Side Show (1997 Broadway Version)

A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

Side Show (1997 Broadway Version)

Full-Length Musical, Drama  /  9w, 13m

Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell
Music by Henry Krieger

Based on the life story of the legendary Hilton twins, Daisy and Violet, Side Show follows the sisters' heartwarming search for love and acceptance amidst the spectacle of fame.

Image: 2014 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    9w, 13m
  • Duration
    Duration
    More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Biography
  • Suggested Use
    • Competition or Audition Material
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Pre-Teen (Age 11-13), Teen (Age 14-18)
Accolades
Accolades
  • 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

Details

Summary
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 Freaks.
History
Side Show was first presented on Broadway by Emanuel Azenberg, Joseph Nederlander, Herschel Waxman, Janice McKenna and Scott Nederlander at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York City on October 16, 1997. It was directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom. A revised version of the musical ran at the La Jolla Playhouse in La Jolla, California, in late 2013. Bill Condon directed with choreography by Anthony Van Laast. The production next played at the Kennedy Center in June and July 2014 then  began previews on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on October 28, 2014. Side Show Revival opened officially on November 17, with the same cast.
VIOLET HILTON Female, Caucasian, able to play 20-35 (Mezzo/Soprano with belt; Big range, up to a sustained high B). The shy and more composed of the twins, her dream is to marry and raise a family at home.
DAISY HILTON  Female, Caucasian, able to play 20-35 (Alto/Mezzo with belt; Big range, up to a sustained high G). The dominant and more outspoken of the twins, her dream is to became a famous actress/performer/celebrity.
THE BOSS Legal guardian of Daisy and Violet, whom he adopted shortly after they were born purely as a business investment. Owner of the SIDESHOW. Working class, British. Brutal, clever, wry.
BUDDY FOSTER Male, 20-35 (Tenor; big range, up to a sustained high A). An aspiring musician and choreographer – "A song and dance man." Bright and energetic, but a bit naïve. Usher turned entertainer. Violet's love interest.
TERRY CONNOR Male, 30's- early 40's (Baritone with strong upper range; Low G to a sustained high F#, and running high G). A talent scout and press agent for the Vaudeville circuit. Dapper, handsome, clever, smooth/suave, leading man. Well connected, in love with Daisy but without enough courage to accept the unique world in which she lives. 
JAKE Male, African-American, 30's-40s (Tenor/Baritone with strong top range). Sideshow Foreman. Physically imposing, should be tall, almost hulking in appearance. . In the Side Show plays "The Cannibal King." In love with Violet and plays the role of protector to both the girls. 
AUNTIE/LORETTA The woman who saved twins from abandonment but began to display them as curiosities for money. She first professionally then personally partnered with Sir to monetize the twins. Loretta is a gossip columnist in Hollywood 
MARTIN ARNOLD Quintessential Texas lawyer. Smooth. Able to make any deal as long as he has access to the right liquor to with which to ply the powers that be. 
FORTUNE TELLER Female, open to any size, race, and age. A member of the Side Show. Must have an exotic look. Must have a strong belter/gospel voice. DOLLY DIMPLES Female. Billed "The World's Most Beautiful Fat Lady" A member of the Side Show.
REPTILE MAN Male. Considered half man/half reptile. Tall and lean. A member of the Side Show. 
BEARDED LADY Female. A member of the Side Show. 
SNAKE LADY Female, snake charmer. Race and age open. A member of the Side Show. 
FAKIR Far East/Indian character). Athletic build. A member of the Side Show.
6TH EXHIBIT Female. Religious Martyr. 
SHEIK Male (Middle-Eastern character). A member of the Side Show.
GEEK Male. "Refined but deadly." A member of the Side Show. 
THE HOTTENTOT MATRON Female. 40's -50's. A member of the Side Show. 
RAY Male. 20's -30's. A song and dance man. Works with Buddy, Daisy and Violet in their Vaudeville act.

ENSEMBLE TRACKS:
ROUSTABOUTS (4)

HAREM GIRLS (3)
REPORTERS
VAUDEVILLIANS
THE FOLLIES COMPANY
PARTY GUESTS
RADIO SHOW SINGERS
HAWKERS

It is the authors' intent and a matter of practicality that the connection between Daisy and Violet Hilton be created by two actors standing and moving side by side and the help of the audience's imagination. A literal connection created by corsets, velcro or any other costume piece is limiting in all sorts of ways. The achievement of appearing to be joined can be thrilling - especially when they dance!

