Odyssey Dance Theatre is proud to announce the film version of the Company’s It’s A Wonderful Life stage production will be broadcast locally here in Utah on December 21st and 23rd in primetime from 8-9:30 pm on KMYU TV (Channel 12).
Odyssey Founder and Artistic Director Derryl Yeager said, ”This version of the show was filmed during the height of the Covid 19 pandemic when all theaters were closed to live audience participation. Under strict COVID guidelines, we were able to film this timeless dance performance version based on the classic Jimmy Stewart holiday movie.”
He added, “As a big thank you to all who have supported Odyssey Dance Theatre over the years, we hope you will take the time to see this “Wonderful” production.
Set your DVR’s and grab some popcorn – live on TV December 21st and 23rd from 8 to 9:30 pm – Channel 12. Merry Christmas!”
Conceived, Directed and Choreographed by Derryl, the creator of Thriller, It’s A Wonderful Life is based on the classic holiday film. Driven by circumstance to the point of no return, George Bailey gets the chance to see the world as it would have been without him, and he realizes his ordinary life is really extraordinary.
“This story has been one of my favorite movies of all time, and it was such a joy to be able to re-imagine it through dance. It has the look of a Broadway show, but the story is told through dance and the use of voice-overs very much like the film,” says Derryl. “An amazing team of artists collaborated on the production, including Sam Cardon, who wrote a moving, original score; Doug Ellis, whose fabulous scenic designs were expertly crafted by Lynn Clark at Scenic Service Specialists; costumes by Cheryl Yeager; and, of course, the phenomenal dancers of Odyssey Dance Theatre.”
Derryl collaborated with the Emmy-winning composer to create a full-length dance production. Sam recorded his sweeping score with a 99-piece orchestra in Prague, and Derryl created a truly delightful production – telling the story of George Bailey through numerous styles of dance, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Ballroom and even, when George sees the world as it would have been without him, Hip-Hop! The production captures the charm and sentiment of the movie but updates it (making it relevant as only Odyssey can) and shares this timeless American story in a unique and entertaining way.
The reviews in Salt Lake City were glowing: “Broadway Worthy!” – Salt Lake Tribune “A Perfect Gift!” – Deseret News
In these trying times, the world needs the universal message of hope and inspiration that is It’s A Wonderful Life!
Winner of Best of State in Dance for 17 years in a row; Best of State of all Arts and Entertainment 2007 and 2015; Best Choreographer 2009 Odyssey Founder and Artistic Director Derryl Yeager; Best Individual Dancer 2010 Former Odyssey Associate Artistic Director/Principal Dancer Eldon Johnson; Best Individual Dancer 2012 Odyssey Associate Artistic Director/Former Principal Dancer Veronica Yeager; Best Individual Dancer 2013 Former Odyssey Principal Dancer Dayna Marshall; Best Individual Dancer 2021 Odyssey Principal Dancer/Dance Captain Darby Jones; Best Individual Dancer 2022 Odyssey Principal Dancer Laura Brick; and Best Youth Dance Group 2011 and 2012 Odyssey 2, Odyssey Dance Theatre performs to critical acclaim and standing ovations at home and on tour, nationally and internationally, and is proud to represent Utah on the world’s stage, most notably coinciding with the Beijing Summer Olympics.
