‘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.

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

Odyssey Dance Theatre’s “Thriller”

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