Returning for another round of pop hits and stunning performances is SCISSORHANDS: A Musical Inspired By The Film for the holiday season. The Fuse Project and Rockwell Table & Stage teamed up to make this immersive production come to life. The musical is a modern take on the classic Tim Burton film which starred Johnny Depp as an artificial man named Edward, an unfinished creation who has scissor blades instead of hands.
The show begins with strong vocal performances from Scissorhands (Jordan Kai Burnett) and his mother like figure/creator (Dionne Gipson) who dies before she can finish Scissorhands by giving him human hands. Luckily after being alone for years in an old mansion, a perky Avon Lady named Peg (Emma Hunton) meets Scissorhands after knocking on the mansion door. While she notices Scissorhands is a little different, she also realizes that he’s just a regular teenager on the inside so she goes into mom mode and invites him to stay in her home. At first, she names him Edward but later refers to Scissorhands using the pronouns “they/them” which definitely helps add to the modernity of this production.
Jordan Kai Burnett and Emma Hunton in “SCISSORHANDS.” Photo by: Bryan Carpender
Not everyone takes to Scissorhands with hugs and smiles like Peg. After getting home from a late-night date, Kim (Natalie Masini), Peg’s daughter is terrified by the sight of Scissorhands and Peg’s husband (Ryan O’Connor) is less than thrilled about their new houseguest. In a dramatic twist of events, Kim starts getting to know Edward and begins falling for they/them. The only problem is her jerk of a boyfriend Jim (Keir Kirkegaard) feels threatened by this and in return starts threatening Scissorhands.
Keir Kirkegaard and Natalie Masini in “SCISSORHANDS.” Photo by: Bryan Carpender
Additionally, the family’s nosey neighbors (Carly Casey, Daisy Eagan, Ryan O’Connor) can’t seem to stay away from Scissorhands as they are not only mesmerized by Scissorhands’ appearance but also by what they perceive they/them can do including hair cuts and gardening. However, after the allure and initial attraction to Scissorhands calms down, a series of events leads to a crushing reality that sometimes people fear what they don’t fully know or understand leaving Scissorhands to make some tough choices in the end.
The musical features hit songs from Pentatonix, Sia, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Nirvana, and many more artists. You are guaranteed to be singing in your seat.
Daisy Eagan, Ryan O’Connor, Jordan Kai Burnett, Carly Casey, and Emma Hunton in “SCISSORHANDS.” Photo by: Bryan Carpender
In addition to the music involved and performances, this production is great because it brings together all kinds of genius. The Fuse Project’s brand is to meld together pop culture icons, cinema & digital classics into the ultimate night of thought-provoking musical theatre. Bradley Bredeweg is the Writer, Director, and Executive Producer of Scissorhands and is no stranger to creative and groundbreaking shows as he is the Creator, Executive Producer, and Showrunner of the hit Walt Disney and Jennifer Lopez produced television series, THE FOSTERS as well as the current hit spin-off, GOOD TROUBLE. And last but not at all least, Rockwell Table & Stage is the perfect place for a show like SCISSORHANDS. With low lighting and close tables, it’s the perfect place to have an intimate night out with friends or as a family. There are also a ton of food and craft cocktails options to enjoy while watching the show.
Even before the cast takes the stage at the Rockwell, the audience is treated to a surprise holiday preshow starring David Terry. Terry gets everyone into the holiday spirit by singing classic Christmas songs.
While the holidays can get stressful trying to find gifts for everyone and shopping endlessly, this show can be your escape! You can find tickets for SCISSORHANDS on sale now. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sunday Matinees at 12:30 pm. The show is running now through January 5th only! The prices range from $25-$45. Rockwell Table & Stage is located at 1714 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027. For more information and to purchase tickets visit rockewell-la.com.
