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SIDE SHOW Send This Review to a Friend
I enjoyed the 1997 original and I enjoyed the current revision. “Side Show” is a provocatively staged musical with a tough subject that comes through entertainingly without seriously compromising the tragic circumstances of its heroines. The work, with book and Lyrics by Bill Russell and music by Henry Krieger and additional book material by Bill Condon, who directs, is based on the lives of Daisy and Violet Hilton. The twins, who went through life joined at the hip, as they were born in 1908, are portrayed this time around by Emily Padgett (Daisy) and Erin Davie (Violet), who are charming and affecting when they are singing and also when they are expressing themselves in the context of what they must go through.
The show captures much of the ways in which they were exploited, notably in a freak show. They were elevated into vaudeville entertainers, but also later appeared in Tod Browning’s 1932 film “Freaks.” The musical poignantly covers their efforts at romance, and has the courage not to end happily, but nevertheless allows the sisters to symbolically separate as they sing the moving “I Will Never Leave You,” each with her own personality.
The lives of the Hilton twins reportedly were much more grueling than depicted in “Side Show,” as revealed in a documentary, “Bound By Flesh.” After their fame and romantic liaisons, their fortunes declined. They ended up working in a grocery store. In 1969 Daisy and Violet were found dead from flu in their home. Daisy died first, and Violet died four days later.
The sisters learned to exploit their opportunities, but there was always the “freak” element defining their lives as they remained known as the “Siamese twins,” now a politically incorrect designation.
But this is a musical, after all, and it would be self-destructive to make the show overly grim. Padgett and Davie elicit such warmth and high spirits contrasted with what they cope with in life that they are a pleasure to welcome as Broadway stars. Both are divine.
A large supporting ensemble makes a strong impression as the freaks on display, thanks not only to the actors but to behind-the-scenes experts, including Dave Elsey and Lou Elsey, special make-up effects design; Chares G. LaPointe, wig and hair design; Cookie Jordan, make-up design; Paul Tazwell, costume design and Paul Kieve, illusion design.
David St. Louis is outstanding as Jake, who plays an African cannibal in the freak show, then assists in the sisters’ upward career moves and secretly harbors love for Violet. He finally bursts out with his feelings with ardent words and singing “You Should Be Loved.” He has a thrilling voice and his impassioned number is a high point.
Ryan Silverman as Terry and Matthew Hydzik as Buddy are effective as the men who free the twins from their early servitude in the freak show and establish their careers on the vaudeville circuit. There is an especially amusing number, “One Plus One Equals Three,” with the twins in bed with Buddy, a satirical treatment referencing all of the interest in how co-joined twins might manage sex.
A serious standout number is “Who Will Love Me As I Am?” a beautiful ballad expressing what Daisy and Violet are feeling.
“Side Show” packs power that reaches our emotions but also meets the challenge of spiritedly entertaining us. Potential audiences need to know that they should not be put off by not wanting to see a show that might be too downbeat. Here is a musical that while serious, is to be highly recommended as a lively Broadway treat, especially for the conjoined star performances. At the St. James Theatre, 246 West 44th Street. Phone: 212-239-6200. Reviewed November 20, 2014.
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