Side Show to Open on Broadway at the St James Theatre
After weeks of speculation, it has now been confirmed that the Kennedy Center's production of Side Show will transfer to Broadway, opening at the St James Theatre on 17 November 2014, following previews from 28 October 2014.
Academy Award and Golden Globe winning director Bill Condon will make his Broadway debut with the production, that features music by Henry Krieger, book and lyrics by Bill Russell as well as additional book material by Bill Condon. The production enjoyed critical acclaim at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C, with critics praising the changes to the show since the original 1997 Broadway flop production.
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.
Erin Davie and Emily Padgett will reprise their roles as Daisy and Violet, with further casting and creative team to be announced.
The revival will be produced by Darren Bagert ('Buyer and Celler', 'Of Mice and Men'), Martin Massman, Jayne Baron Sherman, Joan Raffe & Jhett Tolentino, Kevin Niu, ShadowCatcher Entertainment, Catherine & Fred Adler, Jim Kierstead, Seaview Productions, Matthew Masten, and Jujamcyn Theaters in association with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and La Jolla Playhouse.
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. It starred Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner as the Hilton sisters, alongside Norm Lewis and Hugh Panaro. The musical features songs such as "Who Will Love Me As I Am?", "I Will Never Leave You" and "You Should Be Loved" which have all become a firm part of the musical theatre repertoire.
Further details concerning the revival, including full cast, creative team and performance schedule will be announced at a later date.
The Kennedy Center's production of Side ShowOriginally published on