| Follow us on Twitter |
A huge hit in London’s Sadler’s Wells theatre, the Sydney season of this magical new dance theatre production of the classic Tim Burton motion picture has been made possible though the generous sponsorship of National Australia Bank.
Devised, directed and choreographed by Briton, Matthew Bourne, Edward Scissorhands is the follow-up production to his smash hit Australian tour of Swan Lake.
The touching and witty gothic fairy-tale transforms the 1990 cult movie into humorous dance drama – with no words to clutter the theatrical terrain. Instead, expressive dance, pantomime, a sumptuous musical score performed live, witty and spectacular stage tableaux and dramatic lighting tell the heart-warming story.
Edward Scissorhands follows Edward, a sweet-natured, wistful young boy, created by an eccentric inventor who, upon his sudden death, leaves him with scissors instead of hands.
Edward flees to Hope-Springs, a candy-coloured 1950s suburban community where he falls for Kim, the teenage daughter of his adopted family. She’s smitten and their tender, yet ill-fated love story is at the heart of Bourne’s stage interpretation.
A treat for the entire family, this enchanting production features outstanding staging notably a scary Halloween sequence, a hilarious neighbourhood ballet and a topiary garden that springs to life.
Brilliant sequences of vivacious dance ensembles favouring scissor-legged lifts, crisp turns and jazz-jiving reminiscent of West Side Story drive the narrative and establish the mood for each scene.
Capturing the deepest of emotions with the tiniest of gestures, Edward majestically brandishes his blades like a peacock in moments of triumph and folds into himself in despair, amplifying his emotional journey as an outcast while endearing him to the audience. Kim’s macho boyfriend revels in a suave bravado and a sultry tango is the motif for the neighbourhood vamp.
The Sydney season of Edward Scissorhands has been made possible through the support of our Presenting Partner, National Australia Bank (NAB).
"We are delighted to be involved in presenting such a successful international production to the people of Sydney. NAB has always believed in people with ideas and dreams so we are thrilled to be supporting Matthew Bourne and his magnificent production and team,” Joseph Healy, NAB Executive General Manager, Business and Private Banking said.
“Likewise we are very proud to be working in partnership with the Sydney Opera House both as a major sponsor and financial services partner. It has created a unique opportunity for NAB to be aligned with one Australia's true iconic symbols and further reinforces our commitment to the performing arts in Australia."
Adding to the magic of the production are exquisite sets by Lez Brotherston (Swan Lake, Cinderella, Highland Fling,) which evolve from haunted mansions and pastel mini-suburbia to animal topiary with glowing red eyes and a wonderland of glittering ice sculpture.
Composer/arranger, Terry Davies expands the rhapsodic themes in Danny Elfman’s memorable film score and includes captivating jazz and neo-classical tunes of his own.
As part of its partnership with Sydney Opera House, The Balnaves Foundation will help bring this magical production to disadvantaged members of the Sydney community through a Balnaves Foundation Open House Program performance of Edward Scissorhands on Tuesday 3 June 2008. The Program offers $5 tickets to performances for unwaged, pensioners, health care and transport concession card holders.
Founder and Director of the Foundation, Neil Balnaves said, “I am delighted to be bringing a renowned work of international quality to an audience who, otherwise would never have been able to see the show.
“This goes beyond allowing disadvantaged communities to experience a performance at Sydney Opera House, as Edward Scissorhands is a show that deals with people who are treated by society as outsiders or who are marginalised. It is a perfect match." -- www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Posted June 3rd, 2008 by ruzik_tuzik
