Edward Scissorhands April 4, 2007

THE CANADIAN PREMIERE OF
EDWARD SCISSORHANDS
Directed and Choreographed by Matthew Bourne

"Just bring your ears and eyes and marvel at the inventions of Bourne's theatrical imagination." --The New York Times

TORONTO, ON – Matthew Bourne and New Adventures are in Toronto with their latest creation – a magical new adaptation of the classic Tim Burton motion picture – Edward Scissorhands, making its Canadian Debut at The Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts from April 4 – 7, 2007 for six performances only.

This touching and witty gothic fairy-tale follows the story of a boy created by an eccentric inventor, whose sudden death leaves the boy alone and unfinished. 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 appearance to the gentleness within. The title character originally played by Johnny Depp in the film, 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 the production.

Edward Scissorhands is devised, directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne. Caroline Thompson, who wrote the original screenplay, co-adapted Edward Scissorhands for the stage. This exciting and unique theatre piece without words features new music and arrangements by Terry Davis, based on themes from the original motion picture score composed by Danny Elfman.

Edward Scissorhands will be a treat for all the family with the beautiful, achingly romantic score by Danny Elfman, which will be the backbone of our stage version. The visual landscape by designer Lez Brotherston includes the creepy mansion, the graveyard, snow storms, colourful suburbia of Hope Springs, and of course Edward’s topiary and ice sculpture creations. The costumes too are incredible – from Edward’s scissor-hands to the sculpted bouffant hairdos of the female townsfolk.

About Matthew Bourne
Matthew Bourne is the UK's most popular and successful choreographer/director. He is the creator of the world's longest running ballet production, a five-time Olivier Award winner, and the only British director to have won the Tony Award for both "Best Choreographer" and "Best Director of a Musical". Matthew Bourne is known for the all-male production of Swan Lake, which is featured in Stephen Daldry's hit film Billy Elliot and for his highly original version of Bizet's Carmen entitled The Car Man. He also choreographed the stage adaptation of the motion picture Mary Poppins, which recently opened on Broadway.
About New Adventures
New Adventures was launched in 2002 to create and perform both large and small-scale works by Matthew Bourne. Its first work Play Without Words was premiered in August 2002 as part of the National Theatre’s Transformation Season, winning two Olivier Awards and returned to the National Theatre’s repertory before undertaking a major UK tour and seasons in Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Moscow. Other productions include Nutcracker! (2002), Highland Fling (2005), and Swan Lake (2005), which have toured all around the world.

For downloadable photos please go to: http://www.hummingbirdcentre.com/Media/media_0607_edward.html

DETAILS:
DATES: Wednesday, April 4 – Sunday, April 7, 2007
Wednesday, April 4, 2007 at 8pm
Thursday, April 5, 2007 at 2pm & 8pm
Friday, April 6, 2007 at 8pm
Saturday, April 7 at 2pm & 8pm

LOCATION: The Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East, Toronto, Ontario

TICKETS: Ticket prices range from $30 – $80. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling 416-872-2262 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.ca, in person at The Hummingbird Centre Box Office, 1 Front Street East, Toronto. GROUPS of 10 or more call: 416-393-7463 or 1-866-737-0805

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Media Contact:
Helen Nestor, PR & Promotions Manager
The Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts
Direct line: 416-393-7466, Email: helen@hummingbirdcentre.com

Official Website: http://hummingbirdcentre.com