Side Show
by Henry Krieger, Bill Russell

Name: Side Show
Brand: Henry Krieger
SKU: 9780573651410
Rating: 3.64 (37 reviews)

Highlights

Medium Cast

Female

Male

120 mins1930sReduced Casting (Doubling Possible)Unit Set/Multiple SettingsElaborate/High-Volume CostumesAmerican

Awards & Recognition

Drama Desk AwardOuter Critics CircleTony Award

Nominee! 1998 Tony Awards, Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score Nominee! 2015 Drama Desk Award, Best Revival of a Musical Nominee! 2015 Outer Critics Circle Award, Best Revival of a Musical

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the detailed libretto of the musical, finding it an interesting companion to the live production. Many highlight the differences between the original and revival versions, making it a valuable resource for fans. The emotional depth of the musical based on the Hilton twins resonates with audiences, sparking nostalgia for those familiar with the original production.

Interesting companion to live productionsGreat for musical theater aficionadosCaptures original and revival differencesLacks audio and visual elements

Synopsis

Musical Characters: 13 male, 9 female

Various sets.

Based on the true story of Siamese twins Violet and Daisy Hilton who became stars during the Depression, Side Show is a moving portrait of two women joined at the hip whose extraordinary bondage brings them fame but denies them love.

Told almost entirely in song, the show follows their progression from England to America, around the vaudeville circuit and to Hollywood on the eve of their appearance in the 1932 movie

Press Reviews

"A bright and moving musical.... From the first, almost Brechtian scene the show completely holds interest.... A rousing blast off for the Broadway season."
— New York Post

"Condon's fabulous ‘revisal’ maximizes the material's strengths and minimizes its weaknesses, serving up mesmerizing entertainment veined throughout with haunting poignancy."
— The Hollywood Reporter

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Daisy Hilton	—	—	—
The Boss	—	—	—
Buddy Foster	—	—	—
Terry Connor	—	—	—
Jake	—	—	—
Auntie/Loretta	—	—	—
Martin Arnold	—	—	—
Fortune Teller	—	—	—
Reptile Man	—	—	—
Bearded Lady	—	—	—
Snake Lady	—	—	—
Fakir	—	—	—
6th Exhibit	—	—	—
Sheik	—	—	—
Geek	—	—	—
The Hottentot Matron	—	—	—
Harem Girls (3)	—	—	—
Reporters	—	—	—
Vaudevillians	—	—	—
The Follies Company	—	—	—
Party Guests	—	—	—
Radio Show Singers	—	—	—
Violet Hilton	—	—	—