Side Show announces Broadway Closure 4 Jan 2015

It has been officially announced that the re-imagined version of Side Show will play its final Broadway performance at the St James Theatre on 4 January 2015, the same day the original production closed in 2008.

The musical, which features music by Henry Krieger, book and lyrics by Bill Russell, as well as additional book material by Bill Condon, originally opened on 17 November 2014, following previews from 28 October 2014.

This new production was originally seen at the La Jolla Playhouse and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. It opened on Broadway to strong reviews, with critics praising the changes to the material as well as the lead performances by Erin Davie and Emily Pagett as Daily and Violet Hilton.

Producers have also announced that discussions are currently underway for Side Show to make its London debut, although not time scale or potential venues were announced.

The production was originally booking to 26 April 2015. Patrons with tickets after the 4 January 2015 are being told to contact their point of sale.

Bill Condon's new production reimagines the world of Side Show against the backdrop of 1920's and '30's show business. The musical blends the worlds of freak shows, carnival and Hollywood glamour to tell the remarkable true story of the Hilton twins, conjoined twins Daisy and Violet who become the highest paid performers of their day. The musical focuses on their attempts to find love and acceptance.

The creative team behind Side Show features direction by Bill Condon, musical direction by Sam Davis, lighting design by Peggy Eisenhauer, set design by David Rockwell, sound design by Peter Hylenski, costume design by Paul Tazewell and choreography by Anthony Van Laast.

The original Broadway production ran at the Richard Rodgers Theatre from 16 Oct 1997 to 04 Jan 1998, only managing to run for 91 performances.

- by Dom O'Hanlon