Last night, we went to the Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater to see the musical Side Show, and then went up to the Atrium for a cast party.
The show is a terrific new version of the 1977 musical, based on the true story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton who became vaudeville stars during the Great Depression. Outstanding costumes and makeup bring to life the side show freaks, including a reptile man, dog boy, bearded lady, and three-legged man. We snapped one of the stars Emily Padgett, who plays Daisy Hilton, and Rebecca Hanson, who’s married to another of the show’s actors, Derek Hanson.
The funny and moving musical got a much-deserved standing ovation. It’s directed by Academy Award winner Bill Condon and produced in association with La Jolla Playhouse. Beautiful ballads such as I Will Never Leave You are memorable, as are the upbeat tunes and synchronized dances the sisters perform in their vaudeville act.
At the after-party, guests enjoyed mini burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and an impressive self-serve candy station. Here, composer Elliott Grabill, with Ruth Elder, and Summer and David LaLande.
Side Show runs until July 13. Here, producers Dominick Laruffa Jr. and Andy Sandberg with Jana Bernard.
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