It is the authors' intent and a matter of practicality that the connection between Daisy and Violet Hilton be created by two actors standing and moving side by side and the help of the audience's imagination. A literal connection created by corsets, velcro or any other costume piece is limiting in all sorts of ways. The achievement of appearing to be joined can be thrilling - especially when they dance!

  • Time Period 1930s
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Additional Features Not Applicable
  • Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • Alcohol
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

"Daring, enthralling ... [with] passion, empathy and directness [that is] reflected in the tidal pull of the music and the winning simplicity of the lyrics.... Grafts the Hilton sisters into the hearts of their audience." - The New York Times

"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

RELATED ARTICLES ON BREAKING CHARACTER

SIDE SHOW Live: Q&A With Broadway Records Producer, Van Dean
by Ashley Moniz
March 17, 2015

SIDE SHOW Lyricist Bill Russell on Revivals, Opening Nights and The Best Thai Food in Times Square
by Coutney Kochuba
November 10, 2014

SIDE SHOW Says Goodbye, But At What Cost For Broadway?
by Ben Coleman
January 8, 2015

Videos

  • I Will Never Leave You - 1998 Tony Awards youtube thumbnail

    I Will Never Leave You - 1998 Tony Awards

Photos

  • Side Show (1997 Broadway Version)

    Image: 2014 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

  • Side Show (1997 Broadway Version)

    Image: 2014 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

  • Side Show (1997 Broadway Version)

    Image: 2014 Broadway Production (Joan Marcus)

Music

Music Samples

ACT 1

1. Come Look at the Freaks - The Boss, Daisy, Violet, Buddy, Terry, Ensemble
1a. Inside the Tent - Daisy, Violet, The Boss, Ensemble
2. On the Midway - Buddy, Terry, The Boss
3. Attention, Ladies & Gentlemen - Geek, Jake, Fat Lady, Attractions
3a. We've Got a Customer - The Boss, Jake
3b. Behind the Bleachers - Jake, Terry, Daisy, Violet
4. I Want to be Like Everyone else - Terry, Violet, Daisy, Jake
5. You Deserve a Better Life - Buddy, Terry
5a. Your Girls Could Play Vaudeville - Terry, Daisy, The Boss
5b. So Lovely to Meet You Ladies - Terry, Daisy, Violet, Jake, Buddy, Bearded Lady, 6th Exhibit, Reptile Man, Shiek, Roustabout, Geek, Fakir, Harem Girl
6. The Devil You Know - Jake, Roustabout, Bearded Lady, Shiek, Snake Girl, Harem Girl, 6th Exhibit, Fortune Teller, Ensemble
7. More Than We Bargained For - Terry, Buddy
8. Sideshow's About to Explode - Jake, Fortune Teller, Terry, Buddy, Daisy, Violet
8a. Feelings You Have Got to Hide - Daisy, Violet
9. Ladies and Gentlemen, Glad You Came - Buddy
9a. When I'm By Your Side - Daisy, Violet
9b. They Came to Hear Us Sing - Daisy, Violet, Roustabouts, The Boss, Sheik, Terry, Buddy, Ensemble
10. Say Goodbye to the Freakshow - Terry, Daisy, Violet, Geek, Harem Girl, Bearded Lady, 6th Exhibit, Fat Lady, Fortune Teller, Jake, Attractions
11. The Press Conference - Terry, Reporters, Buddy, Violet, Daisy
12. Leave Me Alone - Daisy, Violet, Terry
13. We Share Everything - Part 1 - Archaeologists
13a. We Share Everything - Part 2 - Daisy, Violet, Pharoahs
13b. We Share Everything - Playoff - Pharoahs, Daisy, Violet
13c. Bows/Scene Change - Orchestra
14. I Knew They Were Meant to Sing - Buddy, Jake, Terry, Violet, Daisy, Reporters
14a. The Interview - Reporters, Daisy, Violet, Terry, Buddy
14b. Buddy Kissed Me - Violet, Daisy
15. Who Will Love Me As I Am - Violet, Daisy


