Overview
Synopsis
Based on the true story of conjoined twins and famed entertainers Violet and Daisy Hilton, Side Show is a remarkable musical about acceptance, love, and embracing one’s uniqueness. As the starring act of a sideshow, helmed by an abusive ringmaster, Violet and Daisy Hilton are eager to accept an offer of fame, fortune, and potential romance proffered by Terry, a talent scout, and Buddy, a budding musician. As stars on the Orpheum Circuit, it seems that Violet and Daisy have everything they ever wanted. The one thing they lack, however, is the fulfillment of their hearts’ desires. Different as they are, when it comes to matters of the heart, Daisy and Violet have the same burning questions: “Who could proudly stand beside me? Who will love me as I am?” Nearly entirely sung-through, Side Show features soulful music, stunningly beautiful lyrics, and powerhouse show-stoppers, particularly the famous duets “Who Will Love Me as I Am” and “I Will Never Leave You.” A stunning reminder of the importance of accepting and celebrating what makes us unique, Side Show is a true story that will touch audience’s hearts.
Show Information
- Book
- Bill Russell
- Music
- Henry Krieger
- Lyrics
- Bill Russell
- Arrangement
- Hugh Wheeler
- Category
- Musical
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1997
- Genres
- Drama, Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- a sideshow and the vaudeville circuit, 1920s
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- Medium
- Dancing
- Some Dance
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Large Cast
Context
Daisy and Violet Hilton (February 5, 1908 – January 4, 1969), two conjoined twins, were born in England in the early 20th century. For most of their young lives, the sisters were exhibited in song-and-dance tours around the world, managed by aunt and caregiver, Mary Hilton, and then later by her daughter and son-in-law. Despite being family, their managers both physically threatened and financially exploited the twins. In 1931, the girls sued their managers for independence, and received a
to read the context for Side Show and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Plot
Act One
The Boss, a carnival ringmaster, introduces the audience to the exhibits in his sideshow: the Bearded Lady, the Lizard Man, the geek, the Cannibal King, the “seraglio of a Hashemite sheik” and his harem of virgins, and the biggest draw of all, a pair of conjoined twins (“Come Look at the Freaks”). Meanwhile, Buddy Foster, a young musician and usher at the carnival, drags the reluctant Terry Connor, a booking agent on the Orpheum Circuit, to the sideshow. Buddy wants to show Terry
to read the plot for Side Show and to unlock other amazing theatre resources!Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
|
|
|
Ensemble |
Either Gender |
Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Male |
Baritone |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
|
|
Ensemble |
Female |
Mezzo-Soprano |
Songs
Act One
- Come Look At The Freaks – The Boss and Company
- Like Everyone Else – Daisy and Violet
- You Deserve A Better Life – Terry and Buddy
- Crazy, Deaf and Blind – The Boss
- The Devil You Know – Jake and Company
- More Than We Bargained For – Terry and Buddy
- Feelings You've Got To Hide – Daisy and Violet
- When I'm By Your Side – Daisy and Violet
- Say Goodbye To The Freak Show – Company
- Overnight Sensation – Terry and Reporters
- Leave Me Alone – Daisy and Violet
- We Share Everything – Daisy, Violet and Vaudevillian
- The Interview – Daisy, Violet and Reporters
- Who Will Love Me As I Am? – Daisy and Violet
Act Two
- Rare Songbirds On Display – Company
- New Year's Day – Terry, Buddy, Jake, Daisy, Violet and Company
- Private Conversation – Terry and Daisy
- One Plus One Equals Three – Buddy, Daisy, Violet, and the Vale Sisters
- You Should Be Loved – Jake and Violet
- Tunnel Of Love – Terry, Buddy, Daisy, Violet and Company
- Beautiful Day For A Wedding – The Boss and Hawkers
- Marry Me, Terry – Terry and Daisy
- I Will Never Leave You – Daisy and Violet
- Finale – Company
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A type of popular entertainment popular chiefly in the early twentieth century, featuring a mixture of specialty acts, such as burlesque comedy and song and dance.
Videos
Quizzes
Sorry! We do not currently have quizzes for this guide.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
