Matthew Bourne: Edward Scissorhands

Comments (0) By Ann Haskins Wednesday, Dec 6 2006

Richard Winsor as the ultimate outsider (Photo by Bill Cooper)

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Even with its evanescent soundtrack by Danny Elfman, the cult film Edward Scissorhands is odd source material for dance. The movie also would seem an illogical next choice for choreographer Matthew Bourne, who built his reputation on deconstructing classical ballets. Yet Bourne’s past endeavors invariably center on existentially isolated central characters — the prince in Swan Lake, Clara in The Nutcracker and the title character in Cinderella. Even when things turn out all right (and in Bourne ballets they often don’t), his protagonists remain misfits who, at some point, heartbreakingly connect with one other soul. So when he first saw the film, what drew Bourne’s attention was Edward as the ultimate outsider — that and the music, of course. Elfman’s score, arranged by Terry Davies, remains an integral part of the Bourne magic with Sam Archer and Richard Winsor sharing the lead role. Reviewers in the United Kingdom, Japan and San Francisco described the dancing as “dazzling” with “a central character who can’t shake hands but touches us all.” More info, including interviews with Bourne, can be found at www.edwardscissorhands.co.uk or www.centertheatregroup.org. And the real thing is onstage at the Music Center starting this week. Ahmanson Theater, 135 N. Grand Ave., dwntwn.; opens Tues., Dec. 12, 8 p.m.; perfs Wed., Dec. 13, 7 p.m.; Fri., Dec. 15, 8 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 16, 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 17, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; then Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 & 7:30 p.m.; thru Dec. 31; $30-$90. (213) 628-2772.