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PARK CITY – Odyssey Dance Theatre is facing its eleventh hour as it opens the curtains for the final season of the Halloween dance spectacle "Thriller."
"Thriller" is Odyssey Dance Theatre's most popular show that has snuck its way into a yearly tradition for many Utahns over the last 28 years.
The show begins with its iconic zombie dance to Michael Jackson's song "Thriller" and continues through other spunky, silly and spooky stories such as Frankenstein and his bride, chainsaw Jason, cursed mummies, witches, skeletons and more.
Odyssey founder and artistic director Derryl Yeager and his wife, Cheryl, the costume production director, announced in July they will be retiring and closing the company after this year's "Thriller" season because they are going on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Although a Utah-based company with a majority of dancers hailing from Utah, Odyssey has attracted dancers and fans from across the nation.
Hope Parker was dancing professionally in New York when she saw an audition notice for "a random Halloween show." She decided to audition for fun and after her first season of "Thriller," she was hooked. This year will be her eighth season of "Thriller" and she is approaching these last shows with gratitude and excitement.
The company is going out with a bang, performing "Thriller" 40 times across five locations in the next 5½ weeks. Starting with a sold-out opening show Friday at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City, tickets are going fast for this final chance for Utahns to see the show before the curtains close forever.
The end is near
For Odyssey dancers both past and present, it's bittersweet knowing the end is near.
Peiter Mortensen, an Odyssey alum who danced with the company for nine years until he injured his ankle earlier this year, said it's tough to see the show close.
"'Thriller' is a staple in Utah, just like Ballet West's 'Nutcracker,'" he said. "It's been around for so long and people love doing it."
Odyssey alumna Dayna Marshall said Utah's dance scene will definitely have a hole where Odyssey used to be. "'Thriller' has been a unique holiday experience for so many years. It's hard to accept that I won't be able to take my kids to see this show every Halloween season!"
Marshall danced with Odyssey for 6½ years until she tore her ACL and meniscus during a "Thriller" performance.
"I'm so proud to say I was a part of Odyssey; and even though I'm sad to see the doors close, the friendships and inspiration that came from this company will live on," Marshall said.
Odyssey member Kiana Little had no intentions of pursuing dance as a career at first. However, she was performing at a dance competition when an Odyssey member saw her and encouraged her to audition. She has now been with Odyssey for about eight years.
"Thriller has become a Halloween tradition in Utah and I don't think I fully realize just how many people know and love the show," she said.
Although she is sad Odyssey will be closing, Little said she is beyond grateful to have been a small part of it.
The Yeagers devoted their lives to Odyssey for so many years, and now "they deserve to have time to focus on themselves and I am so happy that they're going to be able to do that," Little said.
Eldon Johnson danced in the very first Thriller and continued with the company for 18 years. During the second half of his time with Odyssey, he was also one of the associate directors who helped run rehearsals and assist in the artistic side of the company.
Johnson said while it is sad Odyssey is almost over, at the same time he thinks everything has its time and its glory days.
"Even though 'Thriller' is gonna be missed, it gives an opportunity for something else to come along that might be a little more fresh," Johnson said. "I think it's leaving at a good point to leave a really fond memory in everyone's minds."
The uniqueness of Odyssey
When Odyssey was founded, Yeager hoped to provide dancers with the opportunity and experience to perform and grow while staying in their hometown.
Johnson started dancing when he was 16. Once he graduated high school, he moved to Los Angeles to start dancing professionally but didn't love living there. He came back to Utah and was recruited by Yeager to join Odyssey.
For Johnson and many other dancers, Odyssey was a perfect path for them. It gave dancers the ability to stay in Utah and continue their training all while performing and getting to do the same things most L.A. companies do.
"Odyssey has been able to provide dancers in Utah a way to do something they love, while also making an income and not having to move to L.A. to do it," Little said.
For Little, dancing with Odyssey helped her take steps out of her comfort zone so she could explore and have fun.
"Because that's what we're doing on stage. We're playing pretend characters, but having very real interactions with the audience and each other. It's the coolest feeling and I'll never be able to describe it," she said.
Odyssey dancers mainly train in jazz and ballet throughout the week, but also do hip-hop, ballroom, acrobatics, tap, Irish step dancing, contemporary and partnering.
"It's super diverse in the rep that it offers. It's hard to find a company doing such a variety of movement styles and genres and have it done well, all in one place," Johnson said. "That's what separates Odyssey from everyone else across the country and across Utah."
The diversity of styles is what made Parker want to stay at Odyssey after her first "Thriller" season.
"I joined the company because I finally found a company that embraced every genre of dance," Parker said. "Most companies include one genre and when you're a well-rounded dancer, it's hard to give up all genres for one when choosing gigs and companies."
Parker said she is happy for the Yeager family as they move on to a new chapter in their life. "I'm grateful to have been part of the Odyssey legacy. I have immense respect for a company that has allowed me to be myself and has always valued my hard work."
When Marshall joined Odyssey in 2008, she said she was surrounded by "wildly" talented dancers she looked up to, not only as artists but also as human beings.
"We all brought something unique to the table and were challenged in styles we weren't comfortable with. Derryl always wanted more than just good dancers," Marshall said. "He wanted personalities and entertainers who could move an audience. I have never worked or laughed harder than during my years with Odyssey!"
Many of the dancers who have been at Odyssey are now performing on Broadway or at Radio City Music Hall in New York. They have gone on to compete on "So You Think You Can Dance" or toured with Cirque du Soleil.
"They're the judges at competitions and choreographers at your local dance studios. They're your neighbors, friends and often the biggest personalities in the room," Marshall said.
As close as family
Between "Thriller," several Christmas shows, spring performances, countless rehearsals and a European tour, the Odyssey dancers spend thousands of hours together each year.
Mortensen said he considers Yeager a second dad, and during show seasons he would see Yeager more than his own dad.
"It became a family. It didn't feel like a job for me because I loved going to work. I loved being in the atmosphere," he said. "I've made some of the best friendships I've ever had — long-lasting friendships — at Odyssey."
Little said she also met "forever" friends through the company. "While I really love being on stage, what keeps me coming back are the people I get to share the stage with," she said.
Odyssey was a major part of Johnson's life and dance career. He said he is very grateful for the opportunities it provided him and he only has great memories from his time there. "I miss the company and it was a great, huge part of my life."
Marshall agreed and said the company became a family for her as well. "I've danced with pregnant mothers, witnessed my friends get engaged, performed in theaters around the world, and developed friendships that will last a lifetime."
When asked if she was going to see "Thriller" this year, Marshall said, "I wouldn't miss the last season of 'Thriller!' Who knows… maybe you'll see a familiar face or two during the last Kingsbury show!"
Odyssey Dance Theatre will have an alumni night on Oct. 22 during the last show at Kingsbury Hall with a few special surprises.
