Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands Headed for BAM

Director/choreographer Matthew Bourne is returning to BAM with his reimagining of Tim Burton's 1990 film Edward Scissorhands. The production, which originated in London in December 2005, will have a three-week New York premiere at BAM's Howard Gilman Opera House March 14-31, followed by engagements in Toronto, St. Paul, Denver and Seattle.

In addition to Bourne's direction and choreography, Edward Scissorhands features new music and arrangements by Terry Davies based on themes composed for the movie by Danny Elfman. The production is designed by Bourne's frequent collaborator Lez Brotherson. The lead role of Edward will be played alternately by Sam Archer and Richard Winsor both of whom appeared in BAM's 2005 presentation of Bourne's Play Without Words. The show features a cast of 26 actor-dancers.

Without dialogue, this family-friendly production tells the story of Edward Scissorhands, a gentle boy manufactured by an inventor grieving the death of his own beloved son. The inventor dies before completing his work, leaving the bewildered boy alone-with scissors for hands. Edward is adopted into a candy-colored suburban community, where his special topiary and haircutting skills flourish. He falls for the daughter of the family that takes him in, and their tender love story forms the core of this unique gothic fantasy.

According to Bourne, "Edward is the ultimate 'outsider' expressing himself through movement rather than words, with much of his appeal being physical and emotional. He is not unlike a silent movie actor and this lends itself beautifully to our approach. Edward reminds us all of a time in our lives when we felt 'different' and how we treat people who are not the same as us. Even though the production is spectacular, outrageously funny and touchingly romantic, its simple message of tolerance and looking beneath the surface seems particularly important."

The production features group dance sequences and duets in its depictions of surburban life, including a barbeque, Halloween, cheerleaders, and a Christmas ball, as well as sequences that showcase Edward's special skills topiary garden, barber shop. Davies' music and arrangements will be performed live by a 13-piece chamber orchestra and conducted by the composer at the first three performances.

Bourne's most recent BAM engagement, the sultry dance-drama Play Without Words, enjoyed a successful run during BAM's 2005 Spring Season and garnered five Drama Desk Award nominations for Bourne, Brotherston, and Davies. Bourne and Davies shared the 2003 Olivier Award for Best Entertainment for Play Without Words and also collaborated on The Car Man. Bourne won Tonys for his direction and choreography of an all-male production of Swan Lake. He is currently represented on Broadway with Mary Poppins, which he choreographed with Stephen Mear.