ACT 1

16. Rare Songbirds on Display - Daisy, Violet, Birds, Birdmasters
16a. Good Show, You Two - Buddy, Violet, Daisy, Jake
17. Does Violet Seem Unhappy to You? - Buddy, Jake, Terry
18. New Year's Eve - Buddy, Jake, Terry, Daisy, Violet, Fakir, Snake Lady, 6th Exhibit, Reptile Man, Sheik, Geek, Bearded Lady
18a. Tango and Proposal - Buddy, Violet
18b. New Year's Day - Buddy, Violet, Terry, Daisy, Ensemble
18c. Auld Lang Syne - Ensemble
19. Private Conversation - Terry, Daisy
20. One Plus One... - Part 1 - Buddy
20a. One Plus One... - Part 2 - Daisy, Violet, Buddy, Vale Sisters
20b. One Plus One... - Part 3 - Daisy, Violet, Buddy, Vale Sisters
21. Buddy, You're a Wonderful Performer - Violet, Buddy
21a. I Need to Talk to You - Buddy, Terry
22. You Should be Loved - Jake, Violet
22a. Cannibal King Reprise - Jake
22b. On Location - Orchestra
23. Calliope on the Midway - Orchestra
24. Tunnel of Love - Terry, Buddy, Violet, Daisy, Roustabouts, Ensemble
24a. Scene Change (After "Tunnel") - Orchestra
25. Celebrate Love - The Boss, Roustabouts, Ensemble
26. Violet, I Always Knew... - Jake, Violet, Daisy, Terry, Buddy
26a. Buddy's Confession - Jake, Daisy, Buddy, Violet
28. Marry Me, Terry - Daisy, Terry, Browning
29. I Will Never Leave You - Daisy, Violet
29a. Wedding Processional - Orchestra
30. Daisy, Can You Hear What I'm Thinking?/Finale - Violet, Daisy, Ensemble
Piano-Conductor (1&2)

Reed 1 (Piccolo, Flute, Clarinet, Soprano Sax, Alto Sax)
Reed 2 (Piccolo, Flute, Clarinet, Penny Whistle/Recorder, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax)
Reed 3 (Flute, Oboe, English Horn, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax)
Reed 4 (Flute, Bassoon, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bari Sax)
Horn
Trumpet 1 (dbl. Flugel)
Trumpet 2 (dbl. Flugel)
Trumpet 3 (dbl. Flugel)
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Guitar (Electric, Acoustic)
Bass (Electric, Acoustic)
Synthesizer
Percussion (Mark Tree, Vibes, Gong, Tambourine, Cabasa, Shaker, Timpani, Sus. Cymbal, Triangles (2), Finger Cymbal, Djembe, Bongos, Bell Tree, Crash Cymbals, Wood Blocks (2), Vibraslap, Rainstick, Rattlesnake, Whip, Gran Cassa, Chimes, Bells, Congas, Sleigh Bells, Cowbell, Sandblocks, Anvil, Ratchet, Castanets, Slapstick, Siren, Crotales, African Drums)
Drums (Drum Set, Triangle, Wood Blocks, Bongo, Various samples on KAT (Old Hats, Anvil, "Doosh"), Crash Plates x-er, Gong, Mark Tree,
  • Musical Style Classic Broadway, Pop/Rock
  • Vocal DemandsDifficult
  • Orchestra Size Large
  • Chorus Size Medium

Licensing & Materials

  • Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.

Music Rentals

Concord offers a full suite of resources to help you put on the show of a lifetime!
1 Piano-Conductor (1&2)
30 Vocal Books
30 Librettos

1 Reed 1
1 Reed 2
1 Reed 3
1 Reed 4
1 Horn
1 Trumpet 1
1 Trumpet 2
1 Trumpet 3
1 Trombone 1
1 Trombone 2
1 Guitar
1 Bass
1 Synthesizer
1 Percussion
1 Drums
1 Piano-Conductor (1&2)
30 Vocal Books
30 Librettos

Add-Ons

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Authors

Henry Krieger

Henry Krieger began composing for Off-Off-Broadway in his twenties. Soon, collaborations with Tom Eyen and Broadway director/producer/choreographer Michael Bennett led to a workshop production of what was originally entitled Big Dreams. After several workshops, numerous rewri ...

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Bill Russell

Bill Russell received Tony Award nominations for the book and lyrics of the original Broadway production of Side Show (1997). The critically praised revised version played the La Jolla Playhouse and the Kennedy Center and received an acclaimed Broadway revival in 2014 and a L ...

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