Review: SIDE SHOW at Dare 2 Defy Productions

If you have never seen SIDE SHOW, you need to make sure that you get out to the PNC Arts Annex this weekend to see this show. If you are a lover of musical theatre, this is one not to be missed.

SIDE SHOW, with book and lyrics by Bill Russell and music by Henry Krieger, is based on the true story of conjoined twins, Daisy and Violet Hilton, from their beginnings in a traveling side show and their rise to fame through Vaudeville and ending in film. The theme of the musical is best summed up in the stunning Act I finale song, "Who Will Love Me as I Am", where the sisters question who could ever love them. This touches to the core of all of us and our own insecurities about love, fitting in and being alone. The show is beautifully written and beautifully performed . Director Mackensie King has a lovely gift for knowing when to direct and when to step back and let the voices of her performers shine as they do here. She is a perfect match for this show.

Allie Haines and Abigail Land are exquisite as starring sisters, Daisy and Violet. Their voices are powerful and poignant in not only the amazing "Who Will Love Me as I Am" as mentioned above but also in their final number, "I Will Never Leave You", which is simply stunning. While they are connected at the hip throughout the show, you still see the sisters' individual hopes, dreams and personalities, which makes their story even more compelling.

Jamal Caan, always a consistently strong performer, is truly amazing as Jake. His number "The Devil You Know" rocked the house but an act later, his rendition of "You Should Be Loved" completely broke my heart. He gave an exceptional performance from beginning to end.

Zach King, particularly strong in "Private Conversation", and Garrett Young gave exceptional performances as managers/suitors Terry and Buddy. Skyler McNeely is fascinating as the creepy/sinister Sir, the head of the travelling side show. The ensemble of freaks and others all give solid performances making all a joy to watch in their different roles.

You have three more opportunities to see SIDE SHOW this weekend on Friday at 8 PM and Saturday at 2 PM and 8 PM in the new PNC Arts Annex space, across Second street from the Schuster Center at the corner of Second and Ludlow. Ticket prices range from $22-$33 and are available by phone at 937-228-3630, www.ticketcenterstage.com, or by visiting the VTA box office located in the lobby of the Schuster Center.

Don't forget to vote for the best in last year's theatre in Dayton at /dayton/article/Voting-Now-Open-For-The-2018-BroadwayWorld-Dayton-Awards-20181109. Voting will remain open through December 31, 2018.

Photo provided by Dare 2 Defy Productions

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