There have been over 500 musicals performed on Broadway. 500…that makes the number of shows that I’ve seen or even know seem small and insignificant. Of that 500, only a select few are fortunate to grace “The Great White Way” more than once. Side Show is one of those select few. It opened on Broadway in 1997 and was brought back in the revival version of the show in 2014. Just like many of you, I have never seen a professional production of Side Show.. or any production for that matter. So the question is begged to ask: Why Side Show?
What draws me to a musical is always the music itself. That was one of the first things that attracted me to Side Show. I was first introduced to this show by a good friend and instantly fell in love with it, as I kept shuffling through the playlist on my phone. From the diversity of the music to the messages that each song shared, I knew that this was a special show. Add a timeless message to the show’s story, and you’ve got yourself a great musical, even if it’s not well known.
Side Show follows the story of the Hilton sisters, and no, I’m not talking about Paris and Nicole. Daisy and Violet Hilton were born in 1908, and were the first conjoined twins to be born in Britain that survived more than just a few weeks. We follow the twins from the wonders of a Texas Side Show to the bright lights of the Vaudeville Circuit in the 1930’s and then to the fame of Hollywood. However, for the girls it wasn’t necessarily fame and fortune that they were seeking. They had hopes and dreams of being like everyone else—to not be seen as freaks but to live “normal” lives and find their true loves. In pursuing their dreams, they learn to embrace their own uniqueness and love themselves for who they are. A lesson that is often needed to be learned by most of us.
I would like to thank all of the amazing students involved in East High’s Production of Side Show. From the cast to the crew and the students in the pit, this show would not have been what it is without your hard work and dedication. Not only did you successfully put on a fantastic show, but you did so during a pandemic. I would like to thank the families of these fine students and not just for driving our students back and forth from rehearsals and supporting them through this musical season, but also for raising such mature, resilient, dedicated leaders in our school and community. A big thank you to the administration at Central Dauphin School District and East High for allowing us to prepare and perform a musical in quite a different setting. The ability to give these students this opportunity meant the world to not only them, but to the musical staff and myself as well. To the amazing staff that I get to work with - Thank you for stepping up and helping to provide these students with a musical season like never before. We could never have put this show together without you. Finally, thank you to our family, friends, and community for coming out to support the East High Students in this way. We can’t wait to be able to meet and celebrate with you in the East High Auditorium again, but for now we are thrilled to be able to share with you this virtual production of Side Show. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
Travis S. Pierce, Director
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