The musical "Side Show," based on the extraordinary lives of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, has a compelling production history marked by both critical acclaim and challenges on the Broadway stage. With music by Henry Krieger and book and lyrics by Bill Russell, the show delves into the twins' journey as famous stage performers in the 1930s. Its various iterations highlight the enduring appeal of its unique story and score, even as it navigated
the competitive landscape of musical theater.
Broadway Debuts and Subsequent Revivals
"Side Show" first premiered on Broadway on October 16, 1997. The original production was directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom, featuring Emily Skinner as Daisy and Alice Ripley as Violet. Despite garnering some positive reviews from critics, the show's initial run was relatively short, closing after 91 performances. This outcome, where critical praise doesn't always translate into commercial longevity, is a common narrative in Broadway history.
More than a decade later, the musical was given a second chance on Broadway with a revival that opened in November 2014. This new production aimed to reintroduce the story to a contemporary audience. However, similar to its predecessor, the revival also faced a challenging run, concluding after 56 performances. The journey of "Side Show" on Broadway illustrates the inherent risks and unpredictable nature of theatrical productions, where even a compelling story and strong score can struggle to find a sustained audience.
Regional and Developmental Productions
Before and between its Broadway engagements, "Side Show" saw significant development and regional productions that helped refine the show and expand its reach. In 1998, shortly after its initial Broadway closing, TheatreWorks near San Francisco produced the regional premiere of "Side Show" at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. This production proved to be both a critical and popular success, earning a Garland Award in Los Angeles and various Dean Goodman Critics Choice Awards in San Francisco.
This regional success demonstrated the musical's potential and its ability to resonate with audiences outside of New York. The TheatreWorks production was directed by Robert Kelley and Bick Goss, with Goss also handling choreography. Notably, Kristin Behrendt, who had served as a standby for the role of Violet in the original Broadway cast and had performed the role, took on the part of Daisy in this regional staging. Debra Wiseman, known for her roles in "Bullets Over Broadway" and "The Scarlet Pimpernel," played Violet, while AJ Vincent received a Dean Goodman Critics Choice Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Terry. These regional successes underscore the show's artistic merit and its capacity to thrive in different theatrical environments, even if sustained Broadway success remained elusive.
Thematic and Structural Elements
"Side Show" is notable for its structural approach as a sung-through musical, meaning the narrative is primarily advanced through song with only occasional spoken lines. This style immerses the audience deeply into the emotional landscape and experiences of the characters, particularly Daisy and Violet Hilton. The musical's focus on the lives of conjoined twins provides a unique lens through which to explore themes of identity, acceptance, and the pursuit of dreams in a world that often struggles to understand difference. The narrative follows the twins from their early days in a sideshow to their aspirations for fame and personal fulfillment, highlighting their complex relationship with each other and with the men who enter their lives. This sung-through format, combined with its poignant subject matter, contributes to the musical's distinctive artistic identity.
