That's why we have snow at Christmas

This past Sunday, I had tickets to go see Matthew Bourne's production of "Edward Scissorhands" at the Kennedy Center. I was plenty excited to see this, not only because Tim Burton's film is one of my all-time favorites but also because Mr. Bourne is one of the most talented choreographers of the past few decades.

The first 30 minutes were slightly confusing and the choreography wasn't great, but there was also a lot of story setup and the initial jolt of seeing a story told through movement and no dialogue. Once Edward is adopted by the Boggs family, the story becomes involving and my interest picked up. There are two breathtaking dances (one with moving topiary) and then some nicely done group numbers. I had forgotten how moving Danny Elfman's original score was and Mr. Bourne brings the tale to a somewhat more somber end, but IMO it makes more sense this way.

And I was moved to tears by the end of the performance. I don't think I've seen such a coup de theatre since Mary Poppins flew over the audience in the UK.

Photo by Bill Cooper