ODT's 'Wonderful Life' makes a big splash

"IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE," Odyssey Dance Theatre, Kingsbury Hall, Monday, additonal performances through Saturday, 581-7100

If you have front-row tickets to see Odyssey Dance Theatre's "It's a Wonderful Life," you may want to bring a raincoat.

The reason is simple. There's a huge vat of water in the orchestra pit that the dancers jump into during the opening sleigh ride scene, the high-school dance and when lead character George Bailey rescues Clarence, his guardian angel.

Monday night, the front row got a little wet when ODT continued its run of the beloved holiday story. Artistic director Derryl Yeager's delightful dance version, based on the Frank Capra film starring James Stewart, is now in its fourth year.

Matt Dorame put on the everyguy tweeds of George Bailey as last-minute substitution Veronica Yeager danced his partner in life, Mary.

Dorame tapped into Stewart's interpretation of Bailey but brought him dancing to the stage. His moves were crisp but also contained that "aw-shucks" demeanor.

Veronica Yeager's Mary was strong and full of life. Her energetic dancing and smile lit up the stage.

Needless to say the two dancers complemented each other in movement and mannerisms.

The company ensemble served as a good supporting cast for the couple. And the transitions from scene to scene were smooth.

Derryl Yeager's "It's a Wonderful Life" not only features hotshot jazz and tender ballet pas de deux but also sprinkles in some tap dancing, Celtic line dances and modern as well. He also adds some Utah-based twists that go over well with the audience.

During the scenes where Clarence guides George through the hypothetical Bailey-less town, the run-down neighborhoods are highlighted by sultry jazz and acrobatic hip-hop warfare.

Young Tristan Gray's coordinated break-dance moves highlight those dark scenes.

There were times, however, on Monday, where the dancers during the ensemble pieces seemed a bit out of sync. But they were able to come together toward the end.

Also, the voiceovers of God, Joseph and Clarence were lost a tad in the mix.

Still, with the soundtrack-worthy score written and produced by Sam Cardon, the crafty sets by Doug Ellis and the intricate costumes by Cheryl Yeager, "It's a Wonderful Life" made the audience laugh, applaud and cry.

While it is beneficial for audience members to be familiar with the Capra film when they see the ODT version, the audience can catch the theme of the story — how one person can touch so many in this life. And when the curtain fell Monday night, it was evident that some audience members were reflecting on their own life experiences.

E-mail: scott@desnews.com