Review: Porchlight Music Theatre's Intimate, Entertaining SIDE SHOW Brings Sideline Attractions Center Stage

The opening number of the newly revised SIDE SHOW invites audiences to "Come Look at the Freaks." In doing so, however, the musical really prepares spectators to look upon the circus attractions in the show with empathy rather than alienation and astonishment. With this intimate production from Porchlight Music Theatre led by Artistic Director Michael Weber, the Chicago premiere of the 2014 revision of SIDE SHOW (seen on Broadway last season) brings the humanity of the show's characters to the forefront. While I enjoyed the Broadway revival of SIDE SHOW at the nearly 2,000 seat St. James Theatre, I also felt that it put me at a distance from the action onstage. The show had a pervading eeriness to it. But with Porchlight's production, audiences are able to come close to the conjoined Hilton sisters - the result is highly entertaining, with a strong dash of pathos and emotional resonance.

SIDE SHOW takes inspiration from the real-life story of conjoined twins Daisy (Colleen Fee) and Violet (Britt-Marie Sivertsen) Hilton, who became circus, vaudeville, and film stars. SIDE SHOW chronicles the twins' rise to fame, while also depicting the hardships of their childhoods and the abuse they suffered under their guardian - whom they referred to as "Sir" (Matthias Austin). Along the way, SIDE SHOW introduces audiences to many other marginalized attractions: a Dog Boy (Colin Funk), a Geek (Ben Kaye), a Bearded Lady (Amanda Hartley), a cossack (Ben Saylor), a Half Man/Half Woman (Deanna Myers), a Tattoo Girl (Courtney Mack), a Fortune Teller (Veronica Garza), a Three-Legged Man (John Marshall Jr.), an armless Venus di Milo (Kristen Noonan), and a Lizard Man (Jeremy Sonkin). The show also introduces one fictional character: the twins' handler and close confidante, Jake (Evan Tyrone Martin), who is marginalized for the color of his skin. And while these characters are all treated with utmost empathy both by the show's writers Bill Russell (book and lyrics) and Henry Krieger (score), this truly becomes the Hilton sisters' story.

Fortunately, SIDE SHOW is in extremely capable hands with Fee and Sivertsen. Both actors work together seamlessly, while also bestowing distinct personalities on each of their characters. Vocally, both performers are truly stunning - especially on SIDE SHOW'S two show-stopping ballads, "Who Will Love Me As I Am" and the famous "I Will Never Leave You" (which, I may add, is so catchy a tune that it will stay with you long after the musical ends). Fee brings a fiery, determined energy to Daisy, who dreams of becoming famous, while Sivertsen lends a more calming, tentative presence to Violet, who just longs to be "Like Everyone Else" - as the twins sing in an early number. As a team, these actors have a compelling stage presence - they draw audiences in and are able to make us laugh and also feel the unbearable loneliness of their characters. With choreography by Andrew Waters, they also dance quite well together - especially in the upbeat, diegetic number "Ready To Play," an addictive song new to the 2014 version of the show.

And while the Hilton sisters are certainly the center attraction in SIDE SHOW, they are supported by many other wonderful players. As Terry Connor and Buddy Foster, the two men who help the Hilton twins rise to fame, Matthew Keffer and Devin DeSantis provide dynamic performances - and both men sing like a charm, as well. Keffer, in particular, nails the Act Two number "Private Conversation," in which he dreams of having a moment with Daisy - and Daisy alone. In the song, Keffer warms audiences to him by conveying his strong emotions for Daisy - while also adding a more sinister sense as he makes clear that he does not want to accept her for exactly who she is. As Jake, Martin displays a genuineness fondness for the Hilton twins - especially in his number "You Should Be Loved." The rest of the ensemble also succeeds in bringing the entertaining nature of SIDE SHOW to life. In particular, Courtney Mack sings beautifully as the Tattoo Girl.

While Porchlight's production is small, the production values for SIDE SHOW are incredibly effective and impressive. The entire show takes place on Megan Truscott's slightly decrepit circus set, which also uses digital projections featuring footage from the real Hilton sisters' career - it is a smart choice and adds to the carnival-like atmosphere of the show. Bill Morey's costumes for the Hilton twins are literally dazzling - sequins abound, which adds a glitzy, showbiz feel. Some of the costumes for the other side show attractions are less appealing, however, and could have used a bit more magic to them. Music direction by Aaron Benham and orchestrations by Harold Wheeler never feel sparse and fit nicely with the production.

Under the direction of Michael Weber, SIDE SHOW will easily sweep audiences up into the captivating story of the Hilton sisters, and with Fee and Sivertsen at the helm, this musical is always entertaining. This SIDE SHOW is indeed "Ready to Play" and certainly highlights the strengths of the musical's new edition.

Porchlight Music Theatre's SIDE SHOW plays at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont Ave., through October 25. Performances are Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets are $39-$45. PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or 773-327-5252.

Photo Credit: Anthony Robert LaPenna

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