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'Thriller' dances its way into
Halloween tradition
By Ashley
Schiller
October 27, 2008 | Growing up on the tail end of four
burly brothers, I never have been as much thrilled by
a dance performance as by a last-minute touchdown or
a large piece of meat. But Odyssey Dance Theatre's "Thriller"
is a show that can be enjoyed by everyone. The dances
celebrate decades of classic Halloween movies, from
"Chucky" to "The Grudge," while also dipping into our
country's darker historical moments such as the Salem
witch trials. And of course, Frankensteins, mummies
and vampires wouldn't think to miss out.
I entered the Kent Concert Hall and nearly ran into
a deranged zombie as she stumbled through the crowd.
About two dozen young men and women dressed in rags
with blacked out eyes and frizzed hair meandered through
the crowds, often sneaking up behind people and frightening
them. Their eyes were glassed over and not a single
one cracked a smile. I could tell this was no ordinary
dance performance.
The two-act show consists of 15 dances accompanied
by short films and acts between numbers. Although the
dances were entertaining and professional, the majority
of the films and short acts were rather novice. This
gave the show a bit of an up-down feel that should not
be present at a $20-$40 per ticket show. The best short
acts were the vocal stylings of the infamous Lorena
Bobbitt (played by Suzie Balsar). Balsar, who from a
distance has an uncanny resemblance to Sarah Palin,
sang a medley of 80's classics while two men danced
enthusiastically beside her, periodically covering their
essentials.
The dances were creative and well-executed. In simple
terms, it was just plain fun to watch. I felt I had
to comment to my neighbor after each number. "Soooo
fun." "That was amazing." The first act seemed to have
a more light and entertaining feel, while the second
was more technical and artsy.
Some personal favorites:
"Frankenstein and Frankenstein" was an impressive
mesh of ballet and the awkward physical abilities of
Frankenstein (something I never imagined being done).
Frankenstein accidentally killed his bride and the second
half of the dance consists of him dragging her around
attempting to revive her. The audience was floored by
Dayna O'Connell's incredible ability to appear as limp
as a rag doll.
For "Dem Bones," the performers did a blacklight tap
dance wearing glow-in-the-dark skeleton costumes.
"The Jason Jam" was a little bit long, but fun. Three
men sported hockey masks as they tapped out rhythms
with various weapons. They also spiced up the show by
involving the audience (Warning: Don't sit too close
to the front if you have a fear of chain saws and/or
masked men.)
The hilarious "River of Blood Dance" was my top pick
of the night. After a line-up of spunky river dancers
bounced around the stage for a few minutes, they began
getting shot down one by one, some collapsing mid-air.
Twisted and so unexpected, I thought it was a gut-buster.
It's easy to see why "Thriller" has become a favorite
for many Utah families. It's ghoulishly fun and completely
original. Although tickets may be a little pricey for
a tight budget, I would say that it's worth it.
Note: Generally the show is appropriate for children,
although a few parts may be a bit scary. Also, the Lorena
Bobbitt acts can be somewhat crude. I'd say a PG/PG13.
IF YOU GO INFO: "Thriller" has already had its haunting
in Logan but is showing in other parts of the state.
Salt Lake City (Oct. 15 - November 1)
Kingsbury Hall at the University of Utah
801-581-7100
www.kingsburyhall.com
St. George (Oct. 24 - 31)
Tuacahn
800-746-9882
www.tuacahn.org
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