Along the way they face challenges of love, identity, acceptance, privacy, discrimination, isolation, and persecution. Side Show explores the differences that join us all together and tear us apart. This musical asks the question, "Who will love me as I am?"

Synopsis of Scenes and Music

Setting America, 1935 - 1936

ACT 1

The Midway
"Come Look At The Freaks" - The Boss and Company
"Like Everyone Else" - Daisy and Violet
"You Deserve A Better Life" - Buddy and Terry
"Crazy, Deaf and Blind" - The Boss
"The Devil You Know" - Jake and Attractions
"More Than We Bargained For"  - Buddy and Terry
"Feelings You Got To Hide" - Daisy and Violet
"When I'm By Your Side" - Daisy and Violet
"Say Goodbye To The Freak Show" - The Company

Vaudeville
"Overnight Sensation" - Terry and Reporters
"Leave Me Alone" - Daisy and Violet
"We Share Everything" -  Daisy and Violet and Vaudevillians
"The Interview" - Daisy, Violet and Reporters
"Who Will Love Me As I Am" - Daisy and Violet

ACT 2

The Follies
"Rare Songbirds On Display" - The Company
"New Year's Day" - Terry, Buddy, Jake, Daisy, Violet & Company
"Private Conversation" - Terry and Daisy

On the Road
"One Plus One Equals Three" - Buddy, Daisy, Violet
"You Should Be Love" - Jake

The Texas Centennial
"Tunnel Of Love" - Terry. Buddy, Daisy, Violet
"Beautiful Day For a Wedding" - The Boss and The Hawkers
"Marry Me Terry" - Daisy
"I will Never Leave You"  - Daisy and Violet
"Finale" - The Company

CHARACTERS

DAISY HILTON, Female, able to play 20-35 (Alto/Mezzo with belt: Big range, up to a sustained G) The dominant and more outspoken of the twins, her dream is to become a famous actress/performer/celebrity.

VIOLET HILTON, Female. able to play 20-35 (Mezzo/Soprano with belt; Big range, up to a sustained high B) The shy and more composed of the twins, her dream is to marry and raise a family at home.

TERRY CONNER, Male, able to play 30-40 (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, able to play 20-35 (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, able to play 25+ (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 appear bare-chested in a King costume.

FEATURED/EMSEMBLE 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. 35-60. Strong tenor voice.

FORTUNE TELLER, Female. Age open. Exotic look. Strong belter. Gospel voice.

REPTILE MAN, Male. Tall, lean. Age open. Form fitting costume.

SNAKE LADY, Female. Snake charmer. Athletic/dancer's body. Age open. Revealing costume.

6th EXHIBIT, Female. Religious martyr. Age open.

DOLLY DIMPLES: Female. The classic "Fat Lady" with Baby-doll attire. Age open.

SHEIK, Male. Athletic build. Age open. Must be comfortable appearing partially clothed.

HAREM GIRLS: (2-4) Females. Age open. Must be comfortable appearing partially clothed.

BEARDED LADY: Male. Age open. Must be comfortable appearing in women's clothes.

FAKIR: Male. (Far East/Indian character) Athletic build. Age open.

THE GEEK: Male. "Refined but deadly" Age open. Must be comfortable with blood and gore.

ROUSTABOUTS: (4) Males. Part of the Side Show ensemble who play a multiple of roles, but they also move the set around throughout the show in character. They appear as dancers in production numbers.

NOTE: Since the Hilton sisters are conjoined twins, attached at the lower spine/hip, actresses must be comfortable acting, moving, and dancing in tandem with another actress.