My kids and I were lucky enough to catch EDWARD SCISSORHANDS at the Hummingbird Centre during its brief four-night engagement in Toronto. Next stop for this show is Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre, April 25 to May 14.

The audience was the youngest musical-theatre crowd I have seen in a long time! It seemed that a lot of the audience was made up of "Edward Scissorheads" -- goth fans of the movie -- as they came dressed mainly in black with many buckles and zippers. There were a handful of the typical theatre-going adults, and a smattering of kids. The Hummingbird is pretty cavernous, so it wasn't full, but the audience made up in enthusiasm, what they lacked in size.

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS was devised, directed, and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, with music and arrangements by Terry Davies, including themes from the original motion picture by Danny Elfman. (Original story and motion picture directed by Tim Burton.) In the program the cast is listed and each role is shared by at least two people. Edward is played by Sam Archer or Richard Winsor, but since the Hummingbird didn't post the actual cast for that evening's performance, and they didn't include an insert of any kind, I don't know who to congratulate for an amazing performance! Way to go Sam or Richard!

I really enjoyed this show and would highly recommend it to adults and kids alike. The dancing was simply wonderful, a combination of many styles from ballet, to modern to "just movement" and back again. It reminded a bit of the Twyla Tharp choreogrpahy in MOVIN' OUT. It really was breathtaking, and surprising how much story can be told with just dance, costumes, sets and music (ie. no speaking or singing). It's a pretty intricate story with many characters and I didn't have any trouble following it. Of course, I've seen the movie, but that was a while ago.

One of my favorite aspects of the show was the brilliant set (set and costume designed by Lez Brotherston). Very true to the spirit of the film, it really completed the magical feeling of the story. I particularly liked the way the houses in the town were done with forced perspective. I also liked the way the dancing and costumes and set were used to make the audience laugh. Usually I associate laughing with witty dialogue or lyrics so it was really refreshing to laugh at a visual. I guess it's sort of like watching a silent film. My favorite musical moment was the memorable Danny Elfman movie theme.

From the 5th Avenue Web site:

"Matthew Bourne and New Adventures present their latest creation -- a magical new adaptation of the classic Tim Burton motion picture Edward Scissorhands.

A treat for the whole family, this touching and witty gothic fairytale tells the story of a boy created by an eccentric inventor who dies leaving him alone and unfinished. Left with only scissors for hands, Edward must find his place in a strange new suburban world where the well-meaning community struggles to see past his strange appearance to the innocence and gentleness within. London's theatrical dance sensation, Edward Scissorhands is a must-see event.

After global success with his inspired interpretations of Swan Lake, Nutcracker! Highland Fling and the multi-award-winning Play Without Words, Matthew Bourne has recently choreographed the hit musical, Mary Poppins, currently performing on Broadway. A five-time Olivier award-winner, he is also the creator of the world's longest-running ballet production and is the only British director to have won the Tony Award for Best Director and Best Choreographer of a Musical (1999 for Swan Lake).

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