LAYTON — The Halloween spectacular that has been providing frights and delights to audiences in Salt Lake City, Park City, Logan, Ogden and southern Utah for years will soon be performed in Davis County.

For the first time in Davis County, Odyssey Dance Theatre's "Thriller" will be performed at the Kenley Amphitheater in Layton this fall.

"We could not be more excited to bring 'Thriller' to the Kenley," said Kym Ridl, Davis Arts Council spokeswoman. "This is a Halloween tradition for so many families and dance groups across Utah, and we're proud to finally offer our community the chance to experience it in the unmatched setting of the Kenley."

Odyssey Dance Theatre originated the monster-themed dance performance more than 25 years ago. With unique pieces based on Frankenstein and his bride, a mummy's curse, the serial killer Jason, tap-dancing skeletons and other Halloween classics, "Thriller" is a testament to Utah's creative dance scene.

"This show has become a phenomenon," said Odyssey artistic director Derryl Yeager. "Now in its 27th year, it has grown tremendously in popularity."

Odyssey Dance Theatre had shut its doors while Yeager and his wife served a mission, but the show and company rose from the dead in 2024 to continue spreading the Halloween spirit to Utah audiences.

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Back from the dead: Odyssey's 'Thriller' returns to the stage after hiatus

Odyssey Dance Theatre's popular Halloween-themed dance show "Thriller" is rising from the grave after the company originally decided to close.

"I don't know what it is about Utah, but they just love their Halloween," Yeager told KSL.com in 2024.

He added that most of the show is humorous, even though it does have some "scarier" themes and elements.

"There's a lot of funny stuff in the show. Most people aren't used to going to a dance show and actually laughing and having fun. I think that's one of the things that people really like about the show," he said.

The dance company was created to provide a professional dancing opportunity in Utah so talented dancers wouldn't have to move out of the state. Odyssey alumni have gone on to perform in Broadway shows, compete on "So You Think You Can Dance," and one was even a dancer in Taylor Swift's the Eras Tour.

"Thriller" will be performed at the Kenley Amphitheater on Sept. 26 and 27. Tickets are available on the Davis Arts Council website.

Odyssey Dance Theatre has also announced shows in southern Utah at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1. Other locations and performances will be announced in the coming months.

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