salem witches are a huge draw for the audience, and these characters would be nothing without costumes and makeup. The dancers transform from zombies to witches to vampires. Costumes are tailored to fit each dance to a tee, and the makeup is intense. It’s not just a smattering of eyeliner, in some cases, it is blood and gore as well.

You would think with the costumes and make up changes might make the show sluggish, but not so. The production transitions seamlessly from each dance number thanks to Bubbles the Clown and intermittent videos created by Scott Winn Films. Bubbles the Clown, played by John Boy, offers comedic breaks that are unique from show to show. Even if you have seen the show in years past,  it’s worth it to come see what Bubbles has up his sleeve. (Hint: it’s more than a scarf). When Bubbles is busy sulking back stage, Scott Winn Film entertains with series of short videos. They are hilarious. Click here for a sneak peek of a short video.

This quality of this show is heightened by lighting, sound, props, and special effects, which I’m happy to report are all on point. The stage is illuminated by skilled technicians using systems of lighting that bring skeletons to life, simulate lightning, and make it appear as though a ghostly apparition soars through the air. There is even a system of lighting that doubles as smoke machines that shroud the stage in a foggy curtain.  The sound system pulses music and sound effects you not only hear but also feel rumble the chairs. And the limited props are a perfect way to enhance the numbers without overwhelming them. A large screen on the stage allows digital images to be projected, providing a spooky atmosphere without the need of cumbersome props. Special effects further encourage the frightening atmosphere as witches pop fire light in a cauldron and Frankenstein electrocutes himself on stage.

Slither, slide, or crawl to see Thriller between October 25 and October 31. It is the perfect way to kick off the Halloween season.

**Do take note the show is a bit PG13. While it tends more toward humor than fear, it is adult level, and some aspects, like the roaming zombies, might be too much for your little monsters.

Odyssey Dance Theater Presents Thriller
Tuachahn Center For the Arts, 1100 Tuacahn Dr, Ivins, Utah 84738
Tickets: $21 to $48
Contact: 435-652-3201
October 25 – October 31, 2018 Friday-Saturday, Monday-Wednesday, Show times vary
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