PHAMALY

synopsis

Based on the true story of Siamese twins Violet and Daisy Hilton who became stars during the 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.

Director Steve Wilson stated, "There is perhaps no other theatrical work better suited to the unique strengths of PHAMALy than "Side Show." This gripping musical explores the timeless themes of acceptance, diversity and the commonalities and complexities of the universal desire for connection. Set in the 1920s and 30s and based on the true story of world famous conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, the story focuses on their rise from the obscurity of the Side Show to the height of vaudeville celebrity. There is love and loss and prejudice and fame- all expressed through a magnificent score of unforgettable music. This production will strive to deliver an authentic version of the American Side Show- mesmerizing, haunting, engaging. We believe that this message, delivered by these actors, will change the way you think about your own glorious, but ever fragile, human experience."

"Side Show" debuted on Broadway on October 16, 1997 and ran for 91 performances at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Despite critical acclaim, the show closed on January 4, 1998. It was later nominated for four Tony Awards in 1998: Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Musical Score and Best Actress in a Musical (Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner). Although "Side Show" won none of these awards, it was the first and only time that two actresses were co-nominated for Best Actress in a Musical as a team.