Sometimes even the most beloved characters and stories can benefit from reinvention. Edward: Remixed and Retold is exactly that; a modern retelling of the 1990 Tim Burton film Edward Scissorhands, which starred Johnny Depp. Unlike its predecessor, this version is set to music and dance.
Conceived by out Orlando veteran visionary/choreographer/dancer/producer Willy Marchante, this dance cabaret features music from an eclectic array of artists and musicians and is described as a non-stop, seamless, music video-like production live on stage.
While the story of Edward Scissorshands has no gay theme or characters within it, the story of an uncommonly kind outsider ostracized for being “different” definitely transcends all creeds, genders and sexualities. Marchante, who also stars as Edward, says because of his strong affinity for the character, he wanted to create his own neoteric take.
Before audiences can experience Edward: Remixed and Retold, beginning March 3 at Parliament House's Footlight Theater, Watermark caught up with Marchante amidst a grueling production schedule, to discuss his re-imagined Edward, what inspires him and how to dance in 8-inch platform boots.
WATERMARK: You wrote and created this production. Where did the concept come from?
WILLIAM MARCHANTE: Well, I wish I could take credit for Edward Scissorhands, but that belongs to Tim Burton, who to me is an amazing inspiration as both an artist and a director. I can only take credit for my rendition. I designed and remixed everything from the music to the costumes and the choreography. My favorite concept of the show is how songs we hear all the time feel like they were specifically written to tell this story. I first got the idea from having to create a Christmas show for my children’s dance studio at Dancer’s Edge. I am not a Christmas person so I wanted to do a stage version of Edward Scissorhands since the story was about why it snows in this specific town. I did some research and found that another amazing inspiration of mine, Matthew Bourne, had done a ballet based on the movie. I took it as a sign and decided to run with it and attempt my own.
What can people expect from this rendition?
Lots of humor and high energy dance. It's campier than the original, pokes fun at itself and is set in a more modern mind-set, especially when it comes to relationships. The other characters have more of a story line as well, which adds to the craziness of the show. We have added many beautiful visuals and some dangerous elements as well. It is fast-paced and should keep the audience on the edge of their seats. By the end the show, it also tugs at your heartstrings, making everyone realize why Edward has been such a classic character for the last 20 years.
You mentioned your take is set in a more modern mind set, does that entail addressing gay themes and issues?
I don’t believe in addressing specific themes or issues. In this show, I touch on issues such as bullying and jealousy, which can easily be related to gays. I believe the more specific we get, the more we separate each other. To me, the reasons why you relate isn’t what's important; what's important is that you relate. It's not just gays that get bullied. I believe ignorance is ignorance and hate is hate. A gay person will be able to relate to my show just as any other person. We all have been through moments of alienation and despair and loss. I don’t believe your race, sexuality, religious or political views matter when it comes to those feelings.
Hate doesn’t discriminate; we do. There is an interesting scene in the show with Edward in jail when he encounters homosexuality for the first time. As funny as the moment is, there is a sense of innocence and curiosity which is truly what I consider would be normal. Edward is not disgusted or excited about his encounter; his feelings are simple, like a child discovering something new. It doesn’t reflect on what he believes or changes how he loves. To him it is simply a new experience. In a world where he has had no one to tell him what's right and wrong or bad and good, he simply takes things for what they are and sees the beauty in it.
What made you want to step into this role and recreate it?
I wanted to be Edward because he has always been a true outsider; a freak that never wanted anything but love. In a world full of instant gratification, Lady Gaga and constant demand for attention from brand names and material possessions, especially among the gay community, I feel a sense of identity loss from people I meet. Everyone now wants to be accepted and admired and worshipped when in reality, half the time they don’t even know how to love themselves or even understand the meaning of sacrifice and compromise. Edward showed me the simplicity of being who you are and staying true to that no matter what. There is a sadness in his simplicity but at the same time it is so beautiful.
How much of you is in the character of Edward?
I can relate to his curiosity and his sadness most of all, but the hardest part for me to do is the constant feeling of awkwardness he feels. However, the costume I wear helps with that. I have 8-inch platform boots and the tightest black faux-leather unitard covered in straps and belts. It's like extreme bondage. Dancing in those shoes and doing some of the things I do in them makes me think I have a death wish. His softness and shyness are a challenge for me as well. However, his passion and lack of ego makes me feel very liberated while I perform. As I give him life, he gives me strength and is almost therapeutic.
Who else is part of the ensemble?
I love the cast I am working with. I have three of my partners from Dancer’s Edge Studios; Steven Johnson, our tap and jazz teacher, Sarah Fanok, our ballet teacher and Rachel Bellows, our flamenco teacher. In addition to those three I also brought back Darci Ricciardi who performed with us in Twisted Enchantment last year. I am excited to also be working with the beautifully spirited Ron Banks who I work with at Universal Studios. Most of all, my [partner] Nic “Monkey” Grady, will be doing his dance debut in the show which makes my character smile and laugh and shows Edward the power of love.
What do you hope fans take away from this performance?
I hope they take what they need to. We are all in different places in our lives and I believe that in this story and in this show there are many different levels of entertainment and emotions. I definitely believe there is something for everybody in this show, whether it is artistic, visual, sentimental, humorous, or inspirational. To be able to evoke emotion and help someone escape or belong or simply feel is so powerful and I love to be able to do that. Sometimes art is really like therapy; it can be very healing or show us things about ourselves.
