- Side Show is a musical inspired by the real-life story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton who were stage performers in the 1930s.
- The musical Side Show first opened on Broadway on October 16, 1997, directed and choreographed by Robert Longbottom.
- Despite positive reviews, the original Broadway production of Side Show closed after only 91 performances, following 31 previews.
- Side Show was nominated for four Tony Awards in 1998, emphasizing its critical recognition despite its short run.
- A revised version of Side Show was presented at the La Jolla Playhouse in late 2013, directed by Bill Condon with a darker approach and new songs.
- The cast of the original Broadway production of Side Show included Emily Skinner as Daisy Hilton and Alice Ripley as Violet Hilton.
- A Broadway revival of Side Show opened in November 2014 but closed after just 56 performances, highlighting its continued struggle to find a broad audience.
- Side Show's narrative delves into the personal aspirations and romantic lives of the Hilton sisters, with themes of acceptance and personal identity.
- Regional productions of Side Show have been well-received, with TheatreWorks' 1998 production in San Francisco winning various awards.
- The musical's Act II song 'I Will Never Leave You' is a powerful anthem representing the unbreakable bond between the Hilton sisters.
- Several songs from the original show were cut in the reworked version, including 'You Deserve a Better Life' and 'Beautiful Day for a Wedding'.
- The 2014 Broadway revival featured choreography by Anthony Van Laast and scenic design by David Rockwell.
- Despite rave reviews, the 2014 Broadway revival closed after just seven weeks due to low audience turn-out.
- The UK premiere of the musical was in 2016 at the Southwark Playhouse in London, featuring Louise Dearman and Laura Pitt-Pulford as the twins.
- A concert production of the musical was held in March 2024 at The London Palladium, maintaining the original score with new narration.
- The University of Southern California's School of Dramatic Arts staged an immersive collegiate production in 2016, notably featuring real twins in the lead roles.
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