Last Night's Times Square SIDE SHOW Screening Wasn't Live

BroadwayWorld has confirmed that SIDE SHOW's live Times Square simulcast of its opening-night Act 1 finale "Who Will Love Me as I Am?" wasn't, in fact, live.

The scene, featuring stars Erin Davie and Emily Padgett as the musical's conjoined twins, had been recorded at a previous performance. Viewers were unaware of the change; no announcement was made last night.

"The production had prepared a backup tape of a previously recorded live performance, and a last-minute call was made to roll the tape," a SIDE SHOW spokesman said in a statement.

The spokesman said that because the show started 23 minutes late, a live broadcast would have gone against the city's permits for the event.

SIDE SHOW would have made history with its "never before used audio technology" and live screening. Time will tell which show will now become the first live performance in history aired in Times Square. (Click HERE for photos of the not-so-live event!)

Directed by Academy Award-winner Bill Condon, Side Show includes new music by multiple Grammy Award winner and Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Tony Award nominee Henry Krieger (Dreamgirls), with book and lyrics by Tony Award nominee Bill Russell and additional book material by Bill Condon, and choreography by Tony and Olivier Award nominee Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia!).

Side Show is inspired by the remarkable true story of the Hilton twins, Daisy and Violet, who were legends in their time and the highest paid performers on the vaudeville circuit. Side Show is their heartwarming search for first love and acceptance amidst the spectacle of fame and scrutiny under the spotlight.

Photo Credit: Timmy Blupe