'Edward Scissorhands' from Matthew Bourne coming to The Ahmanson Theatre

[ALIASd]

http://www.taperahmanson.com/show.asp?id=341

[lisaboo]

Re: 'Edward Scissorhands' from Matthew Bourne coming to The Ahmanson Theatre

WOW!!! I knew nothing about a stage adaptation of Edward Scissorhands!! Geez, I wish I lived in LA. We already have so much money going out for our WDW trip in two weeks and I *just* convinced my fiance to a trip to LA to see Wicked with the MiceChat gang in April. Not to the mention the wedding we have to save for. Oh, how to finagle this? :beg: Begging is probably the only way. Of course, I will find a way to squeeze DL in there if he agrees to go down. :blush:

As a Tim Burton fan, I just HAVE to see this!

Thanks for the info!

[Xharryb]

Re: 'Edward Scissorhands' from Matthew Bourne coming to The Ahmanson Theatre

I really hope they record this show eventually like they have done with most of Bourne's other work. I'm sure it's the only way I'll ever get to see it.

[ALIASd]

Re: 'Edward Scissorhands' from Matthew Bourne coming to The Ahmanson Theatre

Edward Scissorhands

(Orpheum Theater, San Francisco; 2,203 seats; $90 top)

"Edward Scissorhands" may be the first exported Matthew Bourne evening whose inspiration seems more commercial than re-interpretive. That may disappoint some dance fans, but this handsome stage translation of the 1990 Tim Burton movie is -- by virtue of the film's enduring appeal to a wide age range -- likely to reach a larger, more diverse audience on its North American tour than even Bourne's "Swan Lake" managed.

The choreographer and his collaborators duly reproduce the gently satirical, mock-Gothic tone of the original, even if they mess with the plot somewhat (not necessarily improving it).

A prologue explains what happened to benign but freakish, "Cabinet of Caligari"-looking Edward: He was seemingly killed by lightning as a child, then resurrected by Adam Galbraith's eccentric Inventor. Here he's first discovered not by an Avon-calling Mrs. Boggs but by teenage Halloween pranksters who give the Inventor a heart attack before Edward (Sam Archer) chases them away.

Now alone in the world, Edward wanders into town, where Peg Boggs (Etta Murfitt) clasps him into the bosom of her family, the squeaky-cleanest in a parodic 1950s suburban 'hood of identical pastel manses. Thereafter the script generally follows pic's course, albeit with some shifted emphases.

Notably, the role of hausfrau-sexpot Joyce Monroe (a delicious Cyd Charisse-like Michela Meazza) -- who vamps Edward -- has been enlarged, as has the role of jock jerk Jim Upton (James Leece), Edward's rival for the affections of the Boggs' cheerleader daughter Kim (Kerry Biggin, rather colorless).

Bourne and Caroline Thompson (who wrote the original screenplay from her own and Burton's story idea) have adapted this sweetly primal fable of conformity and being "different" to middling success. Some of the film's potent simplicity is lost, without gaining any interesting new dimensions.
Characters that were caricatured yet still warmly human are now black or white, mean or nice. There's also a touch more acid to the portrayal of smug, judgmental mainstream America (needless to say, here members of the minister's family are the nastiest people in town), a satirical target that always goes over big among Brits.

On the ample plus side, this fast-moving show is a delight to behold as packaged by set and costume designer Lez Brotherston. Terry Davies' original music expands seamlessly upon Danny Elfman's alternately winsome and campily suspenseful film themes. There are nifty individual effects, like Edward's first creation of topiary sculpture, and the magic of a climactic first act fantasy ballet among come-to-life topiary figures.
Arguably more a storybook pantomime than through-danced evening, "Edward" is most exciting movement-wise (and as choreographic storytelling) in set pieces that actually involve social dance.

First is the backyard BBQ where Edward is formally introduced to the community, including its rock 'n' rolling teenyboppers; then there's the long Christmas party that both unites him with Kim and, under the influence of jealous Jim's spiked punch, gets him ostracized for good. A twinkle-eyed, snowy (even onto orchestra seats) fade would work better if we had a clearer idea just who that little old lady is who appears only at the show's beginning and end.

Alternating in the title role with Richard Winsor, Archer makes an endearing Edward. Other principals, repeating parts originated in London last year, are capable if somewhat restricted by the one-dimensionality of the story.

A somewhat tinny, canned-sounding mix on opening night dimmed the luster of Davies' attractive arrangements and the smart 13-piece orchestra.
Sets and costumes, Lez Brotherston; lighting, Howard Harrison; sound, Paul Groothuis; new music and arrangements, Terry Davies, based on Danny Elfman themes.
Opened, reviewed Nov. 14, 2006. Running time: 2 HOURS.

http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117932127.html?categoryid=1265&cs=1

[cal4iri]

Re: 'Edward Scissorhands' from Matthew Bourne coming to The Ahmanson Theatre

Very Cool!!!!

Now if they would just do Nightmare Before Christmas!

[Not Afraid]

Re: 'Edward Scissorhands' from Matthew Bourne coming to The Ahmanson Theatre

I have tickets for Dec. 22nd. I've seen 4 other Matthew Bourne "ballets" (it's more contemporary dance than strictly ballet) and have not been disappointed. I've been waiting for this one for a year.

Last year, when his "Play Without Words" was at the Ahmanson, American Cinemathique showed The Servent (which is the film PWW was based on) and Bourne did a Q&A afterwards. He talked a bit about "Edward" which was in pre-production at that time. He had the enire audience ready to buy tickets on the spot.

[Ride Warrior]

Re: 'Edward Scissorhands' from Matthew Bourne coming to The Ahmanson Theatre

I heard that Johnny Depp is no longer receiving royalties for Edward Scissorhands. Seems that they cut him off. :lmao:

[Alchimedes]

Re: 'Edward Scissorhands' from Matthew Bourne coming to The Ahmanson Theatre

i heard that Johnny depp is no longer receiving royalties for Edward Scissorhands. Seems that they cut him off. :lmao:

:lol:
I wish some of this stuff was up here in our neck of the woods.

[ALIASd]

Re: 'Edward Scissorhands' from Matthew Bourne coming to The Ahmanson Theatre


American Cinematheque
Eygptian Theatre, Hollywood

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, 1990, 20th Century Fox, 100 min.

A treat for the whole family, director touching and witty gothic fairytale tells the story of a boy (Johnny Depp) created by an eccentric inventor (Vincent Price) who dies, leaving his creation alone and unfinished. With only scissors for hands, Edward must find his place in a strange new suburban world where the well-meaning community struggles to see past hisappearance to the innocence and gentleness within. With Winona Ryder, Alan Arkin, Kathy Baker.

After global success with his inspired interpretations of Swan Lake,Cinderella and the multi-award winning Play Without Words, Matthew Bourne has adapted Edward Scissorhands from the original Tim Burton film, creating a new modern classic. Matthew Bourne is back at the Ahmanson Theatre from December 12-31, 2006 with his latest creation!

Discussion following the film with renowned choreographer, Matthew Bourne.

http://www.americancinematheque.com/archive1999/2006/specialeventDEC.htm#EDWARD%20SCISSORHANDS