Reimagining Scissorhands: A Queer Celebration on Stage

Jordan Kai Burnett on the transformative power of a queer reimagining of a beloved classic

"I wish I had more wit at this moment," says Jordan Kai Burnett, pinching their fingers together as if attempting to extract some from the air. "But I did have a full eight-hour rehearsal today."

Those intense rehearsal hours are being poured into Scissorhandz, a "radical, raucous" queer re-telling of the 1990 film Edward Scissorhands, originally directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp in the iconic lead role.

Burnett discusses why, in a world that feels increasingly chaotic, a vibrant and unconventional show like Scissorhandz holds significance. "I know that I'm not solving brain cancer. I know that," they emphasize. "But what I do is pretty delightful. And if there's a person who comes to see the show who's like, ‘Oh, I didn't understand this and now I understand it a little bit more,’ that's amazing."

Scissorhandz has been a source of self-discovery for Burnett. The actor first took on the lead role in Los Angeles in 2018, and several years and numerous performances later, they continue to be the only performer to embody this character. Now they bring the show to London for its European premiere.

Directed by Bradley Bredeweg, known for works like The Fosters and Good Trouble, this adaptation portrays Scissorhands as a non-binary individual who falls for a queer woman named Kim, portrayed by Lauren Jones. Through embodying this character, Burnett found deeper connections to their own identity.

"I think there was a time a few years ago when I didn't really have the language for who I was," Burnett explains. "Understanding that I could be more than one thing, that I could exist outside a binary, putting myself in this show and discovering a language for that… it feels really special."

Over seven years since first taking on the role, Burnett credits the show and its embedded queerness for helping them embrace their identity. "I want everyone to know how many pronouns I use and how queer I am," they declare. Burnett is comfortable with both ‘they’ and ‘she’ pronouns.

Bredeweg’s version of Scissorhandz retains key elements from Burton’s whimsical original. The inventor, portrayed by Dionne Gipson, passes away before replacing Scissorhands' razor-sharp digits with human fingers. Peg, portrayed by Emma Williams, discovers the orphaned creation and brings them home, where their unique presence initially captivates the neighborhood until Jim, the boyfriend of Peg’s daughter Kim, rallies others against Scissorhands.

Executive producers Lance Bass and Michelle Visage bring their star power to the project. The show also features pop music hits from artists like Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Alanis Morrissette. Despite these updates, the essence of Burton’s original narrative remains intact. For many queer fans, Edward Scissorhands has always resonated as a queer allegory; Scissorhandz merely brings this interpretation into the spotlight.

"I always call Scissorhands a gay robot," Burnett laughs. "It’s queer. It just is, and taking the extra step to retell this story through a queer lens feels right."

Burnett was too young to remember their first viewing of Burton’s film, but the image of Depp’s portrayal, with its blend of terror and sadness, has always lingered. "I think I always felt understood watching those movies," they reflect. Burton’s works, often celebrating societal "outsiders," deeply influenced them.

Despite recent controversies surrounding Depp, Burnett believes in honoring what people initially loved about the story while creating a space for a new interpretation. "If there’s any place to rekindle a love for the film, it’s at our big, queer, musical fantasia."

The theatre has always been a refuge for Burnett. "I was the theatre kid," they say, recalling a childhood filled with self-directed performances. Their passion for musical theatre continued through their education at Emerson College and beyond.

From Boston to Los Angeles, Burnett has relished a variety of roles, including emceeing for Magic Mike Live and collaborating on projects with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. Recently, they portrayed Gilda Radner in a play about her relationship with Gene Wilder.

Returning to Scissorhandz now, at a time of political tension in their home country, feels timely. "It’s a great time to not be in America," they quip. Despite challenges, Burnett remains hopeful that queer people will continue finding joy and resonance in the arts.

Scissorhandz might not solve global crises, but it offers a much-needed escape and a celebration of queerness. For those moments of joy, we are grateful.

Performances run from January 23 to March 29 at London’s Southwark Playhouse. Tickets are available now.