‘Bubbles the Clown’ gets starring role in new dance production

Oct 16, 2023, 2:00 PM | Updated: 6:47 pm

FILE- Eldon Johnson and Julia Bussio in a Frankenstein scene from the Odyssey Dance Theatre practice for the popular Halloween show "Thriller." Bubbles the Clown, one of Frankenstein's co-stars, will be featured in his own show. (Tom Smart/Deseret News)

(Tom Smart/Deseret News)

BY MARIAH MAYNES

Reporter

SALT LAKE CITY — Bubbles the Clown, a popular character from Odyssey Dance Theatre’s popular Halloween show “Thriller,” has received a starring role. “Bubbles the Clown” will run for one night only on Oct. 28 at the Jeanne Wagner Theater.

The show starts at 7 p.m. and is suitable for all ages, according to Awkward Productions and Odyssey Dance Theatre. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to Odyssey Dance Theatre’s Dance Scholarship Program.

A description of the show said “Stand-up comedy never felt so ‘awkward.'”

The character was featured in “Thriller” for the past 14 years, however, the popular Halloween show will not be presented this year, following the closure of Odyssey Dance Theatre.

The show combines stand-up comedy, improv, songs and clown antics. According to Odyssey Dance Theatre, it will be “a night you will never forget.”

Tickets can be purchased on the Salt Lake County Arts website. All patrons are required to have a ticket.

Odyssey Dance Theatre’s “Thriller”

Odyssey Dance Theatre was founded in 1994 by Derryl Yeager. Yeager is a former principal dancer for Ballet West. The dance company aimed to provide Utah’s communities with “innovative and exciting performances.”

The company presented its popular show “Thriller” around Halloween each year for 28 years. The show was last presented in 2022, as the company’s final production before the company closed.

“Thriller” featured Bubbles the Clown along with other Halloween characters like Frankenstein, zombies, and mummies.

According to Odyssey Dance Theatre’s website, Yeager and his wife have returned. It said they are interested in bringing “Thriller” back to the stage next fall, but no official plans have been made.

Related reading:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Arts + Entertainment

Co-creators Matthew Gray Palmer and Ann Holbrook embrace while pausing to look at Yumi, their rough...

Cassidy Wixom, KSL

The touching love story behind Yumi, a 22-foot bronze elephant

The emotional personal story behind the creation of Yumi, a nearly 18,000-pound bronze elephant, involves the artists who built the sculpture.

1 day ago

A parade participant waves while walking with The National Society of The Sons of Utah Pioneers dur...

Carter Williams, KSL

This year’s Days of ’47 Parade to celebrate 2 anniversaries. Here’s the route it will take

The Days of '47 Parade celebrates Utah's pioneer settlement and America 250. Parade and marathon routes will close several Salt Lake roads on Friday.

19 days ago

Utah Deaf mentor and performer Jojo Savea is one of the American Sign Language performers bringing ...

Eric Cabrera

Deaf Utah performer, interpreter, helps kids experience favorite shows in a new way through ASL

Utah mentor and performer Jojo Savea is one of the American Sign Language performers bringing popular children's programming, including "CoComelon," to deaf audiences.

20 days ago

The Draper Eastridge Stake float and other Pioneer Day Parade floats during a preview at the Mounta...

KSL Staff

Your guide to Pioneer Day activities, fireworks in Utah

Utah's Pioneer Day holiday celebrates the arrival of the first group of pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Cities across Utah are celebrating with unique events to mark the holiday.

22 days ago

Two male piglets born June 14 are the first warthog piglets born at Utah's Hogle Zoo. (Photo credit...

Simone Seikaly

2 warthog piglets born at Utah’s Hogle Zoo

Hogle Zoo announced the recent births of two common warthog piglets. They are healthy, but likely won't stay in Utah.

25 days ago

Utah's Hogle Zoo announced its sand cat Cleo gave birth to a healthy kitten in June. (Utah's Hogle ...

Cassidy Wixom, KSL

The most adorable formidable predator: Hogle Zoo welcomes new sand cat kitten

A sand kitten is the newest resident at Utah's Hogle Zoo, and is sure to steal the hearts of many with its adorably fuzzy appearance.

29 days ago

Road trip ready: How Bear Lake became the go-to destination for Western U.S. travelers

Whether you are chasing pristine beaches, fresh raspberry shakes, or endless water sports, this sponsored guide—brought to you in partnership with Bear Lake —uncovers everything you need to plan the ultimate getaway.

Harper Clinic

A new standard of care: How Harper Clinic’s IOP is changing the face of mental health treatment in Utah

As demand for mental health care continues to rise across Utah County, Orem's Harper Clinic says it is trying to close the gap with a more comprehensive approach to mental health treatment.

The weight of depression is real. Many people spend years fighting it, adjusting medications, manag...

Harper Clinic

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic’s TMS Therapy can help

Breaking free from depression: How Harper Clinic's TMS Therapy can help.

Andrew Adams, KSL

Library discussions bring men’s mental health to the surface

Therapists say it’s common for men to repress things like trauma, grief, stress and anxiety. Now, a new weekly series of discussions aims to help men bring it all to the surface.

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

Cozy up in Bear Lake: Discover the magic of a winter getaway

SALT LAKE CITY – The holiday season shines brightest when time slows down and loved ones gather. Gifts, decorations and festive music come and go, but shared experiences tend to last much longer. Research supports that idea. Dr. Theresa E. DiDonato told Psychology Today that vacations can strengthen relationships by creating meaningful time away from daily […]

Harper Clinic

Rewriting the path to healing: Inside Harper Clinic’s whole-person mental health model

OREM — A few decades ago, you’d have had a hard time finding a doctor to treat both your mind and body; And a century ago, you’d have been hard-pressed to find a doctor to treat your mind at all. Today, medical professionals are understanding more and more the undeniable connection between the body and […]

‘Bubbles the Clown’ gets starring role in new dance production

Odyssey Dance Theatre’s “Thriller”

We want to hear from you.

Arts + Entertainment

Sponsored Articles