Welcome to the Side Show

Theater II explores the trials and tribulations of Siamese twins in a Vaudeville show

By Laura Becker, contributing writer
Posted on October 11, 2007

Fake chicken blood is spewed across the stage as a bearded lady dances in the corner and a life-size doll drapes her body in sync to the music. This is no average performance — this is a freak show.

The cast and crew of “Side Show” give audience members a colorful glimpse into the lives of extraordinary human beings who are put on public display for entertainment.

Originally a Broadway musical, “Side Show” focuses on the lives of Siamese twins Daisy and Violet Hilton (played by sophomore Elizabeth Chidester and senior Corrine Grosser) who simply want to be “like everyone else.”

Two young men hope to get rich off of the beautiful pair approach the twins and invite them to perform in vaudeville. Terry Connor (played by senior Nathan Shropshire) is a suave playboy who connects with Daisy while his friend Buddy Foster (played by senior Daniel Bernier) charms Violet with his goofy, charismatic character. The love connections, though fun at first, become complicated because the girls are literally joined at the hip.

Junior Sarah Miles directed the show. “Side Show” is Miles’s first solo-directing experience, though she was the assistant director of last year’s main stage performance of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”

“I feel like I birthed this show,” Miles said. “It’s a large cast—I was so demanding of them. In the end our hard work paid off. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Bernier said his biggest challenge was changing from a lovable character to a coldhearted one. His character gets a lot of laughs and Bernier was pleased to see a packed house on Tuesday night.

“I think a lot of people would like to see the show, and I think everyone should,” Bernier said.

Bernier’s humorous facial expressions certainly added to the show, but each character shined in his or her role.

Junior Travis Hockswender plays the slimy boss of the side show that Daisy and Violet perform in before they make it big. In the first song, titled “Come Look at the Freaks,” Hockswender shows off his workers while flashing the audience a creepy grin.

“I’m obsessed [with the play],” said sophomore Erica Kuelz. “I think it’s fantastic. It definitely exceeded my expectations.”

Captivating choreography and catchy tunes like “Overnight Sensation” and “One Plus One Equals Three” add to the appeal of “Side Show.” Even the scripted parts were written to rhyme, making the entire show seem like a twisted Dr. Seuss story.

The “freaks” at the beginning of the show also play dancers, reporters and New York elitists. Junior Rob Anderson had ten parts, but his favorite was playing a ticket seller.

“It’s the character with the most expression and energy,” Anderson said. 

Anderson, who had never performed before in JMU’s musical theater, appreciated Miles’ dedication to perfecting the show during rehearsals.

“Side Show” runs at 8 p.m. through Oct. 13, with a 2 p.m. performance Oct. 14.