the mommy avenger

The outdoor amphitheater of Tuacahn provides the perfect atmosphere for Odyssey Dance Theatre – Thriller. Uniquely situated in the red rock cliffs of Southern Utah, at the mouth of Padres Canyon, families, individuals, and couples can truly experience a Halloween delight. 

Halloween and non-Halloween enthusiasts alike will find something to squirm, scream, and applaud as the performers capture the essence of things that keep us awake at night, while comedically entertaining us. The recommendation that the concert is not for children under eight, or the faint of heart lends credence to this. 

Keeping this in mind, Odyssey’s Thriller would still rate as a highly entertaining and fun family outing, mingled with the scary elements of all things Halloween. An ample description would be a family-friendly night coupled with the spookiness we expect at Halloween time. For those families who live, love, and breathe all things Halloween, this show will not disappoint. 

Showcasing for a specified number of days, this Halloween experience has allowed us to revel in the Halloween experience through this highly entertaining production. The costumes, choreography, special effects, and performers live up to the hype of this show. 

Upon entering Tuachan, we were met with blood-soaked, zombie-like characters, setting the tone for the evening. The occasional scream elicited from unsuspecting attendees proved to be effective, as the zombies casually meandered through the crowd. 

Those who eagerly leapt to the dance floor to be a part of any exhibition of Michal Jackson’s Thriller, will find themselves itching to break out and join in with the cast. However, this spooky spectacular will keep us remaining in our seats, as the dance troupe mesmerizes us with this opening number and continues to do so throughout the evening. 

Halloween, as told through interpretive dance, showcases the incredible acrobatics and athleticism displayed through each number. The backdrop of Tuacahn with its stunning outdoor setting strongly supports the energy the performers bring to the stage. Coupled with the macabre at times, is an intermingling of humor. The humor incorporated into the show serves as a balance, and outlet to that of the macabre. 

Numbers performed to familiar music and backdrops associated with Halloween throughout the show, will also offer nostalgic stirrings of Halloween’s past. Other musical numbers that may not be so well known to some will keep those in attendance highly engaged as they seamlessly move from one performance number to the next. 

“Bubbles the Klown” brings much appreciated humor throughout the night and connects with the audience in a lively manner. There are some surprises in this show as well, and while not giving away too much, be prepared to enjoy some 2024 Summer Olympic Games humor. 

One will leave this performance having experienced a range of emotions, from the downright scary, to fun and laughter, along with the music, and hauntingly eerie voice of Vincent Price as you exit the amphitheatre. This is an entertaining Halloween experience that should not be missed, especially for those who embrace all that Halloween is.

Didn’t get your chance to see it? Don’t fear–Thriller at Tuacahn performs one more night–November 2, 2024, so you still have a chance to enjoy it before next year. Get your tickets here!

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}