Bill Russell’s musical Side Show focuses on the lives of a pair of Siamese twins who become famous performers. Based loosely on the true lives of Daisy and Violet Hilton, the musical is set during the Great Depression, a bleak period for vaudeville in America.
When the show begins, Daisy and Violet are just freak exhibits in a seedy sideshow until a talent agent and musician discover their potential and launch them to stardom. Perhaps the most crucial thematic element to Side Show is Daisy and Violet’s eventual acceptance of their reality.
From the moment of their birth, the girls have been labeled as “monsters”. They are powerless to their conjoined body, just as they are defenseless to people’s opinions of them. However, the girls find dignity within themselves and their work, and this dignity gives them strength and purpose.
By the end of “Side Show”, Daisy and Violet fully understand who they are and are finally able to see their own beauty. They are proud to be Siamese twins and are ready to continue their intertwined lives with this newfound acceptance.
Side Show is a cult classic for CMT—every seven years, CMT brings it back to the summer stage. This is the third CMT production of Side Show, and it is sure to be just as haunting and touching as ever.
Performances:
- Fri., July 25, 2014 @ 7pm
- Sat., July 26, 2014 @ 2pm & 7pm
- Sun., July 27, 2014 @ 1pm & 6pm
- Thurs., July 31, 2014 @ 7pm
- Fri., August 1, 2014 @ 7pm
- Sat., August 2, 2014 @ 2pm & 7pm
- Sun., August 3, 2014 @ 1pm