INTERVIEW: ‘Scissorhands’ cuts through yet another holiday season
Photo: Scissorhands stars Jordan Kai Burnett as the title character and Carly Casey as Joyce. Photo courtesy of David Burnett / Provided by The PR Canvas with permission.
The Bourbon Room in Los Angeles is currently playing host to the return engagement of Scissorhands: A Musical Tribute, a loving parody of Tim Burton’s highly influential movie Edward Scissorhands. In this version, Jordan Kai Burnett plays the titular character, and the ensemble brings to life iconic songs from the ’90s, ’00s and today, according to press notes.
Burnett has been with the show since 2018, having also appeared as the Emcee in Channing Tatum’s Magic Mike Live and Romy & Michele: The Musical. Joining the actor on stage are Emma Hunton, Dionne Gipson, Natalie Masini, Ryan O’Connor, Carly Casey, Alex Ellis, Carson Higgins and John Krause.
Scissorhands: A Musical Tribute is the creation of Bradley Bredeweg, who is the writer and director of this parody. Audiences have responded in kind to his creation; this tribute show has sold out multiple holiday engagements over several years of performances in Los Angeles.
Recently Burnett exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox to talk about all things Scissorhands. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What do you love about this tribute to Edward Scissorhands?
Our Scissorhands show brings all the things you love about the original movie to the stage in an elevated way. I’m grateful to tell a story that was originally seen one way and turn it on its head.
Are you a big fan of the original movie?
I absolutely loved it. For anyone who ever felt “other,” Edward Scissorhands was like a pillar of light.
Does it get old wearing those scissorhands?
The scissors on my hands are like another character in the show; you have to treat them with respect and understanding, and you have to learn how to love them the same way that you would love any other cast member!
How is this staging immersive? Do you interact with the audience?
I think this version will be exciting because it uses all of the venue space that The Bourbon Room has to offer. The show will be happening all around you, and sometimes, it might even feel like it’s snowing!
Is singing these iconic songs great fun?
The songs in the show are so terrific on their own, but the way they help tell the story is extraordinary. When I’m singing, “Uninvited” (by Alanis Morissette) with Emma Hunton or “Shallow” (by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper) with Natalie Masini, all of a sudden, these songs take on a brand-new life of their own.
What’s it like to work with this ensemble?
It always feels like a special time when we get to be in the room together, but now more than ever. At this point, we are sort of like a family. Most of us have been together since the original incarnation in 2018, and those who have just joined the company are only making the theatrical experience more fulfilling. And, to tell the story again, over the Christmas holidays, after everything we’ve all been through feels like an absolute gift.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Scissorhands: A Musical Tribute, starring Jordan Kai Burnett, continues through Dec. 30 at The Bourbon Room in Los Angeles. Click here for more information and tickets.
