July 19 – Aug. 4, 2013

(July 19, 20, 26, 27; Aug. 1, 2, 3 & 4, 2013)

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Book and lyrics by Bill Russell
Music by Henry Krieger
Vocal and dance arrangements by David Chase
Orchestrations by Harold Wheeler

Based on the true story of Siamese twins Violet and Daisy Hilton, who became stars during the 1930s Depression, Side Show is a moving portrait of two women joined at the hip whose extraordinary bondage brings them fame but denies them love. Told almost entirely in song, the show follows their progression from England to America, around the vaudeville circuit and to Hollywood on the eve of their appearance in the 1932 movie Freaks. “Daring, enthralling…with passion, empathy and directness that is reflected in the tidal pull of the music and the winning simplicity of the lyrics…, Side Show grafts the Hilton sisters into the hearts of their audience." – The New York Times
"Come look at the freaks! Come gape at the geeks! Come examine these aberrations, their malformations, grotesque physiques. Only pennies for peeks, come look at the freaks."
"Come see God's mistakes; the freaks God forsakes. Take a look at the monster babies, dog men with rabies, a bride of snakes. We don't harbor fakes. Come see God's mistakes!" -- Lyrics from the opening song, "Come Look at the Freaks"

A multi-ethnic, multi-racial cast of 30 to 40 young people, ages 16-21. Actors of all ages, genders, sizes, and races are needed. The entire cast/ensemble will sing.

LEAD ROLES —

• Daisy Hilton: Female (alto/mezzo with belt; big range, up to a sustained high G). The dominant and more outspoken of the twins, her dream is to become a famous actress/performer/celebrity.

• Violet Hilton: Female (mezzo/soprano with belt; big range, up to a sustained high B). The shy and more composed of the twins, her dream is to became a famous actress/performer/celebrity.

• Terry Conner: Male (baritone with strong upper range; low G to a sustained high F#, and running high G). A talent scout/agent for the vaudeville circuit. Handsome, smooth/suave, leading man type. Daisy’s love interest. Actor will ballroom dance.

• Buddy Foster: Male (tenor; big range, up to a sustained high A). Usher turned entertainer. Bright and energetic, but a bit naive. A song and dance man. Violet’s love interest.

• Jake: Male, African-American (tenor/baritone with strong top range). Sideshow foreman. Very strong physical presence even when silent. Secretly in love with Violet. Strong singer who can move well. Athletic build. Jake is also the Cannibal King, and will likely appear bare-chested in his King costume.

Featured/ENSEMBLE ROLES —

The entire ensemble will double in a number of smaller parts with featured lines, as well as singing throughout the show. The roles listed below are their featured roles in the “Side Show,” but they will also play reporters, vaudevillians, spectators, Follies performers, party guests, and carny hawkers. Actors with special skills, especially jumps and acrobatics, are a plus.

• The Boss: Male. Formidable presence;  sleazy, mean owner/MC of the Side Show.  Strong tenor voice.

• Fortune Teller: Female. Size, race and age open. Exotic look. Strong belter/gospel voice.

• Reptile Man: Male. Half man/half reptile. Tall, lean. Race and age open. Form fitting costume.

• Snake Lady: Female. Snake charmer. Athletic/dancer’s body. Race and age open. Revealing costume.

• 6th Exhibit: Female. Religious martyr. Size, race and age open.

• Dolly Dimples: Female. Listed as the classic “Fat Lady” with baby-doll attire. Size, race and age open.

• Sheik: Male (Middle Eastern character). Athletic build. Size, race and age open. Must be comfortable appearing partially clothed.

• Harem Girls: (2-4) Females. Fit/trim figures. Race and age open. Must be comfortable appearing partially clothed.

• Bearded Lady: Male. Size, race and age open. Must be comfortable appearing in women’s clothes. Beard a plus, but not required.

• Fakir: Male (Far East/Indian character). Athletic build. Size, race and age open.

• The Geek: Male. “Refined but deadly.” Size, race and age open. Must be comfortable with blood/gore.

• Roustabouts: (4) Males. Ideally, meant to athletic, well-built “carnies,” they are part of the Side Show ensemble who play a multitude of roles, but they also move the set throughout the show in character, and they appear as dancers in production numbers. Athletic actors who move well and actors who are not singers may be considered for the four male Roustabout roles.