Note: This review is based on last year’s performance, although I understand that many of the dance numbers, as well as the overall tone of the show, are constant from year-to-year.
Let’s get one thing out of the way: if you’re not a “Halloween person,” Thriller won’t change your mind. The Odyssey Dance Theatre’s parade of werewolves, skeletons, mummies, and zombies is very much for those who already love the holiday. If that’s you, you may be wondering if the heavily-advertised performance is any good and if it’s okay for families.
To answer the first query, Thriller is a Halloween-lover’s paradise. The spooky sets, wardrobe, music, and performances will get you into the holiday spirit deeper and faster than anything I can think of. The choreography, athleticism, and creativity on display is truly stunning.
As for the second, this roughly two-hour show is definitely not for small children, but should be fine for teens and older kids who are into this sort of thing. There are a couple dance numbers that are decidedly creepy, though thankfully the show leans more towards the “fun” side and away from the truly horrifying.
There’s not really any gore (other than the zombies’ makeup) and there is a near-constant energy and genuinely funny macabre humor to everything that keeps it fairly light. Look out for the zombie dancers, though, who invade the crowd before the show to stare creepily into the faces of the audience. My then-seven-year-old stepson just laughed; he thought it was great fun.
