A heart-warming story of two sisters searching for love and fame, One Eyed Man Productions in association with Hayes Theatre Co presents the Australian premiere of Side Show for a limited season from 23 September 2016.
With book and lyrics by Bill Russell (Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens) and music by Henry Krieger (Dreamgirls), Side Show is based on the lives of Daisy and Violet Hilton – conjoined twins who became famous stage performers in the 1930s.
In the footsteps of Frozen and Wicked, the show explores a very special connection between these two sisters, their desire for acceptance, their search for true love and their desperate yearning for freedom. Being (literally) joined at the hip, Daisy and Violet’s devotion to each other knew no bounds.
In real life, the spectacularly talented and charming Twins rose to fame from the grim world of the circus freak show and an abusive upbringing, becoming the highest-paid stars of vaudeville in the 1930s. They went on to appear in the controversial 1932 film, Freaks – that was banned for 30 years.
Freaks has since gone on to become a cult classic being referenced many times in contemporary pop culture, including South Park, The Wolf of Wall Street, Orange is the New Black and most recently American Horror Story: Freak Show.
Featuring two extraordinary roles, Side Show made history when its original Broadway stars Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner were jointly nominated for the 1998 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, alongside nominations for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score.
Playing the coveted roles of Daisy and Violet Hilton are Laura Bunting (Wicked, Rent) and Helpmann Award winner Kerrie Anne Greenland (Les Misérables). “Kerrie and Laura had never met before they auditioned together, but their instant connection was thrilling to watch,” said director Richard Carroll.
“When we heard their powerful voices together singing Who Will Love Me As I Am?, we knew instantly that they were a perfect match. Their instincts, openness, and lack of inhibition with each other was totally disarming and endearing – just as Daisy and Violet should be.”
“They’re both well-known to musical theatre audiences for their stunning vocal prowess, and Side Show gives them the opportunity to showcase that again, while also giving them the most challenging acting roles of their careers. And to be able to surround them with 10 other excellent actors of such range and variety makes Side Show unlike any other show we have seen at the Hayes.”
“A fascinating mix of old-fashioned Broadway and a sharp, contemporary sensibility.” – The New York Times
Director: Richard Carroll Featuring: Daniel Belle, Gabriel Brown, Laura Bunting, Kerrie Anne Greenland, Michael Hart, Bree Langridge, Lachlan Martin, Joshua Mulheran, Elenoa Rokobaro, Berynn Schwerdt, Timothy Springs, Hannah Waterman Musical Supervisor: Steven Kreamer Musical Director: Conrad Hamill Choreographer: Amy Campbell Set Designer: Lauren Peters Costume Designer: Angela White Lighting Designer: Hugh Hamilton Sound Designer: Jeremy Silver Production Manager: Laura Daniel Stage Manager: Gints Karklin
Side Show
Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point
Season: 23 September – 16 October 2016
Information and Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au
Image: Laura Bunting & Kerrie Anne Greenland star in Side Show – photo by John McRae