Odyssey Dance Theater's "Thriller" is already in its 15th year as a truly "thrilling" Halloween-themed dance production.
Before the show even starts there are zombies walking around, setting up an eerie and exciting atmosphere prior to the performance at Kingsbury Hall in Salt Lake City. Suddenly the lights go off, Michael Jackson's "Thriller" comes on and the crowd cheers with anticipation for a Halloween celebration like no other.
As they're dancing to "Thriller," you have never seen zombies so alive. This number was so fun and energetic it made you wonder how the show could possibly get better. With this electrifying performance, the audience was hooked and ready for some more monster fun. Then, in between numbers, out came the very random Bubbles the Clown. Bubble's performance was comical and had great crowd interaction.
This opening performance took some of your typical monsters, such as Frankenstein and Jason, and put them in action like you've never seen them before. Tap-dancing skeletons and dancing vampires were also among the captivating cast.
One of the most outstanding numbers of the night was "Dem Bones," a tap-dancing number performed by glow-in-the-dark skeletons. This piece was so intriguing and exciting that you literally had your eyes glued to the stage. The evening's most creative number was most definitely "Salem's Mass."
It brought great eccentricity to the show; it was by far the darkest number of the night and gave me chills. The haunting emotion from the dancers radiated and could be felt throughout the room.
"Thriller" kept you on the edge of your seat, and when chills weren't being sent up your spine, or you weren't laughing at Bubbles the Clown, your eyes were glued to the fascinating lights and astounding monsters on stage. The intriguing atmosphere and overall fantastic performances by the Odyssey Dance Theater made for a wild night of ghoulish fun, with something for everyone.
The dance styles within this performance, although diverse, tied together very well. With numbers ranging from hip-hop to ballet, this show had it all. "Children of the Corn" was one of the more dazzling performances of the night; it was an energetic hip-hop routine that brought a more modern feel to "Thriller."
I would most definitely recommend "Thriller" to anyone interested in celebrating Halloween in a whole new way. Whether you're looking to take out a date or take your family out for some Halloween fun, this show is a must-see this Halloween season. The dance program is a refreshing alternative to normal Halloween activities. It makes for a more savored experience compared to a corn maze or a haunted house. It's thoroughly entertaining and appropriate for just about all ages, although it is recommended for ages 8 and up.
You can catch Odyssey Dance Theater's "Thriller" through Saturday at Kingsbury Hall, 1395 E. Presidents Circle on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City. Tickets are $25-$40 and generally the show sells out, so get your tickets early. For more information, visit www.odysseydance.com.
It's not hard to see why "Thriller" is now in its 15th year. If it's not already an annual tradition for your family, by the end of the night you'll want to make it one.
Miranda Romero is a junior at St. Joseph Catholic High School. She loves volleyball, cheerleading and track and field. Contact her at mpc127_@msn.com.
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