Shear-handed fantasy

Fed up with “Nutcracker” sweets? Try an imaginative gothic alternative. Based on the 1990 Tim Burton film, Matthew Bourne’s “Edward Scissorhands” blends romance, fantasy and social satire in a full-evening dance drama about a boy who’s a little too different to fit easily into suburbia. With Sam Archer and Richard Winsor alternating in the demanding title role, the award-winning production comes to the Ahmanson Theatre for a three-week run.

“Edward Scissorhands,” Ahmanson Theatre, L.A. Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. Opens 7 p.m. Wednesday. $30 to $90. (213) 628-2772. www.CenterTheatreGroup.org

* Runs 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays [except 7 p.m. Dec. 13, dark Dec. 14], 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Ends Dec. 31.