As concertgoers enter the theatre at Kingsbury Hall for Odyssey Dance Theatre’s “Thriller,” they are not be greeted by ushers, but by dancers tricked out as the undead. Dressed in artfully tattered dance clothes and under lights that vulgarly reveal the make-up, the undead move through the seats. They growl, snarl, shuffle, limp and improvise dance movements.
All of this works towards establishing an atmosphere of playful spookiness and engaging the audience. “Thriller” has one eye on the audience and one ear out for the reactions.
“Thriller” is rather more of a variety show than a dance concert. Intermingled with dance numbers are filmed sketches, songs and aerial gymnastic routines courtesy of Aeris Aerial Arts.
The night began with the company of undead performing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” boldly re-choreographed from the original dance. While skeletons and witches make appearances, many of the dances are riffs on popular entertainment, and the audience will be able to see such familiar faces as Frankenstein, The Phantom of the Opera, Annabelle the Doll, Chucky, Oogie Boogie and the Lost Boys.
In the 25 years since the first performance of “Thriller,” the company has accumulated a catalogue of routines that are displayed such as “The Children of the Corn,” “The Curse of the Mummy,” “Salem’s Mass” and the wearisome “Jason’s Jam.”
The dancing is technically accomplished, and pulled off with energy and verve. There are moments when the dancers have to mimic being possessed, or otherwise twist their bodies into gnarly positions, and they do so with tremendous precision and control.
If Odyssey Dance Theatre’s “Thriller” isn’t part of your yearly Halloween tradition, it should be. The spooky spectacular combines technical aspects of dance while paying homage to the stars of All Hallows’ Eve. This year’s show will have all of the favorite pieces from the past – Thriller, The Curse of the Mummy, Dem Bones, Frankenstein, Jason Jam, Salem’s Mass, The Lost Boys – plus a few new surprises. Get your tickets early, because most of the performances sold out last year! This show has it all – frights, amazement, scares and lots of laughs. Come and join this spectacular Halloween tradition and see what everyone is talking about – Odyssey Dance Theatre’s Thriller!
“Thriller” is not for children under 8 or the faint of heart.
Show Dates:
Oct 11 @ 7:30 pm
Oct 12 @ 7:30 pm
Oct 13 @ 7:30 pm
Oct 14 @ 7:30 pm
Oct 15 @ 7:30 pm
Oct 16 @ 2:00 pm
Oct 16 @ 7:30 pm
Oct 18 @ 7:30 pm
Oct 19 @ 7:30 pm
Oct 20 @ 7:30 pm
Oct 21 @ 7:30 pm
Oct 22 @ 7:30 pm
Oct 23 @ 2:00 pm
Oct 23 @ 7:30 pm
For more information and tickets, CLICK HERE
