Forgotten Musicals: 'Side Show' (1997)

Forgotten Musicals: 'Side Show'   (1997)

Book and lyrics by Bill Russell

Music by Henry Krieger





History:
This musical is inspired by the true story of conjoined twins the Hilton Sisters, featuring a score by ‘Dreamgirls’ composer Henry Krieger and lyrics by Bill Russell (lyricist of Elegies for Angels’ and ‘Punks and Raging Queens’, rather than the Ian Chesterton actor). The original production, directed by Robert Longbottom, opened on Broadway in 1997. That production, despite the fact that it only played for four months, managed to find an incredibly loyal fan base that has only grown year after year, thanks to the enduring popularity of its Original Cast Recording.

Amongst the fans of that production was an up-and-coming writer and director named Bill Condon (who, at the time, was just a few months away from winning an Oscar for his screenplay of "Gods and Monsters"). Years later, when he was working with Henry Krieger on the film adaptation of ‘Dreamgirls’, he revealed his affection for ‘Side Show’, and expressed a desire to direct a production. Taking the opportunity to revisit the show, Russell, Krieger and Condon re-examined every syllable and note, strengthening the story, with an emphasis on fleshing out the male characters. A lot of long-abandoned ideas from those early drafts also re-emerged, in the new 2014 production, which had a "darker approach" and incorporated new songs as well as additional biographical details of the Hilton twins' life and historical figures of the era. The production began previews on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on 28th October 2014, opening officially on 17th November 2014. However, despite very positive reviews, the revival did not catch on with audiences and closed on 4th January 2015 after only seven weeks.


Plot:
The musical concerns conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, who make ends meet playing a headline act at a seedy side show, languishing under the rule of an oppressive ringmaster. But when spotted by a talent agent, they are thrust into the spotlight of the famed 1920’s Orpheum Circuit. They soon become the highest paid vaudeville stars of their time, but whilst Daisy relishes the spotlight, Violet wishes for a quiet life with a man she loves, and who loves her. Can they balance their individual dreams with their inescapable physical connection ?

In a Nutshell:
Can a conjoined twin ever find love where there’s always going to be three in the relationship ?

Production:
The UK premiere of 'Side Show' was at the Southwark Playhouse, London, in October 2016. A venue beginning to build a reputation for musical theatre not that far off that of its near neighbour, Menier Chocolate Factory, that is only a fifteen minute bus ride from the Court where I work  (In fact I was originally intending to feature one of their previous productions in this entry). The twins were played by Louise Dearman (according to the programme, the only actress to ever play both Glinda and Elphaba in ‘Wicked’) and Laura Pitt-Pulford (2016 Olivier Award nominee for ‘Best Actress in a Musical’ for her performance in ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). I caught the show (the amended 2014 version) in the middle of its run on 15th November 2016.

The small auditorium was done up as a travelling freak-show, with the seating plan being so complex, it needed around four ushers to direct patrons to their seats. The show started with a grand opening number in which the supporting cast – including a wolfboy, tattooed lady, human pin-cushion, bearded lady, man/woman, fortune teller, lizard man, three-legged man, and cannibal chief – were introduced in song by the wicked freakshow owner, ‘Sir’, played with a wonderful moustache by Christopher Howell. The twins then made their entrance, their dresses tied together with ribbons to represent their shared ‘fleshy link’. The abuse of the ‘freaks’ soon became clear, but the twins were offered a lifeline by the arrival of a talent agent and his friend. Act One focused on court proceedings to sever the twins from their legal guardian (the other ‘freaks’ playing all the parts), and the beginning of their vaudeville career, as well as the twins falling in love for the first time, albeit seemingly not reciprocated. Act 2 featured the girls as stars and built to a climax that I had not predicted, with the ever-present suggestion of the possibility of an operation to separate the two regularly arising. Casting was perfect with Louise and Laura’s voices complementing one another wonderfully, and I was impressed how they coped with stairs when attached to one another. Christopher Howell was the perfect villain, and Haydn Oakley & Dominic Hodson were excellent as the twins’ ‘saviours’/love interests. Definitely recommended.

'Side Show' runs at the Southwark Playhouse in London from 21st October 2016 to 3rd December 2016.


Signature Song:
Again quite difficult to pick one, but I am going for "One Plus One Equals Three " (closely followed by "Stuck with You" and "Come Look At The Freaks")

Links: 
Production website.
Some of the songs can be found here.

Louise Dearman – Official Website