From movie to ballet: Edward Scissorhands at the Academy

By Lisa Angelucci
Collegian Editor
January 24, 2007

Tim Burton’s popular 1990 movie Edward Scissorhands took to the stage at the Academy of Music when English choreographer Matthew Bourne’s version arrived in Philadelphia from Jan. 16-21.

The adaptation was certainly a risk, but Scissorhands as a dance worked surprisingly well. The show was a bit light on the dancing, particularly for a show that was often described as a ballet, but the scenery and costumes were sufficient visuals to fill in any of the gaps.

The sets, starting with Edward’s creator’s home and continuing to a pristine suburban village, were possibly the best part of the entire show. Lights in the individual homes turned off to indicate nighttime, the shrubbery was transformed into whimsical shapes as Edward showed off his skill and the ice angel created a snowstorm featuring snow that blew into the first few rows of the audience.

Although there were no words to the show, a typical ballet, the plot was easily followed. Bourne stayed close to the original plot with only a few changes. Edward is taken in by the Boggs family after the death of his creator and soon falls in love with Kim Boggs, the family’s teenage daughter.

One of the best scenes of the show came at the end of the first act, when Edward and Kim dance a dream sequence. While Edward imagines he has real hands and can dance freely with Kim, the shrubbery that Edward has trimmed comes to life and dances with the couple. While dancing bushes are mildly creepy, the scene is a charming insight into Edward’s mind.

The dancing could have been better—some of the choreography in this show seemed oversimplified, and there were few group dance numbers. The actors also told their story through facial expressions, an element that could have been missed without seats fairly close to the stage.

Edward Scissorhands was only in Philadelphia for six performances before the show moved onto its next stop in its tour, which will end in New York City. The show was first performed in London before its American debut in San Francisco. The show came to the Academy of Music as part of the Broadway at the Academy series, which also features Annie from March 1-4 and Wicked from July 25-Aug. 19.

angeluccil1@lasalle.edu