Edward Scissorhands

December 21st, 2006
Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles
Ballet, went with Troy

I really dislike most ballet.
That said, we were not bored.
Choreography and concepts by famed ballet bohemian, Matthew Bourne (who did the all male Swan Lake), with music by Danny Elfman (who did the movie's music as well). Much of this ballet's excitement comes from the wonderful and creative music and the evocative sets.

Unlike the movie, I was always a little worried those scissor hands were going to clip, swipe or lascerate a fellow dancer. A little unnerving. But these are professional ballet dancers, and they had complete command (I looked for bandages and bandaids, no sign of them). Dancing with these appendages was amazing, and Windsor captures Johnny Depp's portrayal of innocent very well. For me, I didn't really believe the depth of love that was supposed to be there between the two main characters. Something was lost in making the girl so "popular" and well-liked. I missed Winona Ryder's very expressive doe-eyed waifishness.

It was visually fun, with broad caricatures of subburban residents (just like the movie) ~that part was entertaining from start to finish. The story, we knew, and it follows the movie faithfully up until the end. The end could have had more drama and flair and maybe a little money could have been spent to jazz it up. No helicopters, transforming beasts or chandeliers necessary... just some "magic." But the sets and dancers and portrayals were all entertaining, as was the small surprise at the curtain call. For non-ballet fans, fun to see. Once.

Generally, it lacked a big punch and needed some trimming in the looooooooonger dance numbers. But I can't be objective, since ballet doesn't appeal to me. Nor would I claim my review to be one a person who loves ballet finds helpful. But I will say I liked the visuals, and some of the dancing was quite fun/funny/inventive.