Archive for March 20th, 2007

“There once was a boy called… Edward.”

Well, I’ll be honest when I sat down in my seat at BAM to watch a dance show of Edward Scissorhands I was thinking there was no way I would ever like this thing- I am such a cult fan of the movie- frankly I was a little pissed they made it into a dance show. HOWEVER, about 1 song into it I had a huge change of heart. I was completely sold and dancing in my seat along with the cast- it WASN’T trying to compete with the movie, just taking the story to a new medium. It was over the top in the most spectacular way!

Devised, directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne (my new hero), Scissorhands is one of the great love stories of all times, I’m talking right up there with “The Princess Bride, An Affair to Remember” and Rocky (don’t laugh at me- I swear it’s romantic!!).

The dancing was a melange of ballet, modern dance, jazz and isolated dance moves. One of my favorite moments was the unique dance of the topiaries which was hysterically happy- it made me wish the shrubbery in my yard could dance like that!

The orchestral arrangements were whimsical and playful. Often the use of individual instruments would set the mood, such as the sultry use of the saxophone for Edward’s seduction scene or the use of chimes and bells.

Lez Brotherston’s bursts of colorful costumes of bubblegum pinks, oranges, purples and turquoises were eye-catching and each was a perfect compliment to the characters. His use of different textures from satins to velvets to organzas and beyond combined with the subtle use of patterns like plaids, polka dots and stripes created an overwhelming and fun style. Brotherston’s sets were simple, colorful and aesthetically pleasing and the lights shown in brilliant kelley greens, shades of warmth and sky blues, capturing the heart of the show.

Oh and the characters were great stylized stereotypes. Let’s start with Edward- okay, so look- if it couldn’t be Johnny Depp, then they definitely got the right crew (sharing the role are outstanding performers Sam Archer and Richard Winsor). I wanted to go hug sweet Edward. Slut neighbor was my 2nd favorite- she was slutty and sensuous and fabulous.

The neighborhood scenes were priceless (& only a few times dragged on a tad too long). Favorite moments were the cuckold neighbor, Edward’s seduction scene- which MY GOD totally reminds me of what fun you can have with a washing machine… ohhh, ohhhh, oh, sorrry, where was I?

Overall: Let’s just say that Tim Burton rocks my world and Matthew Bourne is a jewel that I will definitely keep my eyes on! Go see it.

PS For Johnny Depp’s Eyes Only: Dear Johnny… were you there on opening night? I was skimming the audience for you, hoping you would attend. If you don’t like this review, then feel free to spank me… did I actually type that out loud? Haha… email me, just kidding, no really email me….